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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 art 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. 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 items I have listed in her store are ones I generally carry at my craft fairs. 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 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, canvas pencil/makeup bags, key chains, altered sketchbooks, stamps, pens, matches, postcards, lipstick cases, junk journals, and, of course, my artwork. I am one of many vendors she has in her store. If you are looking for a unique gift, stop in to see all the goodies. Additionally, 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: sharing my journey of infusing my love of journaling, photography, and storytelling with my travels, all while embracing a cozy, charming approach to life. My husband and I are traveling more frequently these days, and I want to integrate my love of journaling, photography, and storytelling into my travels. Nowadays, taking photos with your iPhone is so easy, but people can easily forget those photos 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, charming approach to life, a departure from the hurried pace of modern life. 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?
I do. But this mail is a little different. I like to send personalized mail, not reproduced. The kind of mail that you look forward to opening. Imagine grabbing your favorite cup of tea or coffee and looking forward to opening your personalized snail mail, which includes an Artist Trading Card, a personalized note, and ephemera made by me. If you love collecting ephemera for your junk journal, planner, or altered book, then you will love getting my monthly happy mail. I love getting happy mail, but I've found that much of the mail sent is either scraps or reproduced artwork. I wanted to do something different. I wanted to make it personal, fun, and inspire you to play. Each month will always include a personalized note, a one-of-a-kind Artist Trading Card, prompts to inspire you, and ideas to keep it fun. I would love it if you joined my snail mail community! Click the button below to go to my payment page, which provides a little more information about what you will receive. Happy Journaling! |
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Creative Chat Sessions
A Creative Chat Session is a paid one-hour session with me. It is an amazing way to connect, get inspired, and ask questions. Or it can be a time to talk about art, your creative business, journaling, or a look behind the scenes. It really is up to you. An affordable way to connect, receive, and create. 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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Monthly Junk Journal Club
A Junk Journal is an altered book (using a planner, journal, notebook, or an old book) that you transform into a journal. Your journal can be used for many different things, such as a traveler's notebook, a monthly to-do list, a quote book, memory-keeping, holiday-inspired, and on and on. Each month, I am holding a three-hour class for you to come learn and play. I will provide shared materials that you can use, and you will also walk away with a packet and a 30-day prompt for continued play. Only $15 - space is limited |
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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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