*I truly need to thank everyone for all your support over the past year, whether that has been visiting my Etsy shop, being a (past or present) Patron or supporting my KZfaq channel by watching, liking, commenting and subscribing. All of these things help me so much and I really couldn't have made the leap into becoming a full-time artist without you.*

At 57 years old, I had begun to feel everything "new" was behind me. But last year I launched a part-time business -- so not like me. Then around Christmas I stumbled onto The Unexpected Gypsy. Now I'm actually painting and art journaling. I don't know anything about art. I can't even draw. But I'm doing it. And I'm learning about art and colors and myself and so much more. Thank you for that. You've been such a gift.

James is a wonderful partner! Supportive, helpful, and the fact you can acknowledge he's part of your success means you both make a wonderful team. It's obvious he wants you to succeed, and I'm so glad you can count on him, and he can count on you!

I actually love the Wendy waffle LOL!!!

“Follow your heart... “ it took me YEARS to grasp the real meaning of that. Heart IS compass. ❤️❤️❤️

I´m an English as a Foreign Language teacher and found myself in a similar situation, I´ve taken all my classes online and I´m paying my bills too. You have been an inspiration to me since I started watching about six months ago. I´ve started journaling, I´m trying to learn to draw using KZfaq videos, I´ve taken up embroidery and watercolour painting. Your warmth and authenticity has got me through some rough patches and I´m very happy I found you here.

I value your authenticity and your honesty. The fact that you reveal your vulnerability gives us all permission to do the same. What you are presenting is far more valuable than you know. Thank you for the gifts you bring. I am raising my coffee cup to you!

One of the sweet blessings that happened, for me, was the day I got a you tube recommendation to watch the sweetest, cutest little artist in Glastonbury. So so grateful that I did click on that one ❤

I’m looking forward to learning how to create a life and be an artist. Wow. Thank you 🦋 You’re truly inspiring.

The universe really gave you a big "nudge" for you to go down this path ❤️ so happy it did xx

I know this isn't a new video, but I just wanted to say thank you for shining your light, allowing yourself to share, be genuine and authentic, and being a source of inspiration, love, and light to all. All of your videos are inspiring on so many levels, and I get so much joy from sharing tea with you, seeing glimpses of nature in so many of your videos, as well as your sharing of your art and your life. Watching your videos is like sharing a spark, lighting a fire together. Knowing we aren't alone means that we aren't shining a candle alone, but burning as brightly as a bonfire. Much love and virtual hugs.

This is a lovely video Wendy. You are such an open, honest, genuine person and I love watching you and hearing what you have to say. Keep shining brightly and spreading your happiness and inspiration.❤️

You know, I found your channel a few months ago. Not sure when exactly it was (I kinda get lost in linear time 😁), but it was at a moment of my life where I gave up on art (fine arts), and decided that I should just stop painting and creating if it wasn't for money (I'm a designer, so I do live by creating but in a different way). You helped me see art with a new light. I thought I lost my passion for it, but in reality, I simply didn't know how to keep that practice for myself and how to connect with myself enough to paint, collage, draw, play. So, thank you for that. I'm so glad I found your channel before I gave up and give away all my art supplies and decide to be something I'm not. 💚💚💚💚 All my love from Ecuador and thank you for everything you do :))

Yay! Warrior Wendy! I love your waffles. You are so inspiring!!

It's a process to listen to our intuition and our heart as to what is best for ourselves instead of all the outside "noise" 💙

Wendy, I am now 56, have been art journaling for about 10 years or so, and have a passion for uplifting and inspiring quotes which I generally weave into my art works. I have been watching your videos for a while now, and you are truly an inspiration. This particular video feels like it was made for me as I have been soul searching for some time. I plan to commence doing my own videos on KZfaq even though I am kind of scared, because life it too short to be doing something you don’t like very much, instead of what your heart tells you to do. Anyway, I think you probably mean an awful lot to a lot of your followers, and I just wanted to let you know that you have been helping me to get through some difficult days. You give comfort and have a wonderful way of sharing your story. Thank you for all you do.

