Hello! Thank you for being here!

After many years of handcrafting notecards and invitations for family and friends, I took a leap of faith in 2011 to establish myself as a self-employed artist, and since then, I've been bringing my creative dreams to fruition while finding a healthier balance between career, motherhood (the plumeria is also known as Pua Melia and our daughter’s name is Melia) and mindful living. 

I’ve always loved giving and receiving notecards and letters. As we write, we are pausing amidst our busy lives to connect with others. I hope my heartfelt and handmade creations can inspire more of these thoughtful, physical connections, lasting mementos in a world where virtual connections can be fleeting.

I developed an eye for design from my former career in the fashion industry and my passion for the arts, and I have always been drawn to the aesthetic and personal qualities of handcrafted treasures. For my Plumeria Papercraft designs, I sketch images, create templates, then carefully trace, cut and assemble each item by hand. Much of my inspiration stems from nature, especially my love of the sea, and whimsical ideas pop up from life’s simple moments. Of course, the paper itself inspires me, too! 

I am also a collage art and papercraft instructor and trained SoulCollage® Facilitator, wholeheartedly and enthusiastically providing inspiration and guidance to all ages from elementary students to teens to adults. I am a volunteer and occasional motivational guest speaker with local schools and organizations as well.

One of my Christmas notecard designs was featured in the 2012 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts, and my collage art has been exhibited at Pacific Grove Art Museum and Monterey Museum of Art. My work has been featured on blogs including a guest blogger appearance on author and motivational coach Gail McMeekin’s Creative Success website. I've written articles for SoulCollage® publications as well.

On a personal level, in addition to my obvious passion for collage, papercraft and SoulCollage®, I enjoy dabbling in a wide variety of creative pursuits such as art journaling, doodle art and Zentangle®, drawing, painting, stitching and mixed media. I’m a longtime participant in Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s healing art program, a powerfully therapeutic experience in my journey as a blood cancer survivor. I share expressive art exploration and contemplations on creative, mindful living via my blog, Paper And Ponder (currently on a long hiatus).

I live on the Monterey Peninsula in California with my husband, daughter and our two feline family members, Misty and Luna. I love hiking, beachcombing, the wonders of nature, photography, almost every genre of music, musicals on stage and in film, books and writing poetry and prose. 

My heart is my compass, professionally and personally! My mission is to inspire others to creatively and mindfully follow their hearts and discover their amazing potential!

❤️ Lisa