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In preschool I did a project where I had to make a poster board all about me. In the "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up" section I wrote "Artist."

I grew up in the Minnesota countryside. My days were spent in the woods and prairies with my best friend where we immersed ourselves in endless imaginary games and the wonders of nature. This foundational love of fantasy and the natural world heavily influence my work as a paper artist. When I wasn't playing with my friends I was crafting. Drawing, painting and papercrafting. I once tried to break the world record for longest paper chain. The record is almost 55 miles, so suffice it to say I never did achieve that particular dream despite my best efforts. (It’s not too late.)

As I grew older I developed a passion for science and in 2014 graduated with a 4-year degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Unfortunately, the medical field is extremely difficult to survive in. I worked night shifts in a hospital for three years and was able to pay down my student loans, but quickly burnt out and left the profession. Leaving the medical field was one of the toughest decisions of my life. I felt as if I had no purpose anymore. I had worked for so many years to accomplish my dream of becoming a scientist, and yet I felt unfulfilled once I became one. 

After I left the medical laboratory field, I decided to begin therapy as I was feeling so lost and without purpose. I was diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or cPTSD and started to work through the symptoms. In this period of darkness I rediscovered the art I loved so much as a child and poured myself into it. Making art allowed me to live more fully in the present, which when you have PTSD, is not an easy task. 

One day, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon the works of Hari and Deepti---amazing paper artists who make paper cut light boxes. I fell in love with their work immediately and decided to try my hand at designing a box of my own.

Light boxes are made by cutting pieces of paper and layering them on top of one another to produce a layered scene. These layers of paper are then placed into a shadow box frame and lit from behind using LED lights. The light shining through the multiple layers of paper creates shadow effects and the illusion of depth to each of the designs.

I first started by making my family light boxes for Christmas. They were blown away by the art and encouraged me to expand on my work. To help me do this, they all teamed up and pitched in to buy me a Cricut for my birthday. The Cricut is a truly amazing tool for paper artists. I use the Cricut software to design my light boxes and then the machine cuts them out for me. It saves me so much time, effort and wrist pain!

Each light box I design brings me immeasurable happiness and joy. When that light turns on for the first time and I see the depth and complexity of my designs come to life, my heart fills to overflowing. In August of 2020, I opened my very own Etsy Shop and formed Bloom Key Papercrafts LLC. I'm so pleased to share my passion with the world and finally feel like I am doing what I was meant to do.

To view more of my work visit me at:

Instagram: @Bloom_Key_Papercrafts

Facebook: @Bloom.Key.Papercrafts

Etsy: etsy.com/shop/BloomKeyPapercrafts