Welcome!

"Creativity is making mistakes. 

Art is knowing which ones to keep"

- Scott Adams (creator of the comic strip Dilbert)

I truly believe that the secret of a happy life is through creativity. And that belief is both the basis of my blog and my life.

I was born in San Jose, California. I moved around the country quite a bit growing up. I got to see a lot of things, many of which are inspirations for my art. I have a sister who is 5 years younger than me. She, too, got bitten by the same creative bug that I did. My mom's side of the family has always been very artistic. She instilled this in us as we were growing up. Arts and crafts were a big part of growing up. Whether it was at our house, school, girl scouts, or visiting grandma's. I cannot even begin to tell you all of the things we have creatively experimented with.

My mother passed away from breast cancer after a nearly 10 year battle 9 years ago. I wish I had more time with her, but I am thankful for the wonderful things she instilled in us.

Recycled art has been growing as an interest of mine for the past 5 years. I find so much beauty in the unwanted, the unneeded and old items. I love making new pieces using old elements. Some of my current favorites are dictionary pages, buttons, vintage costume jewelry, vintage fabric, printed items, and more.

I went to college and studied Journalism. But I truly fell in love with page design. After working in newspaper for years, I started and opened my own business, a paint-your-own ceramics studio called The Blue Beagle. I truly loved the business and it was very successful. But, personal life got in the way, and I was forced to sell it after three years in business due to divorce.

I relocated to St. Louis and began working on my art. I started focusing on digital art and opened my creative business, Paisley Impressions, where I primarily sell online, but also at art fairs.

And from all these experiences (and the many others that I have yet to tell you) comes this blog. I will be giving your ideas, tips and even local (St. Louis) places for art lovers to check out. Join me as I will post weekly on Tuesdays (and hopefully more often down the line).

Feel free to ask questions, send requests or just send me comments.

Until next time, embrace the crazy little thing called art!