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Welcome!

FINDING YOUR VOICE AS AN ARTIST IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY…

A journey that can transform lives and bring truth, beauty and passion into the world.

Maybe finding your creative voice starts with giving yourself permission to not be “perfect” and break a few rules… 

Wherever you are in your creative journey, I’m here to help you take that next step.

 
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 Several places
to find me in print…

 
 
 

Creativity gives me life.

When I’m not cultivating my own creativity or encouraging others in their artistic journeys, you’ll find me happily creating in my home studio.

My art brings together acrylic paint, pastels, upcycled papers, wax crayons, pens, pencils, stamps, stitching and many other mediums in bold and colorful collages. It’s my place to let go, ditch perfectionism, and express my deepest feelings with a blend of words, visuals and crafting.

In my spare time (HA!) I love to read, bake all the things, sleep in, travel and go barefoot on the beach. Oh yes, did I mention I live in beautiful sunny Florida? My hubby of 35 years and I love working with youths in our church, whom we see as family. I also have a heart for mission work, having served in Panama, El Salvador, Romania and Honduras.

 
 
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 A Little About My
Journey

 
 

I discovered my love for creating at a young age, using art to find joy and connection as I navigated a life of constant change as a military child.

Whether it was making sunflower seed necklaces or crafting colorful collage bouquets, creating gave me a sense of belonging and confidence.

Over time, my passion grew into a lifelong journey with mixed media, where I combine my love of texture, color, and storytelling.

Along the way, I started Paperbag Studios and embraced teaching, sharing my self-taught approach and my belief that art is a joyful, ever-evolving process.

Today, I’m proud to lead The Roben’s Nest, a cozy and welcoming online community for creatives seeking inspiration and connection.

Whether I’m experimenting with bold, messy layers or guiding members through new techniques, I aim to encourage others to create imperfectly.

My philosophy is simple: start where you are, let go of perfection, and find beauty in the process.

Through my art and teaching, I hope to inspire you to embrace your creativity with courage and joy.

 
 
 

 Just in case you were wondering…

 
  • I’m an Extroverted-Introvert, INFJ and Enneagram 9.

 
  • My one life regret is not learning American Sign Language.

 
  • I sleep with lip balm under my pillow.

 
  • I’m a hoarder of towels...beach, bath and dish!

 
  • I’d rather eat the brownie batter.

 
  • My pet peeve is when people don’t return their grocery carts.

 
  • I love reading British mystery novels and archaeological adventures.

 
  • I’ve traveled to 11 different countries and have visited 27 states in the US.

 
 
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 You might enjoy these podcast episodes,
featuring yours truly:

 

Ready to spark (or re-ignite) your creativity?

 
 
 

01.

The ROben’s Nest Creative community

Co-create, share and learn in a space where connection matters more than perfection...a cozy community for creatives.

 

02.

Mixed Media ART COURSES

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced artist who wants to get your creative juices flowing again, my online art courses give you fresh tools and techniques for artistic expression!

 

03.

Artist rising creative retreat

Join me at the Connecticut River Valley Inn October 19 - 24, 2025 for an inspiring and joyful workshop designed to help you with creative play.

—> CLICK TO DISCOVER MORE

 
 
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