Where it all began
and the journey to follow
Markets 2015
I attended my first handmade market soon after starting Hand Drawn Designs by Michellemdv. I began drawing around 6 months into maternity leave and found it very relaxing.
Big on Shoes Stockiest 2016
Beautiful Melissa and Katie stocked my designs for 4 years. Sadly with the strain of Covid, the Mackay store had to close. Their founding store in Moranbah is thriving and beautiful. I have fond memories of popping in to visit with stock updates and catch ups.
Art on Show 2017 - 2019
3 years in a row I entered pieces at the Mackay show. I loved being apart of the community atmosphere and the opening night was so inspiring. This piece shown here was purchased and went on to be given as an engagement present
Ink art resin earrings
The very first earrings made, are these right here. With inks to create beautiful effects. I am often asked why earrings?... Well, I am a maker and the process during creating to product is my passion! Seeing designs off to their new homes brings so much joy.
First practice sip and paint event 2018
I was asked to create an art event to add to the helloworld Travel agencies, day trip itineraries.
The idea of Sip and Painting was proposed. As an opportunity to practice, it was decided to offer the experience to the helloworld travel Mackay teams. As a fun team building activity, this was such an exciting time.
First Independent Public Workshop
As I continued to experiment and grow my skills. From lettering came calligraphy. Perfect for adding 'beautiful writing' to gift cards or invitations to your very own event coming up.
It was so exciting to be offering handmade events to the Mackay community.
Custom work
From personalised artwork for someone's home, to gifts or event this wedding sign requested by my cousin. It is always an honor to be apart of something so personal.
Fulltime gig 2020
Late January 2020, I felt it was time to wrap up my travel career and continue with my creative passion. I am so very grateful to each and every participant.
Fundraiser event 2020
An amazing opportunity to help out such a beautiful person for such an important cause, I was asked by Anne to co-host an event to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. The event sold out and the atmosphere was incredible.
Local Business Team Building 2021
Spending time together outside work hours, creates a special environment. I have been honored to host many for the community.
Thank you to Speech Ease for a fun team session, pictured below.
Handmade Earrings
2021 saw the addition of Polymer Clay earrings added to the list of workshops. The various techniques and styles has very much captivated my attention.
Some sessions were taught from home
Polymer clay earrings and epoxy resin workshops required a special space. therefore, I conducted them from home.
The community wants to learn
Here's a look at a full watercolour class at the Ocean International, where I hosted predominately from for 4 years.
Getting through restricions
I did my best to keep the business running during covid restrictions throughout Early 2022. Following the venue/government protocols at the time.
We still had fun!
Seabreeze Resort Sip & Paint
I was asked to host an event out the front of the venue. What better painting then plam trees for Lamberts beach.
Studio fit out
My husband & I gave ourselves 1 month. He was an amazing help. We organised new flooring, my husband built the timber feature wall and two tables that participants sit at. I continued to run classes throughout.
Grand Openinng
It was important to me to celebrate the studio, with a Sip & Paint event on Sat 9Sept22. Surrounded by family, friends and wonderful customers.
Mums & Bubs sessions
I was asked to host sessions and we have had some beautiful mornings, bringing mums together.
New Workshop types
Now with the perfect space to teach sessions, new sessions are being explored in the studio. Such as this Epoxy Resin & Coaster set pictured here.
Kids After School Art Terms
I was asked If I do sessions, from this first conversation I began 6 week sessions with children ages 6-12 years during the school term. Began Term 4 2022
Christmas 2022 in the new studio
We celebrated with loads of crafty sessions, including the below Macrame Christmas ornaments! Karen hosted the session, lots of fun
School Holiday sessions
I try to put on one kids & guardians' session each school holidays. This was the watercolour artwork from Easter 2023.
Studio's 1st Birthday
July 2023, I decorated the studio and got some fun photos with balloons taken.
I did a $100 voucher giveaway, drawn at random. All bookings throughout the month of July went into the draw.
Mandala artwork 2015
The first style of artwork I began during maternity leave was mandala. I enjoyed creating patterns, sharing my work on Instagram and was contacted to create custom work.
Watercolour and lettering 2016
As I enjoy experimenting and painting was a favorite activity of mine growing up. I started learning watercolour and then letting. For many years I made handmade cards and artwork, selling them at handmade markets.
