Michelle's Blog

Ever since Christmas. when my family decided to have a hat-making contest using cardboard and recycled materials- I’ve been a little obsessed with making things out of cardboard. I think part of why I love it so much is because...

Spring in Tucson, AZ is hands-down my favorite time of year here. The cactuses start to bloom, the farmers’ markets are full of fresh local produce, and the sunsets? Absolutely unreal. And this spring feels extra special because we decided...

I thought I’d share a little recap of my first 20 days of the #100DayProject this year. In case you’re new to it, the project is something anyone can participate in. It’s a big creative collective that happens on IG...

I recently had an incredible opportunity to travel to Mexico City with a couple of friends, with one very specific intention: to see as much art and as many museums as we possibly could in 4.5 days. It was ambitious....

Creating this line of plush has truly been a dream come true. I’ve always loved little stuffies, and now- watching my five grandchildren adore them too- it felt especially meaningful to bring this idea to life. I started by imagining...

As I look ahead to 2026, I feel that quiet, happy kind of excitement. The kind that comes from imagining what’s being made behind the scenes and what life might hold beyond the studio. One thing I’m especially excited about...

Our family recently took a trip to Sedona, Arizona—one of the most breathtaking places on earth. With five grands, plenty of hiking, and endless exploring, I knew I wouldn’t have much time to paint. So instead, I went with a...

Last month, I had my first experience teaching an art retreat outside the country—in Portugal—and it was unforgettable. The joy and fulfillment I felt teaching Painting & Play completely took me by surprise. I knew it would be fun, but...

On my recent trip to Portugal to teach an art retreat, I arrived a few days early and spent them wandering Lisbon. When I travel, I love to treat it like a treasure hunt—ducking down side streets, peeking into alleys,...

I’ve been wanting to visit Cosanti Originals in the Phoenix area for quite some time, and we finally made it happen — and it truly didn’t disappoint. The architecture and layout of the place were incredibly creative and inspiring. My...

There’s still time to grab your spot for Paint & Play in Portugal — a dreamy, joy-filled art retreat happening August 16–23, 2025 in the stunning Ribatejo region! 🌸 Imagine spending a week in a beautiful countryside estate surrounded by olive groves,...

The other day, my friend Mary and I carved out a few slow hours to visit the Tucson Botanical Garden—and it was just what my creative soul needed. We wandered the paths, admired all the blooming beauty, and eventually found...

Living in Tucson, we’re lucky to have access to some of the most stunning cycling routes in the country—routes that wind through desert landscapes, climb into the mountains, and offer endless blue skies and cactus-studded views. Some of my favorite...

For years, I’ve been thinking about taking a pottery class, and I’m so excited to finally say that I’ve started! About a month ago, my kids, mom, and I took a handbuilding mug workshop together, and it was such an...

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to the enchanting city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with seven fellow artists and dear friends. For 8 days, we immersed ourselves in creativity, pushing artistic boundaries, sharing & caring...

I recently got back from the 2025 Atlanta Gift Show, and wow, what a whirlwind! Every year, this event holds a special place in my heart, but this one? It was next-level amazing. I can’t even begin to explain how...

I told myself that this time around I’m going to invest in some good pieces of furniture to make it super comfortable and so that everything has a place to go. And so far, I’m stoked with the pieces I’ve added...

My kids have teased me that I’m terrible at sticking with traditions. I love the IDEA of them, I just think I get bored of them after a few years and want to try other ones. So…. here are few...

My husband and I lived at the beach in Southern California when we were first together. I loved trying to surf and hanging out in the water. That is, until I started fishing right up from where we’d frequently go...

Random things that are inspiring and making me happy... Estate Sales have been amazing these past few months and I’ve found the perfect place for my little basket collection. I’m still making sourdough bread and am happy to say I...

For the past two years I’ve been using our dining room as my art studio and it’s worked well. It’s a decent sized room, with good light and high ceilings. And I’m a firm believer that you can create magic...