I only recently found you, but I wish I had found you much earlier on in the lockdown. I find you so soothing and calming to watch and listen to. You've also inspired me to start creating again. Thank you ❤

Thank you love. I’m a full time art teacher making a living but I would love to retire soon and be the artist I’ve always wanted to be. You are an inspiration!

my story literally mirrors your! altho i do somedays miss interacting with many people on a daily basis, being a full time artist is great and now I have multiple streams of income a month from art which gets more and more each month i could be happier. wish you all the best and good health on your journey

you should write a book on your journey to becoming a full time artist - thank you for being an inspiration 🙏🌟

Wendy and James: Thanks for sharing your interesting journey. Love your sweet and unbridled style. Please keep sharing with us as your artistic lives unfold. ♥️

Haven't watched the whole video yet, but CONGRATS on 63k! I'm so happy for you. You deserve it!

I started watching your videos early on and loved to watch you paint and make things. I love hearing about your life and growth and light. But I also miss watching you create. Your creativity and process inspired me so much. It got me wanting to paint and play. I learned so much by watching you. I painted along with you and found so much joy in it. This has turned into more of a diary than a creating channel. I bring my cup of tea and get comfy and watch and laugh with you. But, I sorely miss the days I could paint along with you. That being said I appreciate and am thankful for the light you have brought into my life. The world is better because people like you and James are in it.

Thank you for sharing your journey. I wish you and James all the best. Keep your lights bright!

This is really lovely. Thank you for sharing your experience! That was a sweet note about the help you got from James, too. ☺ When our better halves support us, it makes a world of difference! My husband is my rock, too. ☺ Take care, and best wishes for the rest of your journey! ✌💜🤗

Your bright light helps me when I'm feeling at my lowest with my Depression, you lift my spirits just high enough so I can feel a little brighter for a moment in my day. Thank You xx

Oyay. I just sat down with my morning cuppa coffee - what timing! 😊☕ Happy Friday! 💟

A little dance always helps! Well done! Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement!

I am from South Africa and just came along your videos, I love the way you are so natural and it feels like listening to a friend. Thank you,I hope to have the courage one day to also be an artist. I never had the time or courage, my life seem to have a way of living for me. I really enjoy your videos

You've reminded me how it all comes together when we love what we do and feel passionate about art and sharing it.

As always a fantastic video. I know how hard the past year has been. I feel it. After my children left home I became a full time artist. I was the director of an art gallery with approx. 40 artists. On top of that, my husband worked out of town which I became very used to being able to paint and create (which we all know artists are kind of solitary beings) whenever I liked. Then came the lockdown... the Gallery closed, my husband's job was over and he was old enough to retire and I was home ALL the time as was my husband. I have found it so hard to be inspired and get into any kind of rhythm. Hopefully when things open back up completely I'll get my groove back. Until then thank you for sharing.

I feel quite emotionally watching this video, your videos helped me return to my creative space. Your videos also helped my mental health. Thank you Wendy for your bravery. James is a true star ⭐️ 🦋💟🪴🌷💐❤️🌸🌻🌼🌸🌺🌹🌷💐🌾🥀🥰😍❤️💕🙏🏾🙏🏻💐💟🪴🌷

I loved this video, both the positive energy and introspection. The encouragement to keep trying and follow your heart along with the need for self care. I lost my partner of 30 years last year. I a moving to a new apartment this month. I must get rid of many things, and carry meaningful things along with me. I've been doing a lot of journaling to help the process. I look forward to journaling while I watch your videos every Friday.

