An unexpected encounter

I’ll never forget the time I sold my first painting. I was just 10 years old, and I was on holiday with my parents, sitting by a lakeside with a paintbrush in hand.

I’ve always been passionate about art, and over the years, that love has evolved into a focus on something that combines my two great passions—art and storytelling. Today, I’m an artist with a dream of creating intricate 3D dioramas inspired by popular and cult fantasy and sci-fi worlds. I aim to bring these beloved universes to life, piece by piece, through my creations.

But it didn’t all start there!

My name is Ade—under my creative name, Caretta Crafts, I build realistic dioramas and auction them off for charity. Through my weekly blogs, you can join me as I share my stories, personal insights and creative journey. Witness the mistakes, ‘ah-ha!’ moments, breakthroughs, tears, laughter and joy.

My artistic journey began like so many others—simply by following my heart and creating whatever inspired me. It was while on a family holiday as a kid that I had a defining moment; setting me on the path I walk today.

I was working on a landscape painting—nothing fancy, just trying to capture the feeling of the Lake District in front of me. The air was crisp, and the quiet ripple of the water was the perfect backdrop to my thoughts. I didn’t know it at the time, but that painting was more than just a few strokes of paint. It was a turning point.

A couple were walking by as I was painting, and they stopped to watch. I wasn’t aware of them at first, but I felt their presence. They stood there for a while, watching me, and after a few moments, the lady asked, “Would you be willing to sell this? How much would you want for it?”

The question caught me completely off guard. I had never thought about selling my art—at least not at that young age. I was only 10 years old, after all. I remember hesitating for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But my mum, standing nearby, gave me a reassuring smile. It felt surreal, like a dream. And then I blurted out, “50p!?”

I was completely unprepared for what happened next. The couple agreed, and they handed me the 50p. They told me how much they liked my work, and how it had captured the essence of the landscape. I was over the moon. A huge smile appeared on my face. My heart was pounding fast in my chest. I didn’t realise it at the time, but that small exchange was so much more than a transaction. That 50p meant validation, recognition, and, most importantly, the belief that what I created had value beyond just me. I felt like a real artist for the first time.

At that moment, I didn’t care about the money. It wasn’t about the 50p—it was about knowing that something I had created resonated with someone else. And that feeling, that sense of pride and accomplishment, stuck with me long after that holiday ended.

Looking back, I realise how pivotal that moment was. It gave me confidence, but more importantly, it inspired me to keep creating, and to keep pushing my artistic boundaries. It was the first time I truly believed that my art had the potential to reach others.

That moment by the lake changed something deep within me. It showed me that creativity is a powerful thing and that it can connect with others in ways you never imagined. It also reminded me that every artist starts somewhere, and sometimes that start can come in the most unexpected places.

What about you? Has there ever been a moment in your life where someone believed in you before you believed in yourself? A moment that made you realise that what you create matters?

I’d love to hear your stories—what’s the first thing you ever made or did that made you feel proud? Share in the comments below!

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