From Crafting to Teaching: How I Found My Passion in Sharing Creativity
Crafting has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been my way to heal, connect, and bring joy to those around me. Growing up, I was lucky to be surrounded by creativity. My mom was always making something special—whether it was sewing clothes, weaving placemats on her yarn loom, crafting jewelry with friendly plastic, or making candy apples with us kids. Our home was always buzzing with craft projects, and I was right there in the middle of it all, soaking it up like a sponge.
As a kid, I wasn’t one to talk much, but crafting was where I found my voice. I spent countless hours making beaded jewelry and those lanyard keychains we all loved back in the day. Crafting was my escape, my way to express myself, and my little corner of peace. Over time, those simple projects grew into scrapbooking, DIY home decor, and so much more. But for me, the real magic didn’t happen until I started teaching others. There’s nothing like seeing the look on someone’s face when they realize, “Hey, I made that!” That’s what keeps me going.
Finding Joy in Teaching
One of my favorite moments as a craft instructor was after a Body Butter workshop. A student came up to me after class and said, “I’ve taken one of your workshops before, and I was so excited to be back today.” She told me how inspired she felt by what I taught, and I swear, I was blushing the whole time! But beyond the compliments, it was a powerful reminder that how we treat people and the care we put into teaching really matters. It sticks with them, even if they don’t say it right away.
Another memorable experience was hosting a glass etching workshop. I hadn’t done one in a while, but it came as a special request, and I couldn’t resist. Glass etching is one of those crafts that’s easy to start but just as easy to mess up if you’re not patient. One of my students loved her finished piece so much that she asked for extra supplies because she planned to go home and etch everything she could get her hands on! Moments like these remind me why I love teaching—it’s not just about the project; it’s about the spark it ignites in others.
Crafting a Community
Teaching isn’t just about showing someone how to make something; it’s about empowering them to go beyond what they thought they could do. That’s a value I’ve held close since my days working in education. My background in higher education was all about helping people grow, and teaching craft classes lets me continue that mission in a hands-on, personal way. It’s the same passion that led me to open HandmadeU Studio, where I now collaborate with local craft experts to offer classes as diverse as our incredible community.
Join the Movement: Share What You Love
There’s something incredibly special about teaching others to create with their hands. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your crafting skills, I say go for it! You don’t need to be perfect; all you need is passion, patience, and a desire to connect. Teaching isn’t just about passing on skills; it’s about building a creative community where everyone feels seen and heard. By stepping up to teach, you’re not just sharing your talents—you’re helping others find joy, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment in making something uniquely their own.
Whether you’re into knitting, painting, scrapbooking, or something totally different, your skills are valuable, and your voice matters. Let’s keep inspiring, connecting, and crafting together. There’s a whole world of makers out there just waiting to learn from you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make something amazing together!