Hi Wendy, so excited to catch your video before heading off to bed. Im in Australia but married to a gorgeous English man coming up to 31 yrs on the 14th April. I enjoy all of your videos and Im slowly making my way through them all. I have done some creating with you as I watched……I just look forward to being creative every day as this is a big part of my wellbeing medicine. I dream to find my uniqueness as an artist and I know it will come. Take care, be Blessed and look forward seeing more of your gorgeous creating. Hugs & Happiness x

I have been following you for a while now and always look forward to your weekly videos. I think you are so very brave and in the words of Brene Brown "Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do". Keep your light shining and continue to be vulnerable.

Thank You Wendy, you are authentic . Cant express how you and some other KZfaqrs have helped me follow my heart. I cant say enough how wonderful it is to see you each week. I concider you a friend, I have tea/ coffee when I draw , when I am about to go crazy , selfceare and dedication Not to give up. You hit on the noise this week. Thanks for sharing.. soft hugs and much love

Love your spirituality and gentle take on life . Thank you for your inspiration and cool videos!!

It's a pleasure to listen to you. I am new to the channel and I am fascinated to have met you.Thank you!

So true! Yes, listening to our bodies and knowing when we need to 'regroup'. I deal with difficulty breathing and when stress or worry are added, I must stop and take care. Living in the countryside has been a wonderful blessing, considering the state of our world. There is so much beauty out there and spending time in nature is so inspiring and helps my art journey immensely. Thank you for sharing your most wonderful, challenging and beautiful journey with us!

May the universe continue blessing you and supporting you. :) Xxxxx

I didn’t realize that I started to watch you at the beginning of your KZfaq journey. I absolutely love your videos and honestly look forward to when I see them in my inbox. Your calm, creative, loveliness shines through and makes me feel like I just had the most wonderful gift getting to hang out with a friend. ❤️😊❤️

You are so refreshing! ❤

I’ve just found you, wow what an amazing woman you are, inspiring and bright 🌼 your honesty is great, talking about mental health is so needed and sharing with love and light, thank you 🙏🏻 I am a Specialist Nurse and I love my job, been a nurse and midwife for 30 years and it’s my purpose to be a healer ❤️ faith, art, nature and yoga keep me in balance 🌸

Very inspirational, thank you. I especially love watching and re-watching your videos when I need the ‘keep-going!’ push. Here’s hoping the future is bright and prosperous for you x

Thanks Wendy you are so inspiring. A breath of fresh air for us all . You are supporting us really. X

It's really inspiring to me to hear how you built your business and your life, and how many new things you were willing to try outside of your comfort zone, and willing to keep at it until you learned more and got more comfortable. Thank you! I'm at a real time of transition in my life and I'm trying to build my life as a writer and creative person. You're a good example to me, a shero in believing in yourself and even in prioritizing your own self care. I am only learning to do that now in my 50s, after a very dysfunctional upbringing and pouring myself into raising my kids for so many year. Now I'm alone after my 31 yr marriage ended last spring, so it's all been a big adjustment and I'm learning to be kind to myself and care for myself, and find my own ways of staying inspired. It's all quite a journey, and art-journaling helps me help myself. Hugs and tea! 💜

You are a Treasure and a joy to watch. Your Art is fantastic. You're a true survivor.

You are such a wonderful inspiration to me. Your light does indeed shine brightly. I so love the authenticity you share with us. I am working in the direction that you are already at. It's so great to have a way-shower on this path. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Many soft hugs. A friend.

I remember feeling sad and hopeless in earlier lockdown days, scrolling through KZfaq looking for something to watch when I happened to stumble across your first KZfaq video. I watched it and was captivated and inspired. I began to paint, draw, and picked back up photography after putting it down for a while. Now, I’m a part time photographer and photography club President at my college. You’ve inspired so many of us and I thank you for that. You are such a lovely creative soul and it’s been a gift to watch you grow and grow with you! 💛

I think you’re really lovely, natural and down to earth. This has been such an inspirational video to me. I am a quiet introverted person. I absolutely love to create and never happier or more relaxed and calm when I’m crafting. Watching you in this video has given me hope and encouragement that I could eventually earn money from my creations and find confidence to begin that journey. Thank you so much for what you do here and I wish you heaps of success in your journey. Sal xx

Thank you for making these video's. They make me feel good and inspires me to go drawing and painting more.