Digital Designs and products 2018
In 2018 I purchased an Ipad and it allowed me to create digital artwork, even whilst travelling. I then had a number of designs printed on to products. I had a fun photo shoot done, pictured below are the travel coffee mugs and tote bags.
Photo credit - Ben Dolphin Photography
Commission work
During my travel agent career of 12 years, I was honored to be asked by my employer Annabel at helloworld Travel Mackay, to create a wall of art/inspiration for the lunch room. A total of 12 custom pieces were made, I am still so very proud of this work.
First Public Sip and Paint Event 2018
Within a couple of weeks releasing the first event, a second session was added -Both Sold out. Providing a space to create, with a guided artist, spending the afternoon painting our own masterpieces - was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Daily Mercury 2019
I was contacted by the Daily Mercury prior to a Sip and Paint Event, and was thrilled to be asked what makes these events so popular. Frida was such a fabulous subject for the session, the participants were so kind to allow photo's to take place. The article focused on how art is important and enjoyable for our mental health.
Caneland Central Collaboration 2019
As apart of the Spring campaign for Canelands, I was asked to bring my floral watercolour session to the center. It was an amazing experience!
Online workshops during lockdown
During a time were uncertainty was high, and we found ourselves at home. I had to pivot my business and offer an online option. I delivered kits, and filmed all my own video's. Knowing I was making a difference and the benefits of creating for mental health, is something I am very passionate about.
Second Caneland Central
Collaboration 2021
Celebrating Mothers' Day 2021. This is the event that began a new chapter for Hand Drawn Designs by Michellemdv, conducted x4 workshops with a total of 120 participants. With the wonderful help of my mum Dot and assistants Karen ( pictured to my left) and Jacqui. Working with fellow Mackay ladies for this event was very special.
Hen's night Sip and Paint fun 2021
The most epic private event. Bride to be Annie contact me to host her hen's night, she wanted something different. So we painted naked men, and it was a classy affair. High heels and cocktails at the Dispensary Mackay.
Various Creative Workshops
At this point it became clear that I had a love for many different art styles. Combined with the joy that creating together in a group, is what I love doing most!
Sharing positivity through various workshops in Mackay, Queensland. Est 2018, Sip and Paint's, Watercolour, Calligraphy, Ink Art, Embroidery, Resin Art, Polymer Clay
Creating a space to relax and unwind, try something new and enjoy the benefits that art brings to our well being.
Pictured below - Ink art workshop in session
Photo credit -Keiron Place Photography
Epoxy Resin Coaster Workshops
A glimpse of the coaster and trinket dishes made during the sessions.
Our Super Hero Boys Fundraiser
November 2021
We held x2 sessions during the day to raise important funds for a local family.
Frida, Friends & Frocks Event!
Once restrictions eased I wanted to step up my event game and approached Mingle Events Co. We came up with a stunning Sip & Paint event at Laffos. 4 June 2022.
Getting the keys to my own space!
It was finally time to rent my own space. I got the keys 30Jun2022. Very excited to say the least.
The Creative Art Studio
I wanted to change the business name from Hand Drawn Designs by Michellemdv. So The Creative Art Studio fit perfectly. The space was just perfect!
The first session was held on July30 2022
Neon Paint sessions
Again, my husband helps to add to the studio fit out, with black out curtains and LED lights. Now we have regular Neon paint nights, the atmosphere is epic!
Private Parties
Birthdays, Christmas, Hen's and leaving work parties. The studio is the perfect space!
Meet the help!
I couldn't do what I do without help. Preparing learning materials and tools, set up & clean up is a big job!
Pictured left to righ: Karen, Jacqui, Myself Michelle, my mum Dot and Janelle.
Thank you ladies for all you do ❤️
Red Dog Brewery
October 2022, I hosted a session to get out in the community!
such a vibe! Such a great venue
Male Paint Sessions
I have been asked for years to run these sessions, just giving what the people want haha.
with the studio's block out curtains, sessions are private and discreet.
Mackay Festival of arts 2023
I hosted x2 events throughout the July schedule. A neon Starry night and make your own earrings. It was a great success, always very grateful to the community for continuing to show up & support my small business.
Watch this space!
A massive thank you goes out to each & every participant. I have currently hosted over 150 workshops and over 1500 participants.
Going to continue sharing my passion for various arts. Knowing the positive benefits that art has, combined with connecting and learning in a group environment. It's just so much fun!
Published 5/9/2023 Michelle
Photo below - taken during a watercolour & wine event in the new studio space.
