By Sarah Neller

They say when life throws you lemons make lemonade! When I hit a crossroads earlier this year, I decided to seize the opportunity to pursue a dream that, quite honestly, I never believed could come true. In September, I launched Birdsong Studio… a space for all – old and young, girls and boys, men, and women – to come and enjoy the delights of learning: exploring, discovering and experiencing the joy and wonder of achieving new things.

Through the studio, for children, I offer personal tuition across the curriculum, school holiday studio workshops and weekly art classes, and for adults a varied programme of art sessions utilising materials and instructions developed by professional illustrator Jennie Maziels. I’ve just started parties for all ages and will soon be launching workshops for adults, especially with Christmas coming up.

It’s been a steep learning curve for me. Having made the decision to go for it whilst sat on a sun lounger on holiday, I returned home, signed up to a logo design course to create my Birdsong Studio logo, learned how to create and manage a website (www.birdsongstudio.art), set up a business account and all that goes with running a small business, braved Instagram and converted the conservatory onto my studio space. On 1st September I opened my doors on for a Bedazzling Birds workshop. I haven’t stopped since!

I feel very blessed to be continuing in my love of teaching, and in particular enabling others to find joy and satisfaction in creativity, realising skills they maybe didn’t know they had, or making time to pursue their artistic outlet!