This was a lovely insight into how you got into this full time 🙂 my boyfriend has been supporting my freelance work since the pandemic and I feel so lucky. Having support is everything when following your dream! 🧚😇

I work part time and create on my days off. I do have a KZfaq channel and a shop. So far I’ve not made any money from my sales as I’ve spent more on my business than I’ve made. But at least I’m doing what I love and that’s creating. T x

You are so inspiring. Carry on Wendy waffling 😀.

Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! I love that you’re taking joy in the journey, even the challenges❤️

Thank you for explaining your wonderful personal journey so far,I think that you have achieved great things especially in these times of uncertainty for us all,as artists our energy is very sensitive to changes around us and sometimes our creative flow not always as free as we want it to be,but heh ho we ride those waves of uncertainty and just get on with what we enjoy doing most.Believe me we have all watched you grow these past few months seen your creativity blossom as it has done and enjoyed as ever seeing that unique smile you give out even if you think you may be having a grumpy day ! Life is all about balance and doing the things that we want to do,you have done wonderful paintings for your shop and sell they will.Now you are exploring inwardly yourself and making those vital adjustments that mean success,remember that saying 'Less is more' which is so true,sometimes we can work on an elaborate subject only to find a smaller painting will suffice to fulfill the desire to execute it and get it onto the canvas.You are now at that crossroads when you can look back at your success and build upon it fine tuning until it makes you happy,the journey is so exciting even the odd blips we can ride over them,above all remain that unique 'you' the Unexpected Gypsy after all is a magical and mystical name only given to those who deserve it,you certainly fit that category,sending you love and light in everything that you do.

TFS, as always enjoy your videos. Seeing the metamorphosis of your life, your channel & career help us feel like we're not the only ones experiencing these things w/this pandemic, help us feel more grounded, remind us to take care of ourselves & let the light shine 🌞 THANK YOU!!!

Grateful for your beautiful light of grace, encouragement you share with ❤️ love!!! Thank you 🙏🏻

Hi Wendy I've been following you for many months now sharing your joy as your subscriber numbers grew, just as they should, and feeling supported to be real and vulnerable as you were on your wonderful channel. I hope to be as brave someday soon and take my place to shine and share too. Your story certainly uplifting though not without hard work I know. So happy that you were encouraged to take that leap of faith and create your own path. You are a breath of fresh air and a wonderful artist. Love and many blessings and I look forward to sharing coffee with you on here through more of your adventures.

Love that your journey brought you to us! Thanks for not making it all glittery and easy...sometimes 5he roughest road has the best views! Blessings!

I only recently discovered your KZfaq and Instagram pages and I love how you talk about your art, experiences etc. I'm a fellow Brit and I started making to sell again for the first time in 6 years. I'm a self taught needle felter now even if I love to dabble in all kinds of arts and crafts and got a degree in applied arts. But I also work in my local supermarket it pays my bills and for craft supplies (now I'm wittering on abit hehe ☺️). I think you are a lovely and super talented lady and a true inspiration and this video has inspired me to not to be afraid of being a full time artist someday 😊. Thank you Wendy 🥰🥰🥰xxx.

So glad I found your channel! It has inspired me to start creating again. You are so needed in this world! Thanks for sharing your light ✨

Thank you for everything you do. You’ve been a constant inspiration for me as I try to start my own brand, youtube channel and Etsy shop while I work full time. Everything you say in this video is really what I need right now to just muster through and keep going... 💖🙏

The great thing about your channel is your authenticity. Your advice and your conversations about life in lockdown and the healing power of creating and journalling ring true. I love watching you create, and you have inspired me to do the same. Thank you

Thank you for this honest and open chat. I've been struggling to really put my art out there and open my own shop, and your vlogs have been helpful and inspirational!💗

Dear Unexpected Gypsy, I came across one of your videos today and have watched at least half a dozen now. I think it was the part time job to full-time artist that hit home with me. To the point of an emotional kick in my throat. I am in the process of just following a lifetime dream, I am 66. My dream is so close I can taste it. There are external factors at play. Anyway I feel you are a younger sister, from another mother. Thank you for inspiring me, as the teacher comes when the student is ready. I wont waffle anymore, cheers from Vicki from Queensland, Australia.

