Fun Stuff !
I like to think of myself as a “jack of all trades and master of… some!” There is nothing I love more than learning, experimenting, and diving into new ideas, which means I’ve picked up a wide collection of hobbies and passion projects along the way.
This “Fun Stuff” page is where all my experimental, imperfect, just-for-the-joy-of-it creations get to live. They may not be portfolio-polished, but they’ve brought me so much happiness. So, please, go ahead and explore this little corner of creative chaos!
Handmade Mixed Media Animation
Dec, 2024
What a fun project this was! I’m a huge fan of traditional, hand-drawn animation, and I’ve always wanted to bring my art and stories into a more dynamic 2D medium. I tried going digital, but software gets expensive, the learning curves get steep, and I just wanted to make. A “Making of Coraline” documentary reminded me that I could create something beautiful, meaningful, and genuinely fun with the tools already on my desk. So I grabbed my supplies, sketched a quick storyboard, fired up my printer, and got to work. Here’s what I have so far - more coming soon!
My Graduation Cake (woohoo!)
May, 2023
I interpret any celebration as an excuse to make a new bake! For my high school graduation, I treated my family and friends to this delicious hummingbird cake (a Jamaican banana cake - no actual birds involved, I promise) topped with vanilla cream cheese buttercream and dried pineapple “flowers.” As with most things in my life, the Great British Bake Off was a major source of inspiration. Up next… college grad cake!
Archery
Since age… 8ish?
When I was 12, I had to make the tough choice between joining a Junior National Archery team or to joining the 12-1s team at my volleyball club. I ended up pursuing volleyball (which I suppose worked out in the end), but that didn't stop my dad and I from setting up a mini archery range in our yard (see top image). I still love archery and love our reputation as the "crazy hobby house" when the neighbors see us practicing through the fence.
Clone Trooper Helmet
December, 2011
When a young, diehard Star Wars fan can't find a satisfactory Clone Trooper costume… she just has to make one! This became my most-worn Halloween costume by far, centered around a custom-built Clone Trooper helmet that my dad and I designed and constructed together. The helmet was built from a kid’s bike helmet base, high-quality cardboard for structure, tinted plexiglass for the visor, and finished with acrylic and spray paint. I’ve never felt cooler than I did on those trick-or-treating nights!
Ted in the Ocean Painting
Spring, 2025
We found several old paint-by-number kits at my house and I couldn't let any fun, pastel, acryllics go to waste! This is a painting of my dog Teddy (aka Ted aka Scrappy Jenkins) playing in the ocean near home. It is created entirely with paint-by-numbers supplies that were repurposed for this new project!
Ted in the Ocean Painting
Spring, 2025
We found several old paint-by-number kits at my house and I couldn't let any fun, pastel, acryllics go to waste! This is a painting of my dog Teddy (aka Ted aka Scrappy Jenkins) playing in the ocean near home. It is created entirely with paint-by-numbers supplies that were repurposed for this new project!
Wawona Valley Doodles
Dec, 2023
Every Christmas, the one thing I ask for is a mini family hiking trip! In 2023 we took a road trip up to Wawona Valley, CA (right near Yosemite National Park). It was THE BEST time - lots of nature, hiking, incredible views, coziness, and art. Here are a couple doodles from trip!
Holiday iPhone Cases
Every month!
How do I kick off each month? With a brand-new themed phone case design, of course. It started as a tiny creative indulgence and somehow turned into one of my favorite personal traditions. With a student-athlete schedule that rarely leaves room for “just-for-fun” projects, this little ritual has become my built-in excuse to pause, unwind, and make something that exists for no reason other than it makes me smile.
