craftraven

My Mom and I have visited around two dozen quilt shops this summer. It has been delightful meeting so many new, creative people. No two of whom look at a piece of fabric and think of using it for the same project. Immersing yourself in so many creative environments with diverse ideas, you cannot help but feel inspired.

I have, what some might consider, a problem of too many markers. In contrast, I believe this is an issue of inadequate storage for an amount of markers.

As a woman in a world without standardized sizing, I think about fast fashion quite a lot. I have no interest in fashion other than wanting to be comfortable and have appropriately sized pockets. My wardrobe consists almost exclusively of t-shirts and jean pants. So why, with such low standards for my clothing, do I think about fast fashion so much?

Ten or fifteen years ago, I consciously decided to stop saving “the good stuff” for special occasions. We got rid of our Wal-Mart-bought plates and began using my great-grandmother's tableware, which I inherited. We started using the “guest towels” in our everyday lives. We sold our flatware and used great-grandma’s silver instead.

PSA #1. I am not a seamstress, and # 2. This is not a tutorial. I have just enough knowledge about sewing to get into mischief. For some reason, things always work out in the end. Perhaps it’s because I don’t mind the imperfections and am just pleased to have finished. Either way, it all started with a pair of thrifted jeans.

A very good friend of mine pointed out that I have been remiss in not sharing one of the highlights of my journey of seeking joy and spreading kindness over the last few years: Organizing a group litter pick up.

For years, I have been buying digital copies of books 1) to save space on our overly crowded bookshelves, 2) to save money in our never-overflowing bank account, and 3) to save the world. Then, in 2025, some digital book sellers decided to remove our limited “ownership” of the material. So what’s the alternative?

Perfection can be boring and sterile; sometimes, it can feel like the artistic equivalent of everything is a shade of beige. Imperfect art, on the other hand? That’s where the magic lives.

Anxiety has become a common struggle for many people. Adult coloring books are an unexpected yet effective tool in this quest for calm.

Different genres of music can elicit a range of responses—they can help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and even alleviate depression.

This DIY spring garland will brighten your space and bust some of your crafting stash.

The Mister and I needed a day out, and, as spontaneity sometimes does, it took us five hours away from home.

Sometimes, the littlest, silliest things can bring exponential joy.