I've been captivated by tiny worlds since I was five years old. I could spend hours designing dollhouses, losing track of time.

Years later, after owning a chain of home décor stores, I sold my final business and moved to Ojai with a dream of raising chickens. We built a chicken coop before we unpacked the boxes, carefully choosing breeds that would produce eggs in every imaginable color.  

While searching for chicken coop accessories, inspiration struck: what if I created tiny worlds inside vintage cigar boxes?

What began as whimsical scenes celebrating chickens has grown into a collection of miniature stories inspired by travel, nature, humor, and everyday life. Nearly every Storybox includes one of my signature chickens—though now and then a Frenchie or a little bird makes an appearance.

I call them "Storyboxes" because each one tells a story. I love creating custom designs - whether celebrating a milestone, preserving a memory, or simply bringing a smile, each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted to spark curiosity and joy. 

Today, my Storyboxes are exhibited at art fairs along the California coast and can be found year-round at Ten Women Gallery in Santa Monica, Kathryne Designs in Montecito, and Gallery 113 in Santa Barbara.

 

— Carey Appel

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