My crafting started when I was a child. The whole family got involved, even Dad. On Saturday, Mom cut up potatoes and we would carve them to print note cards. Or, we’d print on butcher paper to make our own, custom-made wrapping paper.

With Mom’s talent, we won every single Halloween costume contest at Halloween. One year my sister and I went as Snoopy and Kermit the Frog. Mom sewed the costumes and got creative by using ping-pong balls for Kermit’s eyes. Erin as Snoopy, with floppy black ears and black makeup on her nose, charmed every adult within 100 miles.

For the boys, Dad got out the glue and toothpicks (or popsicle sticks in summer) and they built medieval castles for their little green G.I. Joes. Life in the Spencer house was always creative and fun.

These days I am still crafting with my mom. And, on Fridays I get together with the Girls for craft day complete with Champagne and chocolate. My professional life as a designer and artist is enriched by my love of crafting, and every day is filled with creativity and delight.

What’s in a Name?

26 Letters started in a journal.

As with every creative thing I do, I start by writing. I keep a journal and update it everyday. From those musings have come great ideas. My first novel came out of my journaling, and all my designs start with the written word. So it goes, that my company is named 26 Letters.

My creative space is a 1963 Airstream Safari Trailer. It is tucked into my lush and blooming garden where I am inspired by the this Mid-century Modern space and the nature that surrounds me.

I am influenced deeply by the diverse natural and urban environments in which I’ve lived. Exploring the remote northern woodlands as a child has instilled a respect for our natural world, while living in urban environments has fueled my fascination of human invention. Now, I am blessed by the ubiquitous sunlight of the Sonoran desert and marvel at the rich texture of shade and shadow it creates. My work observes nature in its simplest forms, often juxtaposing it against human-made objects to show the relationship we have with nature and how it influences us.

Naturally, my ideas come from what I see. Flora, fauna, and the lines and forms of the 50s and 60s are a part of my world. I love kitchy little things, bicycles, orange and light blue, birds and flowers, gardening and cooking, baking, music of all kinds, and  inventive jewelry. Most of all I love the sunny days here in Phoenix, where the colors are always bright and cheery.

Join me as I journey through this creative life. And, if you want in, just knock…the door’s always open.

Email Me, I’d love to hear from you!