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. |
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. |
Did you ever have a pen pal?
I have such fond memories when I was in my early teens with all the pen pals I had. I even have a few now along with a couple of pen pal subscriptions. I love getting my monthly updates and creative goodies so much that I decided to start my own Pen Pal subscription service. For $12.00 a month, you will get a 3 x 5 handmade card, a personalized letter from me, one of my mixed-media art prints, a handmade tag, stickers, and a few other ephemera items. 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 one of my personal pen pals! |
Creative Sessions
I offer two style of Creative Sessions. My Virtual Creative Chat Session where we spend an hour chatting. We can talk 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 all things art or entrepreneurship. I also offer My Virtual Mixed-Media Session 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. Pick a time, and let's get cozy, create, and play! |
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! |
My Creative Mixed-Media Art
I am finally starting to get my artwork online! Woo Hoo! Each week I add new items to my Etsy shop. You will find a variety of items such as: Art Prints Abstract Art Greeting Style Cards Ephemera Bundles Painted Paper Bundles Canvas Makeup Bags Canvas Book Bags |
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. |
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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