There was a season where I felt constantly tired and burnt out, trying to give everything I had to my young family. I loved them deeply — and at the same time, I felt a knot of guilt whenever I thought about sitting down with a paintbrush or taking time just for myself.

How could I possibly justify that?
How could I spend time painting when my main job was keeping little people alive?

Even practically, it felt impossible. Setting up a space big enough for a canvas. Getting paints and water out. Changing into paint clothes. Making sure no little hands would grab things or spill everything. Using materials carefully so nothing was wasted. The mental load alone was enough to stop me before I began.

The only way I could make it happen was to book myself into a workshop — somewhere outside my home — where the time was protected, the space was ready, and I had permission to be there. Permission to spend those hours not caring for others, but tending to something inside myself. (I love classes with Local Artist, Malini Parker — you may too!)

In 2024, I attended a vision boarding session. I arrived with an image in mind of a happy, healthy family. But I left with something deeper: the realisation that in order to give to my family in the way I wanted to, I needed to prioritise my own creativity.

That moment shifted something for me.
Creativity wasn’t a luxury — it was nourishment. (If you’d like to read the full story, you can find it here → That fateful vision boarding session)

Creative Sanctuary grew from that understanding. Somewhere you can arrive as you are, set up your big canvas if you want to, get your paints out, and not be interrupted unless you choose to be. A place where the time is held, the mess is allowed, and the guilt can soften.

Now, I want to offer you that same permission.
To take time out.
To be creative.
To do something just for yourself.

A gentle space to come as you are and make something — anything.

Creative Sanctuary is an open, welcoming space to spend a few unhurried hours with your creativity. You’re invited to bring your own project or simply arrive curious, borrow materials, and follow what wants to unfold. There’s no pressure to produce — just permission to play, rest, and be.

Perfect for when you are craving a little time that’s just for you.

What to expect

Creative Sanctuary is not a class or workshop. There’s no agenda, no instruction to follow, and no expectation of a finished outcome.

Instead, you can expect:

• A calm, friendly space to work on your own creative project

• Shared tables, gentle conversation, and plenty of quiet if that’s what you need

• Access to a small selection of shared creative materials

• Time to reconnect with your hands, your ideas, and yourself

You’re welcome to move at your own pace — whether that looks like making, pausing, chatting, or simply sitting and getting to finish your cuppa while it’s still hot.

What to bring

• Your own creative project and any favourite tools or materials you enjoy working with (optional)

• your lunch (or be ready to duck out for a few minutes to pick something up around the corner)

• A water bottle and anything else you need to feel comfortable

If you arrive empty-handed, that’s okay too — there will be shared materials available to borrow.

Practical details

• Small group (limited places to keep this spacious and relaxed)

• In-person session

• A full school day (in case you have kiddies to drop off) 10am – 2pm

• Perth Hills, Location details shared after booking

• Tea, coffee and simple refreshments provided

A small contribution helps cover shared materials and makes the space sustainable.

Contribution

Creative Sanctuary is offered at $35 per session.

This helps cover:

• shared materials

• refreshments

• venue costs

• and the time and care involved in holding the space

If you’re booking for yourself and a friend, you’re welcome to select multiple places at checkout.

Spaces are limited so the space can remain gentle and unhurried.

If this session is full, you’ll be able to join the waitlist and be notified if a place opens or when future sessions are released.