My Journey into Bottle Painting
I've always had a deep passion for the arts, and for over a decade, I've been immersed in painting on both canvas and wood surfaces. Art became my sanctuary, especially during challenging periods in my life, such as my college years and my time as a registered nurse at a local hospital.
Then, in 2017, I discovered calligraphy when I wanted to add a personal touch to my wedding invitations. I found immense joy in this newfound skill, so much so that I decided to transform it into a business in 2018, which became known as Juniper Calligraphy. My focus was primarily on crafting exquisite wedding invitations and signage. Additionally, I ventured into painting wooden signs for home décor and crafting handmade ornaments, all while continuing my nursing career.
Fast forward to 2019, I expanded my creative horizons by delving into wood ornament painting, and I was even featured in Hawaii Magazine.
By 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had left me burnt out, disillusioned, and discontented with the path I was on. I knew I needed a change, so I made the bold decision to return to school to pursue a Master's degree in nursing, hoping it would bring me happiness. However, something within me had shifted. When I graduated in January 2022, instead of returning to the hospital, I took the leap to pursue my business full-time.
Yet, this transition wasn't as smooth as I had envisioned. One day, I received an order for personalizing a champagne bottle. I realized that traditional engraving was not an option due to the risk associated with altering the bottle's integrity. Determined to find a solution, I decided to learn how to paint on glass. I scoured the internet for tutorials and classes, but none seemed tailored to my specific needs. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a try, thinking, "How challenging could it be?"
As it turned out, it was more challenging than I had anticipated. The smooth, slick surface of glass made it difficult for the paint to adhere. Frustration set in, and I contemplated canceling the order. However, instead of giving up, I channeled that frustration into motivation to learn and improve. Over time, I experimented with paint on bottles of varying temperatures, adjusted dry times, tested different sealers, and applied multiple layers—anything to make it work. This unfamiliar surface pushed me to my limits, but I persevered.
Ultimately, I discovered the right combination of paint and brushes, along with specific techniques tailored for bottle painting. In the end, I created a masterpiece that the client absolutely adored.
In 2022, my journey didn't stop there. As I continued to learn and grow, I received more orders for personalized bottle art. I even had the opportunity to collaborate with prestigious retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's as their live event bottle painter. Today, I not only paint daily, but also have the privilege of imparting my knowledge to students, guiding them on their own bottle painting journeys.
Live Bottle Painting
Neiman Marcus Ala Moana
Bottle painting adds a unique dimension to an artist's repertoire, which is why I consider it my duty to share my expertise far and wide. My goal is to teach you everything I've learned, enabling you to create stunning bottle art within 5-10 minutes for on-site events and custom orders in the Fundamentals of Bottle Painting Course. Much of what I know today is a result of trial and error, and I'm committed to helping you skip those hurdles and reach your creative goals more swiftly.