Crafting with Chaos Blog

Belonging Is Real is where I write about the messy, tender, human parts of life — the stories that shape us, the friendships that hold us together, the grief we carry, and the moments that remind us we’re not alone. These essays explore connection, creativity, identity, loss, and the quiet ways we find our way back to each other. This is the heart of my work: honest stories, imperfect journeys, and the belief that belonging is something we create together, one story at a time.

Me standing in my office on what would have been Molly’s 45th birthday, with the two Paint & Whine paintings displayed on my office wall behind me.

Paint & Whine: Friendship, Loss, and the Art We Carry

Ten years ago, I lost one of my best friends to cancer. Before she died, I wrote a memory for her about an evening of paint and wine we shared with our little circle of friends. These three paintings—hers, mine, and Rox’s—still tell the story of who we were, what we carried, and how we loved each other.

Finished 3D paper tower representing a crafting project repaired after a mistake.

How I Fix My Crafting Mistakes (A Warm + Honest Crafting with Chaos Guide)

When I glued the floor of my 3D tower on upside down, I had two choices: scrap the whole thing or fix it with humor and heart. I chose chaos, creativity, and a small paper miracle. This post shares how I fix my crafting mistakes—and why those imperfect moments make handmade art feel so honest and joyful.