Behind the Brush: How I Set Up Craft & Canvas - The First Coat

Welcome to the Craft and Canvas Blog! 🎨

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! This is my little corner to share stories, tips, and the real, behind-the-scenes moments of running Craft and Canvas. I’ll be honest with you—some days are messy, some days are great, and sometimes it’s a bit of both. I want to take you along for the journey, from paint-splattered wins to the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re here for inspiration, ideas for your next paint and sip, or just a peek into my creative world, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive in together!

The Vision behind Craft and Canvas

When I first dreamed up Craft and Canvas, I knew it had to be mobile. Life with kids means flexibility is a must, and I wanted the experience to be accessible for everyone and anyone—not just those who can make it to a studio. So instead of asking people to come to me, I'm bringing the creativity to them. Living rooms, offices, community halls, even cosy wine bars—I love setting up wherever the paint party takes us.

From the start, it’s never just been about painting a “perfect” picture. It’s about making art fun and welcoming—even for the ones who say they can’t paint (trust me, they always surprise themselves!). I wanted laughter, splashes of colour, and those little moments of pride when someone steps back and thinks, “I actually painted this.” That’s why Craft and Canvas has grown to include everything from paint and sip sessions, kids’ parties, Hen Do's to doormat decorating, parasol painting, and seasonal sessions for Christmas, Mother’s Day, and more!

Right now, I love the freedom of being mobile—it lets me bring art straight to people’s doors. But in the future, I’d love to open a studio of my own: a bright, welcoming space where creativity and community can come together. Until then, I’ll keep rolling in with my brushes and easels, making a lots of colourful magic wherever I go.

"I love doing these boards - There's always a reason to get creative."

Building the Business

Behind all the fun of Craft and Canvas, there was a mountain of stuff I had to tackle— some fun stuff like business name, logo and then stuff that wasn’t exactly glamorous, but absolutely necessary. I still remember sitting on my sofa, on my laptop, thinking, “Sole trader registration, ABN, insurance… thrilling!”

Then came the website. Luckily I have experience in website building so I could do this myself. I wanted something that felt bright and welcoming, where people could get excited about their session. Because I know my “business brain” can get overwhelmed, I created templates, checklists, and spreadsheets for everything—emails, invoices, reminders—so I could focus on the part I really love: painting, creating, and sharing moments of joy with people.

It wasn’t always easy, and there were definitely days when the practical side felt like it would take over. But every little bit of effort behind the scenes made the moments in front of the easel even more special. Craft and Canvas isn’t just about painting—it’s about the laughter, the messy creativity, and the connections that happen when people let themselves have a bit of fun.

The Essentials

It didn’t take long before I had my trusty “Craft and Canvas essentials” all gathered together. I carefully picked each item with both practicality and aesthetics in mind—easels that were sturdy but easy to transport, paints in vibrant colours that popped on every canvas, brushes of every shape and size, aprons that were both protective and fun, and water cups and microfiber cloths to keep things neat, making sure things were either recycled or re-usable where possible. Every detail was chosen with love and thought, from the colours of the supplies to the way everything would look when it was set up, creating a beautiful, cohesive aesthetic from day one. With all these essentials carefully assembled and ready, I felt prepared to bring Craft and Canvas to life ready for bookings so I could share the joy of painting with others.

Craft and Canvas session setup with easels, canvases, and painting supplies neatly arranged, ready for participants to unleash their creativity.

From Dream to Reality

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for—I was ready to go into the world with my new business, and share what I had been working on for months. Exciting? Absolutely. Scary? Even more so. I’ll be real with you—not every moment is fun and colourful. There have been nerves, hiccups, and days when things didn’t go perfectly, but that’s all part of the journey.

This is just the beginning, and in future blog posts, I’ll be sharing more about the highs, the challenges, and the real behind-the-scenes of building Craft and Canvas. I want to be honest about what it’s really like—celebrating the wins, learning from the mistakes, and navigating the messy, colourful chaos of turning a dream into reality.

It’s thrilling, nerve-wracking, and incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride in the posts to come.

Craft and Canvas logo in light purple

Looking Ahead

Craft and Canvas is still growing, still splattering colour across Perth one event at a time—and honestly, that’s what makes it so exciting. This is just the beginning, and I want to take you along for the ride. I didn’t want a business that felt stiff or predictable—I wanted one that left room for creativity, fun, and connection, even when things don’t go perfectly.

So whether you’re planning a hen party, a creative fundraiser, or just need an excuse to get the girls together, consider this your invitation. I’ll bring the brushes, you bring the laughs, and together we’ll turn a blank canvas into something unforgettable—one brushstroke at a time.

This is me! Owner and mind behind Craft and Canvas - Amy

Thanks for being here Behind the Brush! This is where I share the journey honestly—the moments that inspire, the moments that challenge, and all the colourful little bits that make it worthwhile. Until next time, keep creating!

– Amy