There’s something about the April school holidays that always shifts the rhythm of life.
They don’t look the same as they used to — gone are the 6am Easter wake-ups (which, if I’m honest, I don’t entirely miss), but the chocolate-fuelled days are still very much alive and well.
What has changed is how the studio fits into it all.
During school holidays, my creative time becomes these small, scattered moments tucked in between outings, appointments, and the general fullness of life. And this time around, it felt like there were a few more appointments than adventures, thanks to work schedules, life logistics, and the ever-rising fuel prices.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, I realised something about my painting practice.
I don’t love working on my larger canvas pieces unless I have a proper stretch of time to sink into them.
Which means my current painting (you may have seen snippets on socials) has been sitting on my desk for the past two weeks, quietly sulking.
You know that feeling when something is waiting for you, and you know it deserves your full attention?
That’s where I’ve been.
Now that school is back, my first act of freedom is to carve out a full five hours to paint.
(Although I do feel like I might be jinxing it by saying that out loud – she has been sulking, after all.)
The Not-So-Whimsical Side of Running an Art Business
In the tiny pockets of time I did have over the holidays, I found myself working on something a little less fun than painting… My website.
A couple of years ago, I made the decision to move away from Shopify and build my own self-hosted site. At the time, it made sense.
But lately, I’ve been noticing just how slow it’s become, the kind of slow that makes you click away before a page even loads.
So, after a lot of back and forth (and a little stubbornness), I’ve decided to move everything back.
And when I say everything… I mean everything.
Hundreds of listings.
Hundreds of photos.
Every single piece, one by one.
Right now, the new shop is in its very early stages — just a handful of listings live — and I’m slowly rebuilding it from the ground up, doing all the things I’ve been meaning to do for years.
SEO. Alt text. All the behind-the-scenes details that aren’t particularly exciting, but make all the difference.
It’s slow. It’s a little chaotic. But it’s also quietly satisfying.
A Little SURPRISE (Just for You)
And while I’m in the middle of this slightly chaotic transition, I thought I’d make it a little more fun for me and for you.
Partly to celebrate this new chapter… and partly (if I’m honest) to make my life a little easier while I move everything across.
For my newsletter community, I’ve created a 20% off storewide offer — a little thank you for being part of this journey.
It includes everything: originals, soul mantras, daydreams, small collectables… all of it.
But it’s not something I’m sharing publicly. And it won’t be around for long.
✨ Want In?
If you’d like access to little moments like this — early releases, quiet sales, behind-the-scenes stories, and the occasional glimpse into my slightly chaotic (but always whimsical) studio life – I’d love to have you there.
👉 Join my newsletter here to receive the current 20% off code, plus all the magic that doesn’t make it onto the website
Subscribers receive first access to new collections, secret sales, and studio stories – Come and sit a while in my world.
From my whimsy world to yours.
Let’s stay connected
NEWSLETTER Â | Â SHOP LILLIBEAN Â | Â MESSAGE MEÂ |Â INSTAGRAM
Discover more from LILLIBEAN DESIGNS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.