Artist Showcae - Jaken Williams

Meet Jaken! She is the masterful artist behind The Marker Maiden. A Missouri native wood and paint artist, you can find her puzzles, wooden play food, and chunky wooden jewelry at Daft Crafts!

Jaken, and her husband, Josh

Jaken is 33 years old, and has been painting wooden cut-outs with paint pens and Sharpies since 2000. Her husband Josh is a carpenter, and they have been working together creating art for many years. They started by making wall art, and together they have made kitchen sets, doll houses, puzzles, play food, and even yard art! He cuts the shapes for her and she paints them with paint pens and Sharpies. They enjoy creating together, and even made the gazebo for their wedding!

Jaken and Josh built and painted this gazebo together for their wedding! ♥

Jaken and Josh have three children, and used their love of art to make them play furniture, wooden food, puzzles, doll houses, and matching games. At holidays and birthdays, the wooden heirloom toys were always a big hit, so Jaken decided to spread her art love even further.

And that's how The Marker Maiden was born. Jaken told me the gifted toys created such a buzz, they decided to build a small business on their whimsical wooden art toys. Jaken draws a lot of inspiration from bright color, funky and vivid designs, and anything that isn't too realistic looking. And that reflects in her fun art toys for children, as well as in her fun wall art!

 The name, The Marker Maiden, is from Jaken's obsession with paint pens and Sharpie markers. She says since she began painting she outlines everything in black paint pen or marker! Jaken's favorite pieces to make are large wall art and paintings, but she also makes smaller things, like chunky wooden necklaces, candy rings, and chalkboard jewelry!

Jaken is very appreciative of her fans, and her opportunity to pursue a creative lifestyle doing what she loves. "I am so grateful to God that I get to use my talents to do what I love and actually make money doing it! I am blessed to have such a talented husband to work with who patiently supports all the new mediums I want to try:-). We love what we do and are grateful that others do to!"

Check out and "Like" The Marker Maiden on Facebook, and follow Jaken on Twitter. Feel free to email Jaken at markermaiden123@gmail.com to place a custom order or outfit your tyke's play kitchen with a stocked pantry!