Doing art and making things brings me a sense of calm, where I can finally work on the many ideas brewing in my head and relax as I get into a flow state of endless creativity.

Growing up, I was always drawing and painting. In 2019, I started to document my memories in a bullet journal, and I really enjoyed how I could write about my life but also use art and photos to make it a journal that was not only enjoyable to put together, but also pleasing to look back on. Not long after that, I started to learn about junk journaling. 

"Junk Journal: A book which is often made through found and recycled materials to be used as a way to collect and record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration" (see reference below)

I really love beautiful pages and I was very inspired by the use of old materials and pages in combination with beautifully designed scrapbooking pages. To be honest, when I first found out about junk journals, I didn't think I would get into making them, but I was interested in journaling in them. Now I tend to make more than journal! - If only I had more time in the day, right?

Once I learnt that binding was not too hard (although still not my favourite bit), I started to make my first junk journal! I was also very inspired by the use of little golden books, so my very first junk journal was a little golden book story of Snow White, and I used the theme beautifully throughout. My second junk journal was the little golden book of birds, which I have used as my personal journal for some time. I have learnt a lot since them and am always thinking of new theme or collection ideas! 

When I found out about artist teddy bears, I was suddenly remembering my childhood self, playing with my teddy bears, and looking at a book about mending bears. I love that the bears I make now are just for decoration, because I think that teddy bears should be loved by people of all ages (even though it's great for even adults to hug bears) And I try to add vintage materials and elements to my bears that might give others the same sense of natsukashii that I experienced, remembering my bears. 

I recently changes my business name from Meraki Magic to Pizzly Pages. Meraki Magic was not so original anymore, and now that I have a clear idea of the business I want to run, I decided it was time to find a new name; turn a new page. Pizzly bears are grizzly bears and polar bears combined. I thought it was a cute name! and I obviously love alliteration, and pages represent the many pages in all of my journals and some exciting new products!

Lastly, I do many things outside of Pizzly Pages, including working as a drama therapist, an actor, and a creative on different projects. I have the cutest pup called Joey and spend many hours walking him! I love going to the beach, eating dumplings, and making up stories. 

I hope you enjoy browsing my website, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

reference: https://artjournalist.com/what-is-a-junk-journal/#:~:text=Junk%20Journal%3A%20A%20book%20which,thoughts%2C%20ideas%2C%20and%20inspiration.