I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel. I'm leaving "day job" in two weeks. For a lot of reasons it's the right time to start a new chapter, and I am excited and apprehensive. This video in particular addresses that and I really appreciate your honesty and even with the ups and downs that it's worth pursuing. Thanks, Wendy!

Came across your video while browsing and I’m really glad I stopped to listen. What a lovely, honest, account of your experience. I’m so glad things have worked out for you. You’ve made me start to think of how I too could follow my bliss 😊

Love hearing about your journey! In November, I found your channel, and it has been a wonderful weekly benchmark for me to relax and begin healing in many ways. I opened a blank journal that I’ve had for 5(!) years and started writing. Your suggestion of painting over private journaling gave me the permission I needed to get it all out. Bless that paper! It’s now carrying a ton of words-and even more paint- and I feel remarkably lighter! Thank you Wendy. You are a blessing to so many I read here in the comments, and you have helped me as well. Many blessings to you and James, and I look forward to seeing what all is ahead for you guys! Hugs from Texas!

Thank you for sharing this vid with us. That’s really cool that you actually started creating vids through Patreon. & congratulations on your successful art business!

Thank you little sister💙 your spirit is so uplifting!🌻

I am so glad you stuck with your youtube channel, I didn't find you until a few months ago and truly enjoy your videos. I would never have seen your lovely art and wonderful personality it you had given up.

I love that you did this post! I recently found you on the last day at your old studio. I strongly believe in prioritizing mental health and I love creating art especially painting. Your authenticity is what is I really like about you. I am so glad that I found you! Thank you so much for what you do! ♥️

You are so inspiring! I have a good job that I don’t like...but my creativity room is my happy place where I can balanced my life. I use my job as a financial leverage for my art, my garden and to pay my bills. Balanced....between things I like and things I don’t! Big hugs from Quebec, Canada! ❤️❤️🦋🌸🌻🙏🏻❤️

Dear Wendy, I think you are a very brave person! To ajust yourself in such difficult situation and find your way in live doing what you like best. Not many people can👍👍🌹🌹🌹

What a lovely, honest video. When you mentioned finding joy I really agreed. TFS! I let the ads play. 😉💙💙💙

Hi Wendy, thanks for sharing with us. Love the image of you on the beach. I love a good Wendy waffle too xx

Thank you Wendy!! You are soothing🥰

Takes a lot of courage to make a video like this Wendy, well done! Lockdown has been hard all over the world, but in a way you could say it provided you with the opportunity to make your dreams happen. It's all about looking for the positive, I really enjoy your videos, it's like having a skype with a friend, thanks xxx

Lol your face when you said you were finally able to invest in professional art supplies😂

It seems I’ve been watching you for a long time now. I so love your channel. Each video I hear something that helps me deep inside with my well-being. It’s hard to explain how much you inspire me to try to create. You make it look so easy by picking up a brush or a pencil and making something beautiful out of what looks like basically nothing. You have a special gift that I’m so thankful that you are sharing with the world!! Bless you!

Thank you so much for sharing, it is most appreciated! I am so very glad you have! X

I have loved every minute of your videos. You continue to inspire and motivate me to paint and be creative. Thankyou Wendy. ps..... we love wendy waffling.

