Patty Palmer taught elementary school art in Goleta, California for twelve years before trading in her paint-splattered apron to help teachers teach art to kids.

Her website, Deep Space Sparkle —  named after a Crayola crayon color — began as a way  to share her student’s art experiences with their parents. Few parents were interested, but the blog drew attention from art teachers looking for projects that engaged kids through happy colors, fun subjects and enriching art techniques.

Patty has shared hundreds of art projects and countless art teaching tips with her blog audience.

In 2016, Patty started The Sparklers’ Club a membership site just for art teachers. The membership has helped over 10K art teachers, artsy parents and classroom teachers explore art with their students by focusing on done-for-you art curriculums, assessable art projects and the support to teach with sparkly confidence.

We believe that every child is deserving of a happy art experience –not just one time but every day – Patty Palmer

Patty’s first book, Draw, Paint, Sparkle: Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher was published in 2018 and shares her favorite art projects to do at home or school.

It includes 25 art projects that can be  accomplished even if you don’t consider yourself an artist. Patty guides you by suggesting the supplies, offering handouts and giving you detailed steps on how to bring an art class to your kitchen table.

I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. The business I have now evolved organically from my desire to respond to teacher’s questions and offering them a solution. It started as a hobby. Writing how my day went in the art room, posting project photos and sharing what went right — and wrong.

I worked on Deep Space Sparkle in the evenings and on weekends, between softball games and homework until my husband and I decided to quit our jobs. Now Neil and I plus our in-house team works in a sun-splashed (and slightly messy) second floor studio in downtown Santa Barbara.

It’s a big leap from working in the corner of my bedroom to becoming a CEO.  Here are a few podcasts and articles that share this journey…

From Teacher to Entrepreneur in Forbes Magazine

Business Coach and Entrepreneur, James Wedmore interviews me on the Mind Your Business Podcast. I shares the lessons I learned as a creative business owner.

Listen to my story, Behind the Sparkly Curtain from my own podcast, Art Made Easy

This is an early insight on how I formed a membership site on The Sigrun Show