Since Spirit Catcher paintings to honour and grace the garden were a new concept, I spent a fair amount of time explaining it all to potential customers. It became apparent to me that if I wrote stories and poems to accompany each painting, they would be something people could identify with. Once I did this, it was fascinating to see how this changed people’s reason for choosing a painting. Customers would usually be drawn to 2 or 3 different paintings and not be able to decide which one to buy. |
This is where my writings made the difference. Time and time again, I watched as they read the stories and when they came to the one that resonated with them the most, their entire demeanour changed and a huge grin spread over their face.
Not everyone could afford a painting, yet they wanted to support me. We decided on making cards and Tom came up with the brilliant idea of making them so they would fit in a CD envelope. Inside was the poem and outside, the circle painting showed through the envelope. Address went on the back!
And then came the Page Huggers!!! These small magnetic bookmarks became one of the best selling items. They are about the size of an old fashioned book of matches and ”Hug your page when you can’t.” When you turn them sideways, they mark the last line you read in your book!
We became founding members of the Rural Gardens of Grey and Bruce and now we were open to the public and I had “product “ to sell. I needed somewhere to sell it. Together we built a hoop house to act as a gift shop. The bigger problem was I needed a studio. I convinced Tom we could turn our old woodshed into a workspace for me. He didn’t think it would be bright enough but once I showed him the blue prints, he was completely on board.
In 2002 I moved into my own workspace and what a glorious space it is! Morning light brightens my painting station which is on the east side. The computer and printing centre is on the west side. In between are counters and drawers to hold all the paraphernalia I needed to follow my passions.
It was one of those times of need pushing for a solution. Who could have foretold a lack of plant sales in August, would lead to the complete renovation of our woodshed! My perfect studio also has room for our laundry area. As Tom pointed out, while I was just sitting there enjoying myself, I might as well do something useful!
If you get the sense that I am spoiled, you would be totally right. But Tom is spoiled too. He loves to build and create and so I have taken it on as my responsibility to present him with projects to fulfill his passion too. With little or no money, we have managed to create a slice of heaven right here at Rural Rootz.
Perfect timing for “Rejoyce!”
Not everyone could afford a painting, yet they wanted to support me. We decided on making cards and Tom came up with the brilliant idea of making them so they would fit in a CD envelope. Inside was the poem and outside, the circle painting showed through the envelope. Address went on the back!
And then came the Page Huggers!!! These small magnetic bookmarks became one of the best selling items. They are about the size of an old fashioned book of matches and ”Hug your page when you can’t.” When you turn them sideways, they mark the last line you read in your book!
We became founding members of the Rural Gardens of Grey and Bruce and now we were open to the public and I had “product “ to sell. I needed somewhere to sell it. Together we built a hoop house to act as a gift shop. The bigger problem was I needed a studio. I convinced Tom we could turn our old woodshed into a workspace for me. He didn’t think it would be bright enough but once I showed him the blue prints, he was completely on board.
In 2002 I moved into my own workspace and what a glorious space it is! Morning light brightens my painting station which is on the east side. The computer and printing centre is on the west side. In between are counters and drawers to hold all the paraphernalia I needed to follow my passions.
It was one of those times of need pushing for a solution. Who could have foretold a lack of plant sales in August, would lead to the complete renovation of our woodshed! My perfect studio also has room for our laundry area. As Tom pointed out, while I was just sitting there enjoying myself, I might as well do something useful!
If you get the sense that I am spoiled, you would be totally right. But Tom is spoiled too. He loves to build and create and so I have taken it on as my responsibility to present him with projects to fulfill his passion too. With little or no money, we have managed to create a slice of heaven right here at Rural Rootz.
Perfect timing for “Rejoyce!”