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Nicky Bourke, Waikanae Paper Artist

The PaperCraft Studio — by Nicky Bourke

Colourful paper artistry from Waikanae, NZ — cards, wraps, aprons, tea towels & more.

Shop my Zazzle Store →

Never Say Never — Creating From a Moonboot

Never Say Never — Creating From a Moonboot

Finding comfort in colour, creativity, and community.

It’s been a while since my mind felt full of thoughts worth sharing. A few years ago I broke my ankle; recently I had surgery to repair ligaments and clean out the joint. Six weeks of crutches and a moonboot later, I’m learning a new kind of patience. Not being able to drive, walk far, or do much without help has been its own awakening—and I’m deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and generosity of friends and family who keep showing up.

It’s 5:15 on a Monday morning. Boston (my cat) is tucked beside me while rain taps the roof and windows. Creativity feels like comfort today, and the need to express it has me up early, typing away.

You know my love for colour and my ongoing search to uncover my creative voice. With mobility limited, my focus has shifted: I’m discovering how technology—ChatGPT, Facebook, Zazzle, Instagram—can carry my thoughts and creations out into the world. If someone feels inspired, learns something, or simply smiles because of what I share, maybe I’ve nudged another person toward a creative life too.

Technology and I have never been close companions, so this leap has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve been building my platforms quietly behind the scenes, and now I’m watching those seeds (hopefully) grow. Maybe this is what it feels like to be an online ninja—or at least an ambassador for creating anything, anywhere, anytime.

Never say never. It’s never too late to draw, read, colour, paint, or begin again.

Nicky Bourke — Waikanae Paper Artist.
Studio supervisor: Boston.

Studio moments & finished pieces

Watercolour poppies — bold, joyful colour.
Expressive florals exploring movement and line.
Playful stylised blooms for print and stationery.
Work in progress: soft white daisies on canvas.
Paper flower gift bag — “Do small things with great heart.”
Explore more of my work:
• Zazzle: thepapercraftstudio
• Instagram: @colourfulcrafts_nicky
• LinkedIn: nickybourkecolourfulart
• All links: linktr.ee/nickybourkeart

💬 Comments are moderated to keep this space friendly. Thanks for being kind. — Nicky

✉️ Contact me  •  🌿 Shop & links (Linktree)

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