Up-Cycling
believe we already have everything we need to create for generations to come. My work is built on the principle of "creative reuse"—the idea that using found and limited materials actually heightens the creative process. This approach allows me to produce unique, environmentally conscious items while proving that beautiful design doesn't require new resources. To me, upcycling is where resourcefulness meets inspiration.
Climbing Ivy UpCycled Journals
It started as a COVID hobby, but (oops!) it turned into a business. More importantly, it became a deeply rewarding exercise in creativity. The goal was to save books from the landfill, giving them a second life as handmade journals.
I spent my weekends hunting for discarded treasures at garage sales and recycling centers, eventually building a collection that I transformed—one hour at a time—into functional art. I’ve personally sold 1,600 journals at craft fairs and markets, meeting every single customer face-to-face. From mass-producing 250 journals at once to crafting delicate, one-of-a-kind commissions, this journey has been as much about human connection as it has been about bookbinding.
Library Programing
One of the highlights of my time at the Library was leading creative classes that turned "scraps" into art. I’m a firm believer that creativity shouldn't have a high price tag, so I focused on using found materials like vintage book pages and leftover cardstock. There was a certain magic in showing people that the materials for their next masterpiece were already sitting right in front of them. It was incredibly rewarding to see these classes grow in popularity, seeing the community show up in droves to experiment, play, and learn alongside me.
Quilting and Fabric ReUse
The waste stream currently holds enough textiles to clothe the next six generations—a staggering reality that drives my passion for reclaimed fabric. My materials are sourced from family hand-me-downs, personal remnants, and the forgotten bins of thrift stores. I find deep inspiration in the lineage of women who came before me; for centuries, they transformed every stray scrap into essential warmth for their families. It is their spirit of resourcefulness I carry into my work. While I am currently focused on breathing new life into these textiles through quilting, I look forward to expanding that heritage into rug-making and beyond.
