During the whirlwind of my PhD program, I discovered paint-by-numbers as a way to slow down and clear my mind. Sitting down with a canvas and brush became a creative ritual that helped restore focus when life felt overwhelming. One color at a time, a painting would emerge — and with it, a sense of calm that reminded me why creative work matters.

My connection to Michigan runs deep. I raised my family in Charlevoix—the beautiful lakeside town known for its iconic drawbridge—and spent time living in Harbor Springs while serving as director of marketing at The Highlands ski and golf resort. I’ve also called Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Brighton, and East Lansing home, and with family roots in the Upper Peninsula, I’ve made countless trips to Michigan’s most rugged and breathtaking places. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the landscapes, shoreline towns, and iconic landmarks that make the Mitten State so special.

Mitten Masterpiece is also very much a family business. I run the company together with my son, Gavin. When people visit our website, they sometimes imagine a larger studio or production team behind the scenes — but the truth is, we are the team. We design the artwork, mix the paints, print the canvases, assemble the kits, and carefully package each order ourselves. Every paint-by-number kit that arrives at your door has quite literally passed through our hands.

My work as a professor — including time teaching at Michigan State University — has always centered on entrepreneurship and bringing real-world business ideas to life. Building Mitten Masterpiece together allows Gavin to experience that firsthand, from product development and supply chains to marketing and customer service. For him, this isn’t just helping with a family business; it’s an early step toward his own goal of becoming a business owner and entrepreneur.

Today, Mitten Masterpiece exists to celebrate the beauty of Michigan while offering people a relaxing and meaningful creative experience. Our premium paint-by-number kits are designed to help you slow down, reconnect with creativity, and create something you’ll be proud to display.

At its heart, Mitten Masterpiece isn’t just about painting.

It’s about the joy of the process — and the satisfaction of finishing with a true masterpiece.

With Love,

Bobbie Rathjens & Gavin Rathjens
Owners of Mitten Masterpiece