Barb Warnell
Nichole Lawhon
Introducing our second member spotlight of 2026, Barb Warnell. Throughout the year we will be focusing on SBR Paper Crafters members to share how paper crafting is important to them.
Prior to moving from Winter Park, Colo., to SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) in 2016, Barb looked at seven active adult communities. She wintered in SaddleBrooke and then wintered in SaddleBrooke Ranch and made the best decision to relocate here.
She had been enjoying paper crafting since about 2006 so when she arrived in SBR she was happy to learn there was a group of paper crafters here. It was a small loosely organized group that met in the Hacienda Club once a week.
Each of the members brought their own tools and supplies to the meetings. The unofficial leaders were Cheri Utsler and Chris Nunamaker, assisted by Betty Pearce and Carol Smith. They would occasionally conduct a class, which was so beneficial to members.
Finally in 2019 they had a home when the new Creative Arts & Technology Center opened. Robson provided space for the club to meet and some tools and supplies to get them started. Even then they were a loosely organized group of friends who loved creating with paper. They became an official club about four years later, with a board as well as revenue from dues collection. The club grew with advertising in the Roundup as well as Facebook and continues to grow more and more today.
Barb enjoys working with and learning from the other members. She also likes teaching others new skills. She has enjoyed seeing members conduct classes, workshops, demos, and discussions—there’s so much to learn! Every member pitches in to keep our display window looking good and to act as monitors so cards can be sold. Everyone who attends studio time has someone to look up to and learn from during that time. She says her favorite project is “usually the one I’m working on.” Since she only makes cards, she likes to learn new fun folds and decorations.
Come and visit the Paper Crafters studio in the Creative Arts & Technology Center on Mondays from 1 to 8 p.m. and see what Barb is talking about! Create projects for yourself and have fun with members.