ABOUT
Studio Milan
Meet the heart behind it all, Dee Dee
Vintage curator, forager, and lifelong creator, Dee Dee is the heart behind Studio Milan. With a deep love for timeworn antiques, well-loved books, and the stories they carry, she believes creativity connects us to both the past and to one another.
Rooted in nature’s rhythms and inspired by forgotten beauty, Dee Dee crafts with intention and invites others to do the same. Studio Milan is an extension of her world — warm, soulful, and filled with meaningful experiences designed to bring people together.
DISCOVER STUDIO MILAN
Studio Milan is a creative maker’s space where I host hands-on workshops designed for people to unwind and create. From candle making and tea blending to painting and seasonal projects, each class is approachable and engaging, with a focus on creating an experience—not just a craft workshop—something anyone can enjoy, with no experience needed. Studio Milan opened in 2020.
I’ve always wanted the freedom to “taste” different creative outlets and figure out what actually resonates, and Studio Milan was built around that same idea—giving other people a space to explore without having to fully commit. That philosophy carries into the variety of classes I offer, spanning different mediums and techniques depending on what I’m inspired by at the time.
A lot of my work leans into natural elements. I’m not big on plastic, so I try to keep projects as eco-friendly as possible. As an avid forager, I love incorporating driftwood, dried flowers, herbs, and other natural materials into the projects I offer.
A little time… a lot of magic. No half finished projects around here.
Most of my workshops are designed to be completed in about two hours, so people can walk away with a finished project. It gives them access to all the tools and materials, lets them try something new and decide if it’s something they want to dive deeper into on their own. I make it a point to provide high-quality supplies and ingredients, so the experience feels elevated and the finished product is something they’re proud to take home.
At its core, Studio Milan is about giving people the freedom to try something new, make a little bit of a mess, and leave with something they created themselves.
I also recently purchased a 1960 Shasta vintage trailer that I’ll be using for shows and local events. It will serve as a mobile extension of Studio Milan, allowing me to offer pop-up classes and bring creative experiences out into the community in a new and exciting way.
More than a studio…
Rooted in community, crafted for connection
slow down, create, and reconnect—with themselves and with others.
It’s a space to step away from the pace of everyday life, work with your hands, and experience something that feels both creative and restorative.
For many, it becomes a form of self-care—time set aside to unwind, reset, and make something meaningful
That same intention extends beyond the studio and into the community. We really want Orland to thrive, and giving back is something I care deeply about. As a 4th Street Merchant, I’m always looking for ways to collaborate with neighboring businesses and bring energy to our downtown.
I’ve also served on the Chamber board for four years, including as board president, and currently serve as Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission for the City of Orland. I’ve helped bring the farmers market and events like Cowboy Christmas to life, and have collaborated with the 4th Street Merchants on larger events like the Honey and Hot Rods Car Show and the Hometown Harvest Faire.
At the core, it’s all connected—creating spaces, experiences, and opportunities that feel welcoming, creative, and rooted in community
Rooted in Creativity
Studio Milan exists to inspire creativity through hands-on experiences made with intention—encouraging exploration, self-expression, and a deeper connection to the process of making.
The Dream
My long-term vision for Studio Milan is to grow into a full creative hub where creativity is happening all day, throughout the week. A space that brings together different artists, teachers, and mediums—offering a wide range of hands-on experiences for the community.
I want it to be a place where people can come to learn, create, and be inspired, whether they’re trying something new for the first time or deepening a craft they already love. A space that feels welcoming, abundant, and always evolving.
I would also love to host annual art shows, as well as sustainable fashion and upcycle shows—events created by the community, for the community. Opportunities for people to showcase their work, share their creativity, and be part of something bigger.
FOLLOW ALONG
See what we’re making, where we’re popping up next, and how our community is crafting joy every week.
Follow Studio Milan on Facebook and Instagram for class drops, pop-up dates, and behind-the-scenes magic.
