Everyone is born with creativity. But those people who appear to be super creative have a secret. They know that creativity has to be developed and exercised to come easily. I am on a quest to immerse myself in creativity of all kinds. I hope you will join me!

The oldest of four kids, I grew up in mid-Michigan where we spent lots of time camping and snowmobiling as a family. I melted the bottoms of more than one pair of shoes while singing around a campfire. Mom was an elementary school teacher who could do any art, craft, home art…you name it. Dad was a carpenter, mason, all around fix anything kind of guy. From both of them I learned that it is possible to make or fix just about anything if you think it through first... and it helps you save money.

My undergrad degree is in dance and theater. Oh so useful. I did teach dance for years, but that meant only working nights and weekends. You can only do that if you are young or crazy. (I still lead a praise dance team of the most darling middle school girls on earth)

Then, I worked a couple weird jobs I was unsuited for before I found the craft industry. I worked for a small craft store chain and learned many many things: I managed three departments before going on to managing a store and then working as a buyer. I was the creative director and on air talent for a weekly craft TV show. I was hooked.

Then, I worked for one of the largest craft manufacturers in the industry.  In the 20 years I spent with them, I was a product demonstrator, book editor, teacher, author, project designer, new product designer, sales support, did some marketing, a lot of TV, managed painting teachers in 1200 retail locations, had a stint as director of trends, and ended up as the director of education. 

In my 25+ years in the craft industry, I have worked for a paint company, bead company, a publishing house, some smaller manufacturers, and some magazines.  All kinds of companies doing all kinds of jobs in the craft industry. I have been published several times! I have been around almost as long as Mod Podge and have seen craft trends come and go.  Friendly Plastic has been around three times during my tenure!

Currently I feel very blessed to have a huge pool of knowledge about products and techniques and am looking for ways to pass that on to other people who love to create. While I still have to work to make a living, I feel like my real purpose is to use the skills God has given me to give back. I work with a handful of ministries, all of which have something to do with art. I have learned how to fund-raise to support projects big and small. And I would like to encourage artists and crafters to use what they can do to help or serve others who need encouragement. After all, isn't art meant to be shared?

My life is part work, part learning, part creating, and part sharing all of it.