Handmade University Crafty Professors
Our Crafty Professors are members of the craft community who have proposed workshops to support other crafters in mastering their craft or growing their business. You can check out the professors bios below and we encourage you to follow them on social media.
| Meet the Professor | Professor Bio | Connect |
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Zella, a proud native of West Philadelphia, has always felt a deep desire to create art using a variety of new, used, and natural materials. She began her career as an education paraprofessional, working for the School District of Philadelphia. In 2016, she faced a series of events that left her struggling with depression. It can be a challenging and isolating experience, but she found a way to work through it; supplementing her knowledge, she attended seminars and classes in technology, business, and arts and crafts. In March 2023, ZGordon Unlimited, LLC was founded as an Arts and Crafts business in Philadelphia. Crafts and arts can play a significant role in our healing journey. They can help us express ourselves, release emotions, and find inner peace and happiness. We believe in sharing the arts and crafts process with others seeking healing and self-discovery. Our workshops offer a safe and supportive environment where attendees can explore different art forms, learn new skills, and connect with others who share similar experiences. | |
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My name is Carlyn and I have been an educator by trade for the last 20 years. I have worked with students of all ages from 5 years old to 75 years old. One of my passions is in event planning which leads me dabble in party decor and gifts. I have been creating handmade things for as long as I can remember and enjoy helping others on their journey of creative creation as well. | Carlyn's Classes |
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Hi I'm Jahmilah, the creator of Jahmilah's Garden, a business that sells flower bouquets made of satin ribbon. I'd love the opportunity to teach a class the basics of making a ribbon flower. While I may not have any official teaching experience I am very passionate about my craft and I'm excited to spread that knowledge to others. |
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Cheryl Skipworth is the creative force behind Cheryl's Crafty Creations. She is a retired school teacher that has been sewing for over 50 years. | |
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Cheri is the owner of the HandmadeU LLC. HandmadeU has a mission to educate and equip handmade crafters. Cheri has been an avid crafter for more than 30 years and has been teaching arts and crafts for more than 20 years. | Connect with us |
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Isalene Johnson Baptiste, owner of Izzily Waisted LLC. We make handmade jewelry, custom crafts, crocheted purses and waist beads. I have been making jewelry and taking classes for a number of years. I am a creative soul who loves working with my hands. |
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I’m Dr. Aja Holden, a luxury wreath designer, creative entrepreneur, and the owner of Diva Design Studio, LLC. With nearly a decade of experience in designing high-quality, handcrafted wreaths, I specialize in helping women create stunning home décor that reflects their personal style. My wreaths are known for their bold, luxe designs, and my passion lies in empowering others to unleash their creativity in a supportive and fun environment. In addition to running my business, I have over 20 years of experience as an educator, where I’ve honed my skills in leading workshops, designing engaging learning experiences, and helping individuals achieve their goals. Teaching comes naturally to me, and I’m thrilled to combine my love of design and teaching in this Wreath & Wine Workshop. Whether you’re new to crafting or a seasoned creator, I’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you leave with a gorgeous wreath and a sense of accomplishment. Let’s sip, create, and celebrate together! |
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Angela Lee started her journey into treat making for her little jujubee's baby shower in 2022 and has been the go to for treats in her circle of family and friends since. Whether we are dipping pretzels, strawberries, apples, rice krispies, oreos, and more, Angela has gotten her techniques down to a science and is ready to share her knowledge with us. |
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| Dawn L. Reid is a passionate entrepreneur and creative designer, known for her unique artwork on paper, stemware, coasters, mugs, and other distinctive creations. Dawn enjoys learning as well as teaching others. Dawn is currently pursuing her degree in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Dawn's creative journey began in her teenage years, as she used reading & writing as her outlets from the traumas she experienced during those times. It wasn't until she took a course in Computer technology that her instructor noticed her gift of writing and creating content. From there she began creating stationary for her personal use, family & friends. Fast-forward many years, during 2018, while caring for her elderly sick father, she had the idea to design a wineglass. After the passing of her father during Covid in 2020, she tapped into her creativity as an outlet to grieve. During this difficult time, Dawn honored her father's wishes and reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. Determined to turn her vision into a reality, she began attending vending events, expanding her product offerings, and pursuing further education in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Today, Dawn continues to create and share her artistic work with the world, driven by the memory of both her parents and brother's encouragement and her own unyielding determination to succeed. Through her designs, Dawn combines creativity with a deep commitment to quality, offering one-of-a-kind products that reflect her personal story and the transformative power of perseverance. | Dawn's Classes | |
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Erin Ormsby is a Philadelphia based artist with experience working on productions across the United States. From a young age, Erin was eager to incorporate creativity in every facet of her life. She started creating short films with homemade practical effects, and once she had access to professional materials, she never looked back. With a focus on special effects, cosmetic makeup, prop fabrication, and wig making, she prides herself on being a well-rounded artist with the ability to adapt to various work environments. Erin has worked on dozens of films, photoshoots, and haunted attraction productions. Her work has been showcased at the Andy Warhol museum, The Tull Family Theater, and The Oaks Theater. She has done commercial work for Sky Elements Drones in Las Vegas, Nevada, film work for the 48 Hour film project in Pittsburgh, and theatrical makeup in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Erin’s inspiration comes from 60’s sci-fi, 80’s camp, and body horror. Erin graduated from Tom Savini’s Special Makeup Effects program with an Associates of Specialized Business in 2023. At graduation she was recognized and awarded with the Tom Savini Certificate of Excellence, the Who’s Who award, and her silicone prosthetic work is displayed in the school museum. Her brand Erin Effex is prided on efficient, professional, and versatile work. | Erin's Classes |