doodlebug was founded in 2001 when Marnie Delaney bought a pottery painting studio which was about to close (previous names included Fire It Up! and, before that, Glazeworks). Having conceived a business dedicated to helping children build their creative confidence, Marnie slowly expanded the stores offerings, adding a broader range of activities as well as classes and merchandise.

Mosaics, paper-crafting, painting wood items and canvasses along with wheel-throwing and hand-building clay projects were soon followed by knitting and other needle arts. Craft kits and art supplies were followed by stamps & stickers, games & puzzles, toys and gift items. A reputation as Ross Valley's birthday party headquarters ensued, summer camps quickly filled and many successful school fund-raising projects originated at doodlebug.

On Christmas Eve, 2003, Marnie received a call at about 9:30 in the evening letting her know that flames had been sighted at doodlebug. The Ross Valley Fire Department was already at the studio and did an amazing job putting out the fire. However, between fire and smoke damage almost all of the merchandise, fixtures and supplies at doodlebug were a total loss. Happily, no one was injured and lots of people offered help and support. Despite major insurance issues, Marnie was able to re-open in June of 2004, with improved lighting and some minor changes to the store layout. Learn More at News & Press >>

Unfortunately, along with many other residents of the Ross Valley, especially San Anselmo, doodlebug was again destroyed by an overwhelming flood on New Year's Eve (!), 2005. Happily, Marnie had some flood insurance and was able to re-open once again, this time making more significant renovations and re-locating the studio to the rear of the store, under the skylight. Customers, friends and even strangers again provided help and support and the doodlebug team proved, for the second time, to be irrepressible. Learn More at News & Press >>

There is no longer any question that creative spirit (or at least stubborness) will always play an important part in making doodlebug the unique community resource it is today. The store has grown up along with a generation of Marin children who continue to find their inner artist at doodlebug.

Most recently, new space has been added to the doodlebug “complex”, primarily used for classes, parties and other events focused on sewing, knitting, jewelry and other needle arts. Upstairs and across a private little courtyard, crafty recyclers can find vintage & designer fabrics, yarn, ribbons & trims, an incredible selection of buttons, vintage linens and other assorted treasures. It is like a “cozy visit to paradise for the creative spirit” according to one regular visitor. This new doodlebug space is a favorite gathering place for anyone interested in needle arts, from grade school knitters to senior quilters – and is the location of many meetings and open studio sessions for the popular Marin Needle Arts Guild.

Nieces Sydney & Alex helped inspire doodlebug when they gave their Aunt Marnie a set of cards they had designed. Niece Delaney & Nephew Jonathan also helped by visiting and providing ideas and encouragement. They are all good kids and this is the whole posse in Scotland, a bit more grown up!