Our First Year in Business: Our Creative Journey So Far

What a year it has been for Craft and Canvas! From a small idea and a big leap of faith, to a growing mobile creative business travelling across Perth, this first year has honestly been such an incredible journey. There have been so many memorable moments, wonderful people, late nights preparing for sessions, exciting opportunities, and so much creativity along the way. I wanted to share a few personal highlights and reflections from my first year in business.

Finding my way back to painting

One of the most unexpected joys of starting Craft and Canvas has been rediscovering my love for painting and creativity. For years, I would always say, “I wish I had more time to paint,” but life and work always seemed to get in the way.

Now, not only do I get to paint every single week, but I also get to design artwork, test new ideas, create custom pieces for sessions, and help other people discover their creativity too. It has brought such a huge creative outlet back into my life.

What makes it even more special is being able to share that creativity with other people. I love seeing guests become completely immersed in painting, trying something new, and feeling proud of what they’ve created. Creativity really does bring people together, and being able to help facilitate that has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Scroll through some of the painting set-ups from some of our sessions

Our very first session

It all started with our very first Paint & Sip session. I still remember that night so clearly — all the nerves on the drive there, going over in my head what I was going to say at the beginning of the session (only because it dawned on me on the drive there that I would need to do an introduction!), checking and rechecking that I had packed everything, and wondering if everyone would enjoy themselves.

Setting everything up and waiting for guests to arrive felt so surreal because this was finally something that was mine. Then, as the session started, people began relaxing, laughing, chatting, and surprising themselves with what they could create. Watching people who thought they “couldn’t paint” leave proud of their artwork was such a rewarding feeling.

By the end of that very first session, I knew this was something really special. I absolutely loved every minute of it, and it gave me the confidence to keep building Craft and Canvas into what it is today.

Selection of images from our very first paint and sip session. This was a fundraiser held in a horse stables.

Starting over with a purpose

Craft and Canvas came after I was made redundant, and to add to the uncertainty, I also had a baby due just one month later. At the time, it honestly felt overwhelming. There were so many unknowns, and I wasn’t entirely sure what the future would look like.

But looking back now, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

Being made redundant gave me the push I needed to finally back myself and pursue something I had always dreamed of doing. Instead of seeing it as the end of something, it became the beginning of something completely new.

Starting a business from scratch while looking after a baby full time has definitely had its challenges, but it has also been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. It has shown me that sometimes the most uncertain moments can lead to the best opportunities.

Picture of myself (Amy Watkinson) setting up for one of our paint and sip sessions.

My favourite painting of the year

My favourite painting this year has to be my very first canvas design — the cowboy boot with flowers. It holds such a special meaning for me because it represents the very beginning of this journey and everything Craft and Canvas has become since then.

Every time I see it, I’m reminded of those first few sessions, all the excitement, the nerves, and how much growth has happened in such a short amount of time.

One of my favourite parts of running Craft and Canvas is creating new designs and making every session feel different and unique. I genuinely love designing artwork around themes, ideas, venues, or special occasions and making sure guests are painting something they truly connect with and enjoy. Seeing people excited about the artwork they’re creating makes every bit of preparation worth it.

Our very first painting - Cowboy Boot and Flowers

A year of creativity and connection

In just our first year, we’ve run over 50 sessions, and you have all painted more than 650 canvases — which honestly feels amazing to reflect on. That’s over 650 pieces of artwork created by people of all ages and skill levels. So many people have stepped outside their comfort zones, tried something new, relaxed, laughed, connected with others, and discovered their own creativity along the way.

From birthdays and hens parties to corporate team-building events, school fundraisers, sensory sessions, community events, and private celebrations, every single session has been different and memorable in its own way.

Scroll through photos from our sessions throughout the year.

Reflection on the year

This year has shown me just how important creativity, connection, and shared experiences really are. People are craving opportunities to slow down, spend quality time together, try something new, and simply enjoy being present — and I feel incredibly lucky that Craft and Canvas gets to be part of creating those moments.

It has also taught me that you don’t need to have everything perfectly planned before starting something new. Sometimes you simply have to take the leap, trust yourself, and figure things out along the way. Starting this business was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken, but also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

If anyone is thinking about starting their own business or creative journey and would ever like to chat, ask questions, or bounce ideas around, please feel free to reach out. I’m always more than happy to share my experiences and help where I can.

Thank you so much to everyone who has booked a session, supported the business, shared a post, left a review, recommended us to friends and family, or simply followed along on this journey. Your support truly means the world, and I’m so excited to see what the next year will bring for Craft and Canvas!

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