About
Elizabeth Light and Dark is the place I share crafts, laser crafting tutorials, SVG files, sublimation files, and my explorations incorporating artificial intelligence into DIY projects.
Admittedly, Elizabeth Light and Dark is a slightly quirky name for a crafting blog. What can I say, I had just watched the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice and was feeling a bit romantic and old-timey. I decided to roll with it and, fingers crossed, the name is a happy mistake that conveys some of the whimsy and integrity I hope we can share.
Meet Taya
I’m lucky that I grew up in an inventive and crafty family. My first job at the age of 12 was writing craft articles for national publications. After graduating I worked as an art and craft educator for a private school and later, for a state park. I left that to pursue a graduate degree, where I continued teaching at universities as an adjunct professor, though in a different field. During my Ph.D. studies I discovered laser cutting, laser engraving, programing, and AI in craft creation with some more technical friends.
After a few years, my family’s needs necessitated that I leave my job to care for loved ones. I started this site to reconnect with my creativity and with other people who love to create. Besides making things I enjoy watching both good and truly terrible movies with my husband and my nephews as well as gardening, drinking coffee, and watching birds in the beautiful California weather.
I am all-in on anything that brings more sunshine into my life. I hope my projects help spread a little fun and joy into your life too! Joy from when you make handmade gifts for family and friends, joy from learning a new crafting skill, joy from making money from hobbies you enjoy, joy from creating a beautiful functional home you love, and joy from connecting with new crafty friends.