about

d e s i g n . t e a c h . s h a r e

Denise is the owner and creative force behind el&em.
She is a writer, designer, artist and instructor.
Here is a little bio...

a bit about me..

I am a junk loving, rust picking, mixed-media artist & designer.

I dabble in all things vintage & artsy...
antiques are my roots,
writing & education my professional studies,
  mixed media arts, design & DIY, my lifelong career & passion...
perpetually juggling it all to create the perfect mix that feeds my artful soul.

I fill my days:
 ...fluffing, designing, curating and
filling my shop- el&em with vintagey art, love & DIY goodness!

I'm a freelance designer for the awesome art supply company- Graphic 45.
As their Special Projects Designer,
 I create a variety of mixed media projects, upcycles & art for
retail stores, special events, workshops and social media. 

I'm also a DIY media projects designer for Offray...crafting blog and advertising projects incorporating their beautiful ribbons.

And...I'm a design team member for Craft Warehouse,
creating art on the fly!

I share & teach my mixed media art designs in workshops offered at el&em.

I also teach workshops on paint technique, DIY paint projects & home decor pieces, as well as private or in-home coaching. 

I've been painting and refurbishing furniture and upcycling found items for over 20 years.
I truly LOVE sharing my experience, knowledge and passion for
reusing and renewing with fellow rehabbers.

When not designing, teaching or playing in the shop, I love junking! 

I love to travel, 

scour and junk whenever I get the chance,

hunting for vintage, retro and all things rusty or industrial.

a good day junking

Lastly, when I can be, 

I'm a total HOMEBODY!

I love spending time in my home nesting,
gardening and hanging out with my two

furry loves...Lucy and Lily.

 lucy loo

lily bee

Thanks so much for stopping by my website and
taking the time to learn a little about me.

Please take a moment to leave me a quick note
 and click the "follow me" button so we can keep in touch!!

Wishing you a crafty, creative and awesome DIY day!!

XO
Denise

Resumé:

Owner and Curator- el&em

Project Designer for Offray

Special Projects Designer for
Graphic 45

National Education Director for
EK Success Brands- Clifton, NJ

Designer/Teacher for 
HIA/CHA- Anaheim, CA.

Designer/Teacher for 
ACCI/CHA-Chicago, IL.

Instructor for 
Midwest Scrapbook Conventions, Minneapolis, MN

ZIG Workshop Instructor
Redditch, Worcestershire, England, UK.

Instructor
Memory Trends Tradeshows, Las Vegas, NV.

Guest Instructor for 
Memory Lane Scrapbooks- Longmont, CO

Guest Instructor for 
Recollections Stores, TX.

Instructor/Education Program Director for
JoAnn Stores

Instructor for 
Great American Scrapbook Conventions, TX, VA

Instructor for 
Hobby Lobby Stores, FL, NJ

Instructor for
The Scrapbook Expo- CA, OH, WA, OR, 



Project Designer and Presenter for 
QVC Sales, West Chester, PA.

Designer/Instructor for Scrapfest
Mall of America, Twin Cities, MN.

Teacher and Designer for
The Scrapbook Store- Raleigh Hills, OR.

Teacher and Designer for 
Scrapbook Connection- Vancouver, WA.

Teacher and Designer for
Treasured Memories- Vancouver, WA.

Teacher and Designer for
Scrapadoodle- Bend, OR.

Store Owner and CEO for-
Arts & Scraps, Vancouver, WA.

Vintage Refurbishing and Sales at 
Uncovered Ruby, Battle Ground, WA.

Vintage Refurbishing and Sales at 
Union Block Antiques, Newberg, OR.

Teacher and Designer for 
Arts & Scraps, Vancouver, WA.  

Exhibitor at
Junk Salvation Shows

Exhibitor at
A Vintage Gathering Shows & Events

Vintage Refurbishing and Sales at 
Camas Antiques, Camas,  WA.




Owner, Designer and Teacher for
Art Soiree, Battle Ground, WA.

Vintage Refurbishing and Sales at
Rusty Glamour, Battle Ground, WA.

Social Media Specialist for 
Rusty Glamour, Battle Ground, WA.

Design Team Member for  Craft Warehouse 

Design Team Member for

Graphic 45

comments and reviews:

here's what the gals are saying....

