A Milwaukee-Made Small Business of Powerful Women
Our passion is dreaming up and creating art, decor and home goods that:
are inspired by the character of the raw materials and our love for MKE/WI/the Midwest
incorporate mixed media and three-dimensional lasercut art in the construction process
and result in beautiful, functional pieces to use in your home, gift to someone special, or to bring joy to your space through handmade, unique decor.
Established by Ellen Albertson in 2011, Makery Maven Co. (formerly Paper Pleasers) specializes in all things custom and handmade; from lasercut wall art, to home goods, personalized gifts and more! We’re experts. or mavens you may say, in all things handmade and gift related. We believe in repurposing and recycling whatever supplies we can and truly love the creative process that comes with one-of-a-kind designs. Ellen has paired her analytical, math minded left-brain with her creative, artistic right-brain to build a business over the last 10 years. Without any formal art schooling, she’s a self-taught designer which she’s applied to vector art design for lasercutting and even broader product design. Her interest in creating with her hands to make functional and unique things for her own home shines through in all her work. Working with like-minded, women-makers has only multiplied the levels of ingenuity, sharpened their skillset and broadened their range of handmade goods.
Ellen Albertson
Owner & Creative Director / Chief Laser Operator
I officially began my business as Paper Pleasers in 2011. My friends and family began referring me to do their wedding stationery and everything in between. They knew my experience in managing multiple projects and creative ingenuity was something unique, and saw the passion and heart I put into my own making and gift giving. My work slowly expanded from paper to incorporate wood products and lasercut art, hence the name change to Makery Maven Co. After years of using a shared laser cutting machine, I now have one in my basement/second office. This has opened the doors for wider production, quick customization and turnaround for custom projects and the ability to test and try my new ideas on a whim. This work keeps my hands busy, my mind creative and my heart happy.
Others describe me as: a bit-of-a macgyver, ambitious, a math nerd, easygoing and having a better-together attitude
Abby Jensen
Maker / Project Manager / Designer
Abby is a Milwaukee native with a deep love for this city. She earned her degree in graphic design and enjoys many forms of making art. As a person of many talents and a can-do character, she plays a big part in all facets of what we do and make. You may find her creating beautiful pieces, stocking local shops and managing wholesale order production, or representing us at a local show.
Michelle Sevilla
Production Artist
As an artist and graduate from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Michelle has a meticulous eye for production detail. She started as an intern with Ellen during the invitation making days in the basement of their first house. Since then, Michelle married and started a family and enjoys making with Makery Maven as a side gig so she can be home with her family. It’s a win win!
Nicole Gahl
Production Artist
When she’s not spending time with her two children and husband, Nicole shares her talents and time creating with Makery Maven. She has done just about everything, from making wall art, managing orders, and shipping custom and wholesale orders to being our right hand at shows on occasion - she can do it all! We appreciate her detail and diligence.
Angella Thiel
Production Artist
Angella’s not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom, to two beautiful daughters, and she’s a nurse in the cardiac ICU at Children’s Hospital, so we’re all in good hands with her! Angella brings wit and willingness to about anything that pops up - pinch hitting on production during extra busy times and keeping consistent production going on our Love Where You Live Mini Wall Art, one of our classic best sellers!
Abby Burmeister
Collaborative Partner / ABCraftery
As a mother and handi-woman, Abby is the brains and hands behind beautiful hardwood charcuterie boards, custom address signs, and the many beautiful and repurposed wood slat style boards for our lasercut art. Her attention to detail is impeccable and her woodworking skills are impressive. She proves to be an amazing partner on many custom wood projects.