In this personal essay, I revisit my creative journey—from earning an MFA to unexpectedly rediscovering joy through simple art-making like leaf rubbings, kids’ projects, and a new puppet-based practice. As I navigate motherhood, life abroad, and running a business, I explore how creativity changes over time and why embracing playful, imperfect art matters now more than ever. This story invites readers to reconnect with their own creative instincts, let go of perfectionism, and find meaning in everyday artistic expression.

An art class funded by my step-grandparents—transformed the way I learned to see the world. What began with Barbie dreams in the 90s turned into a deeper understanding of color, perception, and the power of slowing down through art. This post explores how drawing with pastels taught me to look beyond the surface, notice hidden hues in everyday objects, and reconnect with flow. If you’re craving a return to creativity or wanting to rediscover a practice that once grounded you, this story offers inspiration to pause, pay attention, and give yourself the gift of experience over things.

A day trip to Mt. Ōyama in Japan revealed an unexpected lesson about paradox and creativity. Watching the fall leaves became a metaphor for the contradictions we carry as humans and creatives. Through Brené Brown’s explanation of Negative Capability and the science behind fall foliage, I discovered how uncertainty, duality, and hidden “colors” shape a more authentic life.

When I first moved to Japan, I fell in love with the humble persimmon: its perfect symmetry, glowing color, and quiet reminder that balance and beauty often show up in the simplest forms of nature… plus how it inspired some great fashion!🍊

It started with scrap paper, lattes, and five minutes. Over coffee at a cozy café, my friend Manami and I dreamed up a community art installation because we know the joy of making art in a supportive, creative space. See how sustainable creativity, DIY materials, and mindful making can bring people together.

In this post, I reflect on how working at Joann Fabrics in high school sparked my journey as an artist. With news of Joann Fabrics closing, I share how that simple retail job, surrounded by fabric and creative people, planted the seeds for my future in fiber art and surface design. It’s a story about unexpected beginnings, creative spaces, and honoring where it all started.

Have you ever stared at a blank page, afraid to make the first mark? Worried that what you create won’t be good enough? You’re not alone. Fear of making “bad” art stops so many people from creating at all, but what if I told you that bad art is actually the key to making great art?

Do you remember when you first started to draw? From ancient cave paintings to the spontaneous scribbles of childhood, the urge to make a mark is deeply human. Mark-making, connects us to our surroundings, and a simple exercise can reignite your creativity. Read more about this (very human) artistic impulse.

A quiet hike on Mount Tamalpais led me to an unforgettable sight—a fallen tree with roots twisting like something out of a fairytale. That moment sparked The Forest of My Wild Heart, a large-scale textile work inspired by nature, intuition, and the creative process.

In this post, I share how I translated that vision into art, how “beginning with the end in mind” guides my work, and why trusting the creative process is just like navigating life itself.

What happens when you hand a bunch of kids a bowl of beans and tell them to chase out evil? Pure chaos—plus a few bruises for my husband, who bravely played the demon in our family’s Setsubun celebration! 😆 Read on to see how this playful Japanese tradition got me thinking about the power of folklore, imagination, and staying grounded through joy.

Who decides who gets to be an artist? At my recent Mandala Workshop, two participants—one who considered herself too precise and another who felt too messy—shared the same belief: “I’m not an artist.” This sparked a deeper question: Are we limiting ourselves with labels?

In this blog, I explore how creativity is a habit, not a title, and why we don’t need permission to create. Whether you’re sketching, writing, designing, or simply expressing yourself, you are already a creator. Don’t let outdated beliefs hold you back!

Discover how to embrace creativity during times of change. Learn six simple, mindful activities—like drawing, photo walks, and gratitude doodling—to unlock your creative potential and connect with your inner artist. Includes resources, books, and a free creativity quiz!

I almost failed college chemistry! But hey, I discovered the positive benefits of creating a mandala and so can you with this beginner-friendly guide using simple tools like a compass, pencil, and paint. Learn the meditative benefits of mandala art, supported by studies on stress relief and mindfulness. Explore the cultural history of mandalas and unleash your creativity with step-by-step instructions.

Transform your creativity by unlearning limiting beliefs. Discover how to overcome creative blocks, embrace artistic freedom, and find joy in your art practice.

As a kid, I saved everything…even Dorito crumbs in my bed. Not on purpose of course. 

My junk drawer was my treasure chest, filled with things I just knew could be something someday. My tastes have evolved.

I’m no longer dumpster diving for fort-building materials—but that joy of discovering overlooked items and giving them new life? That’s still me. 

Discover the step-by-step process behind my textile art creations, from selecting upcycled fabrics and arranging compositions to free-motion embroidery and adding painted details. Explore how intuition and inspiration from nature shape every piece in this behind-the-scenes look at my art-making journey.

I remember dreading the phone call.

I was about to cancel a bridal shower at a local business and explain that the wedding was off.

The words came out:

Have you ever felt like you're constantly striving to return to a simpler, more joyful version of yourself? We often forget the little things that used to bring us immense joy as children. Today, I want to take you on a journey through my childhood to see where my pattern inspiration comes from!

Does it feel like you’ve intentionally set the tone of your place? Besides cleaning our home, styling our home has a big impact on our mood. Below, I’ve got some great ideas to help you create a more artful home which will bring joy and comfort into your space. Think of it as an extension of self-care :)

I was told: you have nothing to say. In graduate school for art, that was one of the worst things you could hear. Art was supposed to communicate something right? Well, in this blog post, I reflect on that impactful criticism that I still think about to this day? Only the difference is my perspective and now...life experience.