Before I create pieces that hold your stories, it only feels right to share a little of mine.

Every piece I create begins with a story — usually yours. But before I hold someone else’s memories in my hands, I want to share the life that shaped mine. 

I was born in August of 1980 in Columbus, Ohio.
In June of 1981, my mother and I moved to Florida with my grandparents — where most of my childhood memories begin.

One of the earliest moments I remember clearly was my parents’ wedding on Sanibel Island.
A small church. Bright Florida sun. Family gathered close.

My mother looked radiant, my dad handsome in his tux… and I was the flower girl, trying very hard not to get dirty in the sand or climb the trees.

That was childhood for me — sunshine, curiosity, and creativity.

I climbed trees, learned to fish with my grandfather, and caught crabs with my dad and uncles using nothing more than a fish head and a string.

We searched for shark teeth on Venice Beach, flew kites with string wrapped around a wooden mixing spoon for control, and spent weekends jet skiing. 

In August of 1985, I was waiting for something very important — my sister.

I couldn’t wait for her to arrive.
It felt like forever.
I even slept in her crib the entire month before she was born.

She couldn’t get here soon enough for me.

That was love before I even knew what to call it.

And I loved making things.

Rock tumblers. Growing crystals. Light-Brites. Play-Doh creations.
I could spend hours getting lost in the process of creating something from nothing.

Even as a child, I was always making things for the people around me — beads, tie-dye, puff paint… anything I could get my hands on.

But there was one frustration: I couldn’t draw or paint.

That changed the day I discovered stencils and fabric paint.

One Christmas, I made sweaters for the grandmothers covered in the footprints of the people who loved them most.
Every stencil was cut by hand. Every footprint painted carefully. It took weeks.

And it was worth every second.

That feeling stayed with me.

In 1999, I married my husband.
In 2000, we welcomed our first son — and my creativity deepened even further. Gifts became more meaningful. More intentional. More personal.

Then in 2019, something unexpected happened.

I walked into Joann Fabrics for supplies… and left with something much bigger.

A contest entry I almost threw away.
A first-place win.
A gift card.
And a curiosity that changed everything.

I discovered Cricut.

At first, it felt overwhelming — tutorials, tools, new techniques. But I kept learning. I fell down the rabbit hole willingly.

That’s how tumblers entered my life.

I started experimenting. Learning graphic design. Teaching myself Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Inkscape. Watching tutorials. Testing ideas. Trying again.

I wasn’t chasing a business.

I was chasing the ability to finally create what I saw in my mind… and bring it to life.

And then something shifted.

These weren’t just crafts anymore.

They became stories.
Memories.
Pieces of people’s lives.

And then… music found its way in.

As I kept creating, something unexpected happened.

I realized I could put words to the feelings behind what I was making.

It began with songs about my own life — my family, the people I love, the moments that stay with you long after they pass.

But just like the tumblers, it didn’t stop there.

I began writing music inspired by the emotions behind each Heart Gift.

A journey.
A relationship.
A memory.
A moment that deserved to be held onto.

Sometimes the feeling wanted more than color and texture.
Sometimes it wanted sound.

And those songs became another way to honor the person behind the piece.

I am a mother of five boys, and our home is beautifully chaotic — frogs (not a fan), fishing, muddy shoes, laughter, and curiosity everywhere.

They help with tumblers, pick colors, shake spray paint, and sometimes act as camera crew.

My husband works behind the scenes — building tools, maintaining equipment, and supporting every wild idea I dream up.

This is truly a family creation.

Every piece I make is touched by that love.

Every tumbler, gift, or design begins with someone’s story — and I pour my heart into bringing it to life.

I don’t create to sell products.

I create to connect.
To honor memories.
To celebrate love.
To hold onto moments that matter.

Your stories have touched my heart… and Heart Gift Creations was born from that connection.

Warm regards,

Brigitte Fagan

Founder. Heart Gift Creations