Pook Designz has been hosting after school workshops for the last number of weeks every Tuesday after school from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.  I have been so surprised by the regular attendance of some children whose parents are so "gung-ho" about my workshops.  I have such a deep respect for these parents.  They really appreciate the arts and are determined that their children have access to opportunities where their child's "creative side" is allowed to be "unleashed".  I know that in the public vs private school experience, funding for the arts is lacking in the public system.  So parents are forced to nurture their children's art education outside school. I have hosted these workshops from my home - my husband thinks we're getting into daycare, and I have to remind him that is not "daycare" - we are offering "art lessons" namely, sculpture with polymer clay! I used to host daycare years ago when my children were younger - this is a completely different "kettle of fish!"

   I am impressed with the company of children who have attended my classes - I enjoy their energy and enthusiasm - I have to say, I am fortunate for the children who have come to my classes, they want to be there - how many teachers can boast about this? Teachers uaually have to fight to get their student's attention.  Not so with me - I have boys and girls attend my classes. People are surprised when I tell them boys like my classes too.  For eager parents, to have their child occupied with an activity that encourages creativity as well as develops fine motor skills, my classes have been received well.
    I have been working with polymer clay for over 25 years now, mostly as a hobby.  I make jewellery with this medium and for the last 3 years have attempted to make this hobby into a business.  So far, and as much as I enjoy making the jewellery, its been my workshops that have been bringing in the income for Pook Designz.  Sometimes you set out with an idea of what you would like to do but find that your endeavours turn you down another path. So far I am finding that the response to my business is that the workshops and the birthday parties are what people value more.  Although my jewellery is unique(I find  beaded work gets so much more attention - consumers can be like sheep and if the trend is beads, that's all they seem to look for), the response to my jewellery work is often enthusiastic but people are not willing to buy it with the exception of a few wonderful customers who are enamored with my work. But the workshops, they're of interest. At the craft shows when I mention to people that I host birthday parties, school and community workshops they seem to "pipe up" and always ask for a card.  I have on display characters and creatures that are colouful, bright and whimsical and they are intriguing to my young customers. When they know they can learn to make one of them, they want to know more. So as I pursue my work with polymer clay, I am wondering if I may need to re-focus on what my product will be like in the future.  I don't want to give up on my jewellery making passion but I do feel I need to re-direct my marketing tactics. Home parties instead of craft shows? I have customers who appreciate the artistry they find in every piece I make. They appreciate the artistic flare each of my pieces presents; just like the customers of my workshops. So far, for now Pook has two lines of focus: the clay workshops and the clay jewellery. Time will tell where the focus will lead to. Maybe I can hold on to both. Either way, I will keep creating as much as I can for now.  As for all the twists and turns in my creative business journey, I have no complaints, I am truly enjoying the ride.