....your workshops are by far the most enjoyable, fun & out of the box creative, Denise! I love the way you incorporate everyday household items into our projects & you just have a marvelous eclectic flair that just appeals to me! Honestly, I haven't found the need to search out other avenues to satisfy my craving since you seem to continually amaze me! I feel the pricing is fair considering what's included and the amount of time we spend. I look forward to our classes and it's so nice to see the same ladies again & again. Lisa's cupcakes are wonderful and who can argue about all the giggles and laughter!
You're the icing on my cupcake!
Hugs!
- Leslie Ching
Salmon Creek, WA.

....I just attended this workshop with Art Soiree, pure heaven. Creativity, food and such neat people. Denise is such a good instructor (even with us "slower" folks). She was patient and accommodating through it all. 
I travel from the Coast to attend so I don't get there as often as I would like, but everytime I do, it is totally well worth my trip. Thank you again for another inspiring, relaxing, FUN weekend. (I can't wait to present the book to my hubs, he's going to love it!)
-Lisa Bellamy
via Junque Soiree blog comments

I feel like Denise's classes are more social and relaxed. She creates a calm, fun environment. And I like the idea of supporting a small business.

What I like the most & why I take classes is because Denise comes up with some INSANE CRAZY INTRICATE and BEAUTIFUL things that just blow my mind and I'm always eager for new ideas!

-Lexi Abston
Vancouver, WA.


.....the only crops I have done are ones I put on as a CM consultant. Your classes are by far the best! Denise you are so "out of the box" creative, I could never accomplish what you teach us on my own. What I like best is using everyday items, ie: file folders, manila envelopes, buttons, not just the usual "scrapbooking" items. As for the prices they are great for all we learn and get. I take these classes for several reasons; new techniques, socializing, cupcakes!!! Lots of good memories, "long legged Brads" has to be a fav for me. Silliness, music, clear gaffer tape, cupcakes...my FAV time of the week is Sat at Arts & Scraps. Denise and Lisa you are amazing women! 
-Donna Eisinger
Vancouver, WA.

....Denise you are so innovative and crazy talented!!  You inspire me every time I take a class. I just can't wait to come back for more after each class. Please keep teaching and inspiring. Ps, your altered book classes are my favorite.
-Jennifer LaMond
Portland, OR. 

...I love you guys! I wish I could attend more and would love to see something during the day/week - while my daughter is in school (I know not everyone can come during the day). As you know I teach scrapbooking for EK Success @ Michael's and run the crops there but I always recommend your store to all my students. I love Lisa and your passion, friendship and creativity- and of course the cupcakes! Your store is unique and your knowledge far surpasses any corporate giant, I.e., Michael's & Joann's - while associates are some what friendly they don't have a personal commitment or any interest in helping their customers. I've been an instructor/employee/customer at both stores and none of them know me or give me second thought when I'm in/or out of their stores. You guys make me feel special and I always enjoy your company. My favorite projects are the spinner classes and I feel you get your money's worth on any project/kit you create!

-Teresa Frankenstien
Vancouver, WA.

....I have taken a lot of classes over the years, but my favorite ones have been at Arts & Scraps.

I think the biggest difference between your classes and classes that I have taken other places is you always make everyone feel like they can do the things that you are teaching. You never make anyone feel stupid or incapable of being able to learn something new. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.

My favorite things about your classes is that they are always orginal and I always learn new techniques that make me a better scrapper.

I think the prices for classes at Arts & Scraps are very reasonable and comparable to other classes I've taken. I always feel like I get a lot of product for my money.

I take workshops because I like completing a project in one sitting and I like learning new techinques that I wouldn't learn left to my own devices. I also like being in the company of fun people when I scrap and you always find that at A&S.

I plan to continue to take classes as long as you have them. I also like the idea that I can get kits of the classes you give if I can't attend.

I think your store is the best and you have a wonderful woman working with you that I just happen to love lots!

-Janet Milholin
Camas, WA.

...Arts and Scraps never ceases to amaze me at what's new for scrapbooking. This store always seems to be on the cutting edge for scrapbooking. I find new and trendy papers, tags, and emblishments here. Prices are a bit high, but comparable to other specialized scrapbooking stores. What I like best about Arts and Scraps is their uniqueness of items. The atmosphere is relaxing and employees are helpful.
-Kathy R.
via google