This is the hardest part of the book to write. I’m incredibly excited, scared, and joyful, yet writing this with a face of bittersweet tears. I want to thank God, who put the vision of Lovebird Heartworks together! What began as painting live during rock concerts has morphed into a platform that I’m now able to share not only crafting, but also love—it’s what started all of this. I’m beyond grateful for both of my parents, Paul and Marianne, who always fostered my creativity and exploration into new artistic mediums. My dad, the best Papa ever, still encourages me to this day. Even right now, telling me that the way he sees it, “This is God’s book and (I am) the instrument for all the readers to access their passion and creativity!” Thank you, Daddy. I sure do wish I could share this book with my mama, she passed away in 2012 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She never got to see me live the life she had hoped and prayed for, a life where I get to teach and create, but I know she knows, and I get little nods every now and then when I feel her presence. Love your show, Mama, always!

My two brothers and I were so blessed by our parents, and all grew up to be differently creative. My younger brother, Michael, is an amazing musician and has such a unique sound and perspective on the world—always has! Thank you for always having my back and being so encouraging when it comes to living out this dream, love you Bubs! My older brother, Patrick, was an incredible photographer and had a beautiful way of seeing the world in a way that others just don’t. He passed unexpectedly in 2020 due to diabetic complications. I remember the last conversation we had just days before he passed, he was telling me he was so proud of what I was creating, not just artistically, but also the family I was creating. I miss his wisdom and peanut gallery comments more than I can say. Hold fast, Patches!

This book would be an unrealized dream if it weren’t for my husband, Steve. Thank you for stepping up and holding down the fort—all the while encouraging me and creating a space for me to be able to flow creatively at all hours of the day and night. Thank you for believing in me, I love you, Stevie! Steve gave me my first Cricut and kickstarted this whole technically creative side of me that I never knew was even a possibility! I can only hope that my two children, Elbee and Carver, know how much I appreciate their love notes of encouragement and how much joy they bring me. You two keep me going—I pray that you follow your dreams and aren’t afraid to put it all out there and show up authentically with your whole hearts!

To all my family and friends—your support and encouragement mean more than I can express! Thank you for understanding and still loving me while I fell off the face of the planet and crafted like a tornado to create this book. Speaking of, to Kelly Reed and the team at Rocky Nook, thank you! Thank you for inviting me to create and share this book and making this entire experience a reality!

Thank you to the friends I’ve haven’t met face to face (yet) but have become so close with over the years on social media as we share our creative projects, inspirations, and support for one another in this crafting community!

When I was little I always wanted to “be an art teacher.” Well, this is my version of that—and it wouldn’t be possible without YOU! Thank you, I love you!