Why I Started Poppy Fields Studio

There is something magical about starting over.

Poppy Fields Studio began with a simple desire to create. What started as curiosity quickly became a collection of ideas, little victories, and dreams of turning something handmade into something meaningful.

A Different Path

For many years, my career was in technology. It was a field that challenged me, taught me a great deal, and introduced me to incredible people.

But like many women in tech, there were also moments that made me question where I belonged and what I wanted from the future.

After being made redundant, I found myself standing at an unexpected crossroads. It was a difficult and uncertain time, but it also gave me the opportunity to pause and ask myself an important question:

What brings me joy?

The answer, it turned out, had been quietly waiting in the background all along.

Rediscovering Creativity

I gave myself permission to explore the creative side that had been waiting patiently for far too long.

I discovered Canva, invested in a Silhouette Cameo Alpha, and began learning everything I could about paper crafting, Print & Cut, and the little details that turn an idea into something tangible.

There was something incredibly satisfying about creating with my hands again. And there was something even more exciting about being a beginner.

Suddenly, every new skill felt like an adventure.

Two Very Important Cats

No story about Poppy Fields Studio would be complete without mentioning two very important cats.

Garfield, who is sadly no longer with me, was a constant companion and remains very much part of the heart behind this little studio. His memory continues to inspire many of the things I create, and I like to think that he will always be part of the story.

Poppy, meanwhile, is never far from whatever project happens to be on my desk. She takes her supervisory duties very seriously and is always nearby when something new is being designed.

Small Victories

Poppy Fields Studio is still in its early days, but already there have been so many little milestones worth celebrating.

My first successful Print & Cut.

Building this website from scratch.

Designing the first Paws & Pines Christmas collection.

Watching the Cameo find the registration marks and perfectly cut around the design felt a little bit like magic.

And perhaps most importantly, discovering how much I enjoy the process itself.

Looking Ahead

There are still so many ideas waiting to be explored.

Christmas gift tags.
Thoughtful greeting cards.
Wedding stationery.
Layered paper pet portraits.

My hope is that Poppy Fields Studio becomes a place filled with thoughtful paper goods and keepsakes that bring a little warmth, whimsy, and kindness into everyday life.

This Journal is a place to document the journey — from ideas and sketches to finished products, small victories, and all the lessons learned along the way.

Poppy Fields Studio is still just beginning, and there is so much left to create.

But perhaps that's part of the magic.

Thank you for following along.