Our Story

Mitten Masterpiece was born from a deep love of art, Michigan’s timeless beauty, and the quiet joy of slowing down with a paintbrush in hand.

During the whirlwind of my PhD program, I discovered paint by numbers as a way to unwind, a creative ritual that brought calm and focus when my program felt overwhelming. Each painting became more than just a hobby; it was a reminder to pause, breathe, and create something beautiful, one color at a time.

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 called Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Brighton, and East Lansing home as well, 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 profound appreciation for the landscapes and landmarks that make the Mitten State unforgettable.

Mitten Masterpiece is also a family business. I own and run it together with my son, Gavin. From the very beginning, I wanted this venture to be more than just about art — it’s also a way for Gavin to learn firsthand about entrepreneurship, from supply chain and marketing to customer service and fulfillment. As a professor in the full-time MBA program at Michigan State University, I’m passionate about bringing real-world business lessons to life, and this company gives Gavin the chance to gain those experiences early on — while also creating his own path to earn money and contribute to something meaningful. For Gavin, this isn’t just a side project; it’s a step toward his preferred career path of becoming a business owner and entrepreneur.

Today, I’m honored to share this love for Michigan through Mitten Masterpiece. Our premium paint-by-number kits are designed to celebrate Michigan’s beauty and to offer a soothing, creative escape. Every detail, from the carefully selected canvas to the curated color palettes, is crafted to elevate your painting experience.

At its heart, Mitten Masterpiece is about more than creating art. It’s about celebrating the place we call home, savoring the creative process, and finding beauty in the present moment.

With Love,

Bobbie Rathjens & Gavin Rathjens
Owners of Mitten Masterpiece