I had grown tired of low quality, mass produced, boring notebooks and journals. I found that I would use a few pages and then go and buy another one. They felt very disposable.

Staring at a pile of half used notebooks (which I wasn’t proud of) I reflected on why this was happening. I realised that I just didn’t value them because they were such low quality.

I started making my own notebooks with quality paper – my notebooks have 110gsm paper and my books have 120gsm paper. This means the pen ink doesn’t bleed through to the other side so you can use the front and back of the page.

When I make a book I source the optimal paper for the purpose that the book will be used for, for example, my painting books have 300gsm 100% cotton watercolour paper (Arches equivalent).

I found when I gifted them, friends and family loved them. So I started a website and selling at markets around Sydney – the feedback has been really good.

My pressed flower cards generally sell out:

I need your help

I am seeking funding to attend a craft fair which will build priceless connections and help expand the brand.

In June 2023, there is a Craft & Quilt Fair (https://www.craftfair.com.au/wp/Sydney/) that would help me to get exposure and scale my business. It would be a step towards being able to turn my handmade business into something that could support me full-time.

Initially, the show entry fee was going to be prohibitive but the organisers have offered a special package to small vendors for the first time! (Ok, I was just a bit excited!!)

Project Goal

I’m looking to raise $3,000 to cover:

• Graphic design to upgrade my website, signage, and business cards ($1,000)
• Inventory to make lots of products and paper kits to get me through the 4 days ($2,000)

Meet the Maker

Hang in there, my journey starts with a sad story but it does get better.

In 2019, I had the most unimaginable tragedy rip my heart out. My son, who was 14 at the time, passed away.  My heart was shattered into a million pieces and my life became a day to day struggle just to get out of bed.

I did warn you it starts off sad…

Three months later, my husband walked out and we didn’t hear from him for another 13 months. We, being me and my 2 year old daughter.

Yep, it actually got worse…

I moved house and focused only on my daughter, we mostly kept to ourselves and enjoyed our time together. Little did I know she would be my angel, and her creativity would bring joy back into my life. She is a creative powerhouse!

I, on the other hand, always thought I didn’t have a creative bone in my body!

Yet, for her, I tried. I invested in her creativity and set up an art room. I assisted her to make art projects; we made origami bags with little chocolates for people during the Covid lockdown and pop-up cards for Christmas.

I started to take on my own projects. Pressing flowers like I used to love doing when I was younger. And I taught myself bookbinding. Both of these activities helped distract my grieving heart. When I was in the flow of creating I felt peaceful.

That was when I realised the things I loved doing, which helped me heal, and also brought joy to others. I enjoyed using my own notebooks and books as they brought a little bit of beauty and joy into my day.

What is in the future?

You’ll see as part of my stretch goals I have some pretty big dreams.

My goals revolve around my ideal of making my work a lifestyle choice – one that supports me emotionally and financially.