I have always loved creating things. When I was a young child, my mother knew that if she set me down at the table with scissors, glue and colored paper, I would be content for hours as I created sweet somethings from boring nothings.

I started my business many years ago as a jewelry artist, which focused on wire wrapping and metal etching and folding. Today, my art has evolved into imaginative mixed media and art journaling, allowing me to build on techniques I have learned over the years to create decorative items, such as serving trays and candlesticks, to books and whimsical boxes of all shapes and sizes. I also love creating books around an idea or event, and often create custom books for customers who want something special for their loved one or wish to commemorate a special event.

My whimsical boxes are constructed from discarded shoe boxes and miscellaneous cardboard that I find around the house. My technique includes collage, paints, stamping, texturing, fabric, metal work, wire wrapping, sewing, beading --- basically anything that comes to mind and that I think will be interesting to add to my work. When I am creating, I typically start with one single idea and as I am working, let my creativity lead me wherever it takes me. I like using the power of words to add provocative thought to my work. And I often include humor in my work, because life needs to be challenged by laughter to get us through the dark moments. The result is something, I hope, that will inspire and bring a smile to your lips.

How does this craziness happen, you may ask? I comb through the shelves and bins of local resale and thrift shops to find discarded items that I can creatively upcycle to something new, exciting and fun. I love old books, old music, old magazines, old letters -- well, you get the idea. I also believe the environment urgently needs our attention, and so I use primarily discarded and "found" items to source my materials. It's an inspiring way I can be challenged as an artist to make something worn and ugly into something beautiful and inspiring, all while contributing to the health of our beloved Mother Earth. So when you purchase something from my shop, you are not only supporting my artistry, but helping to save the planet!

Thank you for visiting my shop. Hopefully you will find something you have, or will want to place a special order for a custom or commissioned work.

Wishing you many blessings and a beautiful life,
Tess