Janet Best

2024 MSAA Art Showcase Entrants

Previous: Patty Bennett | Next: Karen Bloom

Janet Best – Tumwater, WA

In 1996, I left Sacramento and my job in the insurance industry to explore more creative avenues. I moved to Seattle to take a Desktop Production program at The Art Institute of Seattle (AIS). It was at this time that I developed my creative streak: making cards and writing poetry.

Making cards instantly became my passion. I drew pictures of cards I saw before there were cell phone cameras. I couldn’t afford to buy all the elements to put on cards, like flowers, fancy borders, creative papers, etc., so I began collecting everything. Once, I even collected paper around silverware to use on a card. I cut out pictures from magazines and made flowers out of card stock. My love for paper grew, and I’d write to paper companies for free samples.

As this passion grew, so did my card styles. I started out making collage cards, but now I love my dress cards, pairing them with cowboy attire, wedding attire, and just other fun dress cards.

Me and My Dog

Hanging Around Cowboys

Cowgirl Livin’