About Sam

Meet Sam: Artist, Maker, and Joy-Spreader

Creativity runs in my family. My father was a commercial artist and leatherworker, and my grandfather and great-grandmother ran an upholstery school. Everyone had their craft and a “just-for-the-love-of-it” art form, and I was lucky enough to learn from them all.

By age five, I was upholstering furniture with my grandfather. At six, I apprenticed under my dad painting auction signs. By eighteen, I had already written dozens of original recipes—and today, I have enough to fill a cookbook. That blend of hands-on skill and imagination has shaped everything I do.

I fell in love with jewelry making, eventually becoming a master wire sculptor and exploring silversmithing and lampworking (turns out, I really love fire). After my husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis in 2005, I paused my creative work to care for our family. My father encouraged me to return to art—but when I lost him in 2011, jewelry lost its sparkle.

His words stuck with me: “Never let your art die with you—teach what you know.” So in 2012, I opened a handmade gift shop and started teaching classes. I discovered a deep love for teaching and sharing the joy of creativity.

Since then, I’ve taught everything from painting and floral design to calligraphy, crochet, cake decorating, and more. In 2020, I became a certified Bob Ross instructor—an experience that renewed my passion for painting and helped me grow in ways I never expected.

In 2016, I began using art to give back, hosting paint party fundraisers for schools, nonprofits, and community causes. Two years later, I founded the High Class Hookers of New Carlisle—a group of compassionate crocheters making hats, scarves, mats, and stuffed animals for the homeless and those in need.

Art has been my refuge, my celebration, and my way of connecting. Now, I help others find that same joy. Whether you're brand new or looking to grow, come create with me—you just might surprise yourself.

My Creative Kids - “The Next Generation of Makers”

I often get asked if my kids are creative too.  Creativity definitely runs in the family!

My daughter, Kaite, is the artist behind Kylie & Me—a handmade brand for stylish pups and their people. She designs her own fabrics, sews custom accessories, and even illustrates coloring books. She's also a talented painter and jewelry maker with a passion for all things creative.  And most recently, she added the title of Mom to her list of accomplishments—which means I’m now a very proud Grandma!

My son, Nick, has a great eye for painting, drawing, and photography—even if art isn't his focus. One of my most cherished gifts is a painting he made for me, a beautiful reminder of our shared creative spark.

Art connects us in different ways, and I couldn’t be prouder of the creative hearts my kids have.