Summer Guide Spotlight: Art & Happiness

"in this moment of intense creativity, you're truly creating magic because you're loving what you're doing."

Tucked into an unassuming commercial building on James Street, Art & Happiness is a beautiful, locally owned paper arts & crafts supply store owned by Elli Anderson.

Elli's creative background began at a young age, and includes drawing, 3D art, nature art, and working as a fairy at the Bellingham Farmers Market. She gained experience and knowledge of the supply and business side of the paper art world while working for Stampadoodle here in Bellingham.

When Elli first founded Art and Happiness, she turned to the Small Business Development Center for guidance. She also speaks fondly of her industry mentors, the former owners of Stampadoodle, and other local small business owners who have offered perspective along the way.

The magic really begins when you converse with Elli, the "real-life fairy" who exudes passion and excitement for both art and the people that desire to create it.

"In their life, someone has told them - that's not good enough'". 

Not-good-enough is not in the vocabulary of Art & Happiness. Elli's goal for the store is to provide not just art supplies, but also a creative space where people can feel happy and successful in their art endeavors. She talks about how kids open up and get excited with the 5-Minute Craft available in-store, and how sometimes they'll try something brand new or out of the box - and that's when the magic happens.

LOCAL ART

One of the special parts of this home-grown space is how Elli supports local artists. She carries products by The Prancing Hound, Barbara Overson, Alepeka Arts, and other local makers, and she regularly features them on her store's social media pages.

CRAFT KITS

Elli makes crafting easy with her rotation of 2-for-$10 Craft Kits. You just need a glue stick, scissors and markers and she provides the rest - including a video demonstration!

THE MAGICAL ADVENTURE

She not only owns an art supply store and designs regular crafting opportunities for others, Elli is also an active artist herself. Whether it's sewing, drawing mushrooms, or organizing her closet in rainbow order, she creates every day.

The Magical Adventure coloring book is actually the second Elli has published (her first book even went on a trip to Spain with one client!).

Each page reflects one leg of a fanciful journey - from the Koi Pond to Mushroomville, to the Mouse Kingdom and the Cauldron of Life. Some of the pages are inspired by real places and sites in Elli's life - with a little extra magic sprinkled in! (Also, while you're coloring through the book, make sure you find the mouse on every page!)

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

Stop by the store at 2004 James St, or follow Elli on Facebook and Instagram!