My Story

For as long as I can remember, I've been called a “creative type” and yes, I do enjoy creating.

I think back to the summer I was 12 years old and taught myself to sew. I discovered a cedar chest full of fabric that would suit my needs perfectly to learn the art of sewing! Without any formal sewing instruction, I quickly set to the task of making dresses (lots of dresses) from my own self-made pattern. Eeks! Without any formal sewing instruction, books or the internet, I made dozens of these crude dresses that would never see the light of day. My efforts were raw, but I was already on my way to becoming a prolific creator.

The need to express my creativity has taken many forms over the years. To say I’ve wandered down many a rabbit hole would be an understatement. I am often surprised I found my way back- up for air. Even while engaged in the corporate world, I met my creative needs by renovating and decorating our homes, designing gardens, photography and painting furniture.  (many many rabbit holes)

When not creating, I’m collecting materials to create. Many a vacation has turned into a unique opportunity to find beautiful paper and fabric.

It's sort of ironic that while collecting these souvenirs, I never thought about how I might utilize them.  It was always about the excitement they stirred in me. It was about the color, the patterns, the texture and a world of possibilities of what might be! 

Exiting the corporate world allowed my "artsy self" to move in new directions: bookbinding, box making, themed journals and all the wonderful paper I had collected from years past - finally found it’s home. While art is a continuous journey, it is also an ultimate destination.

It’s said, you have never really completed an art piece until it is shared with others. Regardless of how it is shared: social media, in person, an art show or a website, sharing demonstrates the very personal aspects of the art and the artist.

I encourage you to look around this website, our instagram page: @heirloomgiftsofpaper, and etsy store: giftsofpaperco