About Jenn, Creative Chick

Hello, I’m Jenn.

I’m a designer, creative instructor, and artist.

As a creative instructor, I love to show people new and clever ideas to use when designing their cards and projects. I have a flair for the “artsy-fartsy” without going over the top. I design my projects in a way that inspires but doesn’t intimidate me. I am always eager to share my creative passions with others, encourage their artistic growth here at shurkus.com, and in classes I offer.

As a designer, I enjoy creating on my Mac or getting paint under my nails while playing at my studio table. They both fulfill my desire to truly be creative every day. I have a love for typography and I’m a bit obsessive about letterforms. I bring a mix of uber techy and back-to-basics to my creative endeavors.

A true creative chick. You will quickly learn that I love summer and flip-flops, hate winter and the cold. I have an unhealthy obsession with teal. I live 5 minutes from the ocean on Cape Cod, and believe that the cure for anything is saltwater and sea breezes. I spend the summer months as a part-time mermaid.

I have been an artist since I was little, creating wooden rainbows and selling them at my “shop” located in my driveway, or doodling posters for my bedroom wall. Papercrafting became a part of my life when I graduated from college, working at my first job as a marketer, designer, and special projects manager in a little gift shop in New Hampshire. Located in the store was a small rubberstamping section and it was suggested to me that I should teach a beginner stamping class – and the rest is history!

I have been papercrafting for 20+ years, and have played multiple roles in the papercraft industry as an independent store manager, designer, and teacher.

Before the pandemic I was traveling and teaching in-person classes 25 weekends a year. We all needed to pivot during the pandemic, and that is when I finally had time to figure out the best way to offer online classes. Now, thanks to technology, my classes are available worldwide and whatever day and time that works for you!
I grew up in New Hampshire and was there until after college when the ocean started calling my name. I have lived on Cape Cod for 17+ years, and I share my life with my handsome kitties, Mister Harley, Gus and Jac, oh yea, and my boyfriend Chris who is pretty much the best thing ever.