Upcycled Life

There was a time in my life when my “art budget” was exactly zero. No new paints. No fancy books. No online classes. Nothing. But my creative eye was still hungry. So I did what so many quiet, resourceful artists do: I started collecting beauty in the only way I could. I would walk from library to library all over town, always drifting toward the little corner where they kept their discarded and free magazines. Most people passed them by without a second glance, but to me? They were treasure chests. A flicker of color, a flower petal, a bold brushstroke, a sunset… it all felt like a tiny spark I could tuck into my pocket. I’d gather those magazines like they were prize jewels. At home, I’d sit at the kitchen table with a pair of scissors, slowly cutting out the images that spoke to me — the ones with bold color, soft light, Impressionistic movement, or a simple shape that made my heart catch for half a second. Those moments mattered. They still do. And because I couldn’t be...

When life feels heavy, self-care often becomes the first thing we cut — especially when money is tight.  Relaxing and Keeping Calm -  Nexom Botanicals Lavender Wonderful and Affordable - Epsom Salt Calming and Soothing -  Sandalwood Soy Candle But taking care of yourself doesn’t need a fancy spa, a huge budget, or a special occasion. Sometimes the smallest comforts create the biggest exhale. Here are some easy, low-cost self-care rituals using everyday, upcycled, or dollar-store items you probably already have at home. These little luxuries help you feel grounded, restored, and human again without spending more than a few dollars. ✨ 1. Warm Towel Therapy (No Spa Required) You don’t need an electric warmer to feel pampered. Just take a clean hand towel, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite scent   (lavender, peppermint, vanilla whatever you love), and pop it in the dryer for 1–2 minutes. Use it for: tired eyes stiff neck cold hands chest warming before sleep It...

Sometimes the most beautiful creations start with what we already have—a few shreds of paper, a twisted paper clip, and a spark of inspiration. I've been wanting to make a miniature hot air balloon out of recycled pieces and baubles. To me, that balloon represents life itself, as it is stitched together, sometimes shaky, but still capable of ascending. When we take the crumbs from life and make them into something shining, we discover a quiet type of enchantment. It serves as a reminder that even when things seem little or unsure, there is beauty to be found just where we are. Because life is indeed lovely, if we just seek for it.

I am thrilled to enter into the Ko-fi challenge this October 2025! My squirrel illustration is something that I have imagined in my mind to include in my new Silly Woodland Creatures Coloring Book that will be published soon! I am grateful for the Ko-fi platform to give me this opportunity to share my work with others! I believe that we all deserve the RIGHT to a childhood!  

As an oil painter, I am always chasing reflective light wherever I find it. R&F Oil Sticks  R&F Oil Sticks - flexibility of being in a stock form but has the richness of oil paint. Boar Bristle Brush set Boar Bristle Brush Set - captures the light I see on my painting adventures. Portable French Easel French Easel - perfect for painting outside in the elements.  Whether it’s morning sun spilling across old clapboards or the warm afternoon glow resting on a stone wall, light fascinates me. Each painting becomes a small journey of discovery not about reaching a destination, but about savoring the process, the texture, and the quiet moment when everything glows just right. When I paint, I think of my tools almost as friends. Each brush, stencil, and pigment has its own task — and each one helps me translate what I see in my mind’s eye. I often use oil sticks to create broad, creamy passages of color that blend beautifully with traditional tube oils. One of my...

When I was in my twenties, I thought I had my life figured out. I was taking graphic arts classes in California, working with ink, heavy machinery, and the satisfying clunk of printing presses. Back then, computers seemed like an impossible code-filled world that would never replace the smell of ink or the sound of rollers. I told myself, “Printing presses will always be around. I’ll never run out of work in my old age.” But life had other plans. Fast forward to today. I’m almost 60 years old, living with a chronic illness, and the world of printing looks nothing like I imagined. Printing presses gave way to screens, apps, and digital downloads. For years, I thought my dream of creating paper packs — those beautiful, textured backgrounds that scrapbookers, journal lovers, and crafters use — had slipped through my fingers. Until this week. 💥 I finally created and released my very first digital paper pack. It’s called Fall Paper Pack 10 — a cozy set of autumn-inspired design...

In times of uncertainty, when the weight of bills, worries, and shifting ground feels heavy, our hands often remember what our hearts have forgotten: the quiet rhythm of making. DMC floss DMC FLOSS -the best and has the wise range of color shades.  Embroidery Hoop  Embroidery Hoop - easiest way to keep fabric taught and manageable Mixed Couching Fibers Mixed Fibers - think outside of the box when it comes to color and texture. Small Scissors Embroidery Scissors -easily reach tight spaces and makes clean trims. Slow stitching, the simple act of needle and thread moving through cloth, is more than a craft. It is a lifeline. Each stitch is a breath. A pause. A chance to gather what feels scattered. For me, handwork has carried me through days when my mind felt tangled with fear or frustration. Every small motion, up, down, pull tight, move forward, becomes a reminder that progress does not always come in leaps. Sometimes, it arrives in the tiniest increments, soft ...