My Story

Credit To:
Tim Holtz 
Christy Tomlinson
Junelle Jacobson
Kelly Barton


When I was little I loved to color.  I wasn't very good, or at least I did not think I was good enough.  At one point, instead of signing my first name to my coloring book pages, I began signing Chris, my younger brother's name. I thought they were good enough for him, he being three years younger than me, but, he saw what I had done and asked me to stop. So, what did I do?  I stopped coloring in my coloring books. When I doodled I would draw stick people, the house with a chimney, at tree, a couple of flowers, a sun, and birds flying over the house.  In my 30's I would draw my dog and cats on the inside of greeting cards I gave to my family.  You could barely tell what they were, but it was funny and it was the thought that counted, my fur family wanted to wish them a happy birthday too. In 2011 I was cruising through YouTube and came across a Tim Holtz  video. He caught my attention, not surprisingly, and I watched all his videos. I began to view other artist videos and decided I would give this art thing a try, just one more time.  I began with tags and distressed ink pads.  I purchased a Bigshot at Joannes online for a steal and off I went. I was so thrilled that I could create beyond my stick people and house scene and I caught the mixed media bug. First though, I created cards for friends, family and co-workers, trying out my new found techniques.  Tags were so helpful to me as well.  A small space so that I did not waste too many supplies if my art work project failed. I didn't really enjoy creating cards, although I still do make them, and created a whole lot of tags and gave them away in lieu of cards and referred to them as "bookmarks".  2011 Halloween and Christmas was a great time of discovery and delight as I began to explore different techniques and new supplies. Most importantly my confidence grew and I became proud to sign my name to my artwork for the first time in my life.  I have taken online classes with Christy Tomlinson, my new love, after finding Tim Holtz, and through her met Junelle Jacobson.  Through Face Book I have come in contact with so many magnificent artists, one being Kelly Barton, and dozen others.  What beautiful, talented, supportive souls they are and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for their generosity.  These wonderful artists have changed my life for the better by giving me the courage to pick up the crayon and create art again.  Love to you all...