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Doreen Dilger is an accomplished mixed media artist, author, and creative entrepreneur based in Watertown, CT. Her innovative work captures storytelling through a variety of mediums, including mixed media and junk journaling. Inspired by her travels, her passion for nature, and the joyful moments spent with her grandchildren, Doreen expertly blends paint, collages, vintage papers, and photographs to create captivating pieces.
As a retired certified business coach and past owner of the Women Empowering Women organization, Doreen is now embracing an exciting new journey. She is dedicated to being more present and prioritizing her creative time. This new chapter also includes her new business, The Cozy and Charming Traveler, where she shares her passion for travel and creatively captures those unforgettable memories. Discover Doreen’s work on Instagram @doreendilger. Be sure to look out for her monthly giveaways on Instagram and YouTube. All it takes is a follow and a brief comment. |
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YES! I finally got my merchandise in a local store.
It has been a long time coming, but I have finally gotten my merchandise into Crystal Teal Co., 80 Water Street, Torrington, CT. Please note that most of the things I have placed in her store are items that I generally have during my craft fair. You will not find a lot of these items for sale on my website. Why, you may ask, because I want my website to display more of the items that I create. Items such as my art prints, tags, junk journals, and ephemera. Even the monthly packet I make for my Snail Mail Community. There are a few more stores I am in talks with now, but for this moment, I am in one location, and it feels freaking amazing! So what type of items will you find? My canvas bags, my canvas pencil/makeup bags, key chains, altered sketch books, stamps, pens, matches, postcards, lipstick cases, junk journals, and of course my art prints. I am one of many vendors she has in her store. If you are looking for a unique gift, then you need to stop in and see all the goodies. Plus, you will be supporting small businesses. |
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So, what's the concept behind The Cozy & Charming Traveler?
For one, it's my business's legal name. Still, it's my concept where I share my journey of infusing my love of journaling, photography, and storytelling with my travels, all while embracing a cozy and charming approach to life. My husband and I are traveling a lot more these days, and I wanted to infuse my love of journaling, photography, and storytelling with my travels. Nowadays, taking photos with your iPhone is so easy, but somebody can easily forget all those pictures and what made that day so precious. On this new path, I've made it a priority to slow down, reflect, and be fully present, dedicating time to my creative pursuits. I include journaling, crafting mixed-media art, playing in my art journal, painting with my grandkids, and creating tags or junk journals. It's all part of the cozy and charming approach to life, a departure from the hurried pace of modern living. I've longed to share my creative soul and life experiences in a meaningful way, and that's why I chose The Cozy & Charming Traveler as my business name and next venture. |
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Do you like getting happy mail?
The kind of mail that you look forward to opening. Perhaps getting your cup of tea or coffee and looking forward to opening mail that will make you happy. If you love collecting ephemera for your junk journal or planner, then you will love getting my monthly happy mail. I love getting happy mail so much that I decided to start my snail mail subscription service. For $12.00 a month, you will get a personalized letter from me, a handmade tag, stickers, and an ephemera sheet that I have designed for the month. Plus, I add a few surprise goodies! Each month will always include different items, and some might correspond with the holiday or celebration that month. I would love it if you became part of my snail mail community! |
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Creative Sessions
I offer three styles of Creative Sessions - Virtual Creative Chat Session, where we spend an hour chatting. We can talk about all things art, discuss your goals, brainstorm your top 10, or have a look behind the scenes. It's your session, and we can chat about all things art or entrepreneurship. I also offer Virtual Mixed-Media Sessions where we will spend an hour creating, exploring, and playing. I will send you my list of fun and straightforward supplies to gather or items you may already own. I will also send you a few pages of my mixed media downloads for you to use and experiment with. The last creative session I offer is my virtual Junk Journal session. I will send you a packet of ephemera before our meeting, and we will spend an hour playing and exploring. Pick a time, and let's get cozy, create, and play! |
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Collaborations
If you’re seeking a mixed-media artist for a workshop at your next retreat or event, or if you would like me to be a guest on your podcast, please don’t hesitate to reach out. As a Connecticut-based author and mixed-media artist with a background in business coaching, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurship, I have plenty of stories to share! I also have over twenty years of experience organizing various events and workshops. After taking a brief break, I am excited to announce that I will be launching new workshops and retreats for 2026! |
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Events
I am back doing monthly events! The first Friday of each month, I will be doing a small workshop at Crystal Teal Co., 80 Water Street in Torrington, CT, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Classes are $40.00 and include all the supplies you need. |
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Yes, I am an Author.
I have so-authored several books, I have authored a business book and a children's book. I am currently working on next book which is a creative art inspired book. 2026 is going to be explosive for me and I can't wait. Stay tuned! PS. My business or children's book is not available for sale at this time. I only sell my children's book at local craft fairs. |
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Let's talk about my She Shed.
While I'm fortunate to have a dedicated art space, I don't confine my creativity to it. In truth, most of my crafting happens at my kitchen table, or even from the comfort of my bed. I've found inspiration in the most unexpected places, from my grandkids' sports activities to vacation spots. My she shed has been where I could retreat alone and play for hours, especially when my husband is home. In recent years, he has been working hard often, so he is not home as much, so I can craft from my kitchen table. Plus, it makes it easier when my grandkids come over to have them sit with me and craft, too. They love my craft space. You don't need a dedicated room or a mountain of supplies to start crafting. In fact, I'm currently in the process of downsizing my collection, and it's a manageable task. A suitcase, a canvas bag, or even the bottom of a dresser drawer can hold your favorite items. When inspiration strikes or if you have a daily crafting habit, simply take out a few things and enjoy your time. I manage to find at least 20 minutes a day for crafting, and it's always worth it. If you are interested in seeing what my shed looks like, here are some photos, or if you want to see the entire tour, check out my YouTube video. |
Contact info
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