Celebrating Winnie the Pooh Day,
Friendship, and the Art of Play
It's National Winnie the Pooh Day,
and it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate something close to my heart:
friendship, creativity, and the importance of never losing our sense of play.
“A friend is someone who helps you up when you're down, and if they can't, they lay down beside you and listen.” -Winnie the Pooh
That quote beautifully captures my friendship with Shelly Corbett, an artist whose work, creativity, and kindness have been part of my life for many years.
Shelly and I met in the most fitting way possible: through our shared love of LEGO®. What started as a mutual appreciation for creativity grew into a friendship rooted in encouragement, inspiration, and genuinely supporting one another’s work. We’ve been cheering each other on ever since, and I’m so grateful for that connection.
Shelly’s Art: Where Toys Tell Stories
I am honored to own 4 of Shelly's pieces! I love each one. 3 live in my studio and my favorite piece hangs in my living room, Princess Leia sailing off into the sunset. Shelly has an incredible ability to pull emotion out of her work, and this piece speaks to me every single day.
When I look at it, I see empowerment, resilience, and strength. Leia isn’t waiting to be rescued, she’s charting her own course. That image serves as a quiet reminder to me that I am strong, capable, and able to make it through anything.
The magic of Shelly’s work is in the imagery of toys she captures and the deep emotions they carry. Shelly has an incredible ability create emotion in her work.
Reclaiming the Inner Child
Shelly often speaks about how, somewhere along the way, many of us leave our inner child behind- the one who builds imaginary worlds, believes in magic, and rides unicorns into the sunset. Through her art, she invites us back into those forgotten worlds.
Her creative process is as thoughtful as it is unique. Shelly begins by mounting her original photography onto wood panels using archival materials. She then builds dimension by layering elements of the image, before painting the surface with encaustic medium — a blend of beeswax and damar resin fused together through heat. She often adds pan pastels or oil paint, blurring the line between photography and painting.
The result is a dreamlike, painterly world where toys feel alive inviting us to pause, imagine, and feel.
From Photography to Toy Storytelling
Shelly’s journey into toy photography is just as inspiring as the work itself. After years as a professional photographer, including underwater portrait photography she found herself at a creative crossroads. The turning point came during one of her adult-only LEGO® building parties, when she watched a friend photographing LEGO® mini-figures.
That moment changed everything.
Shelly dove headfirst into the world of toy photography and never looked back. What began as play quickly became purpose. Today, she’s recognized as a pioneer in this niche genre, using miniature figures to explore emotions, tell stories, and spark wonder.
Community, Creativity, and Connection
Shelly doesn’t just create art - she builds community. She has helped connect toy photographers around the world through groups and she has co-founded the Toy Photographers. This community has become a place where artists can find their voice, share inspiration, and grow together.
Along with her encaustic works she also offers laminate pieces and greeting cards on her website.
Shelly also leads workshops and coaching classes that guide photographers through storytelling, composition, and technique — showing others how toys can become powerful creative tools. If you love LEGO® and photography, this is truly something special to explore.
Listen Along: The Camera Cafe Podcast
Shelly was on The Camera Cafe Show to talk about her journey, her creative process, and the joy of storytelling through toys. It’s a playful conversation filled with inspiration whether you’re a professional photographer or someone who loves creativity and imagination.
Choosing Joy, Together
On this Winnie the Pooh Day, I’m reminded that play isn’t just for children - it’s essential for all of us. Through Shelly’s art, my jewelry, and the communities we’re both part of, we’re reminded that joy, creativity, and connection matter.
I’m so grateful for friendships like this — the kind that support your work, believe in your vision, and remind you to keep playing.
Here’s to friendship, imagination, and building joy — brick by brick. 🍯🧱💛