About Me


My name is Chrystel and I have Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. Seriously, I jump from one creative outlet to another, never focusing on one discipline long enough to become accomplished. Mostly I enjoy the process. My heart beats a little faster and my mind starts to whirl when I see a new craft product or technique.  I can have dozens of projects in the works at any given time.

Feeling my craft projects were inferior, I kept them underground in my basement studio. The studio came to be in 2005 when my husband and I bought our craftsman style house with a walkout basement. Immediately I set about turning it into a craft studio.   In 2010 I became the caretaker for my father. My crafting came to a halt and the studio became a storage area for his things. My dad passed away in 2012. The same year I became a Gold Star Mom. My husband, aka Handy Randy, updated my studio for which I am extremely grateful as it has provided me with a place of solace. 

In 2013, a new studio opened in our city’s art district. Ephemera Paducah caters to the everyday artist. That’s me! I happened to know the proprietor and was able to snag a part time job in her studio. I came above ground to work for Kristin as an everyday artist. I like to think other crafters feel pretty good about their abilities when they are in a class with me. But the bottom line for me is it is more about the process than the project.


When Handy Randy retired in 2015, we hit the road in a not quite vintage RV and began traveling around the country. I take my 1953 Singer Featherweight and a couple containers of supplies as well as my drawing material so I can create on the road. When not traveling, I spend many hours in the underground painting, staining, stenciling, sewing, making cards and experimenting with polymer clay and resin.  If you are interested in our travels, you can follow us at Living Richly in Retirement blog.

5 comments:

  1. Your are AWESOME! -bonita

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  2. Chrystel,

    I don't know how else to contact you, but I wanted to let you know that I served with your son in the 400th Missile Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY. We were not regular crew partners, but I was lucky enough to go on a few alerts with Darin. He gave me some great advice that helped lead me to the career I have now. I went and visited his grave in Arlington today and took some pictures. I just wanted to let you know I remember him fondly, and I am so sorry for your loss.

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  3. Cool! I seem to have a bit of AADD too! But I will be organizing and paring down this year. Unlike you, I can't have too many projects on the go, it stresses me out and then I have more neurological problems. However, I do have many different types of crafts! I look forward to seeing more of your mindfulness!

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    1. Good luck with your re-organization. Thanks for stopping by; I will take a look at your blog.

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