Happy Birthday to me with Wendy and a cup of tea! I feel I have to say an enormous thank you to YOU, Wendy 😙 I stumbled across you at a time that I needed a push to really stop letting fear get in my way of sharing my art with the world. You have inspired me on so many levels. This video was fantastic. I am 52 today and it is a struggle owning that but for everyone out there contemplating following a dream, you have to believe its never too late to start. There is room out there for many creative souls to shine as Wendy is doing. So thank you, Wendy I feel grateful and blessed that you share your light with me. Hugs! Now I am waffling 😆

Thank YOU for sharing your work and inspiration with us! Because of you, I have started my first old book art journal, a process that I love, and whenever I doubt myself, I hear your little voice saying “ I just do my best” 😄 and it helps me carry on. You have really helped make the past year better. Love and light to you 💕💫

Looks like you did well in terms of keeping things going during lockdown, I also lost my job after the first lockdown and had to reinvent myself and go through some uncomfortable times lots of chopping and changing of jobs and I still don't feel fully settled, much respect to you for going it alone Wendy and learning how to adapt and learning new ways to work, you have quite an entrepreneurial spirit, well done you 😀

What an insightful and eye opening video. Your light sure is shining and you have something to be really proud of. Thanks for sharing ❤️

Wendy you are amazing! Thank you for sharing. Everytime I watch your videos there is a little ray of hope shining through. Lisa Bunn

Hi Wendy. I discovered your videos on Christmas Eve Eve and love how calming they are. I am a dabbler arts wise, singer, actress, very messy childlike beginner art journalist my real passion writing and I love your authenticity and the beautiful images you create and share in your videos. Thank you for reminding me life does not have to be a rat race, doing a million things at once. Love your coffee making and drinking! Much love so glad you are doing well. Xx

I love your videos and I look forward to watching all the new ones. Your artwork is like you...magical and beautiful. Your soul really shines in your work. I’ve recently ordered a print and some stickers from your shop and I absolutely love them! I also joined your Patreon page, which I’m also enjoying. I have been in a creative slump for the last few years and your videos have inspired me to get back to my art supplies. Thank you for being so lovely and authentic.

Thank you for putting yourself out there. I adore your channel, it has helped me so much!! Much love!!❤

Love this video! I found you at Christmastime when I was waffling a bit about whether to go full blast into painting again. So happy I found you. Everything happens for a reason! You have uplifted my soul more times than ever, and I thank you so much for sharing your journey, your art and your little moments with us all. I, too, have a partner in life who is my rock. It makes such a difference to know that you have that unwavering support, unconditional love and a great shoulder to lean on when you feel rather spent. Thank you, Wendy, for your bright light.

You have done so well, I am following in your footsteps, albeit a lot more slowly! 💜

Wendy I am truly grateful for your inspirational videos. Thank you so much for sharing with such honesty. Art journaling has helped me work through some really difficult thoughts and feelings since losing my mother. And I love that I am finding my creative style again x

Thank you beautiful gypsy. I only just found on KZfaq but you really inspired me to get creative! You look like a strong powerful being in such a tiny body. Thank you my dearie for sharing. Greetings from South Africa

Thanks for being you!

What a fantastic and inspirational story. I will be watching from now on. Restores my faith that there are still some lovely genuine people out there The people I work with in Care are horrid and I was beginning to despair. Bright Blessings to you and all who support your channel xxxxx

Thank you for sharing this! Very inspirational and I am so happy for you that you managed to keep creating your wonderful art over the lockdowns. I have just subscribed to your channel and about to binge the rest of your content!

I absolutely adore you, Wendy. I started watching your videos a couple of months ago, and your videos are so full of light and encouragement. I was not feeling well with morning sickness and caring for my first baby, as well, along with the dark cold winter that seemed to drag on (I live in Alaska). Watching your videos brightened my day and filled me up with inspiration. I am also an artist and really wanting to start making art part of my career. Thank you so so much for your courage in sharing your light with us around the world.

Have a beautiful week lovely. I look forward to my Friday fix with the Unexpected Gypsy Wendy. 🥰