Somerset Place

We're so excited to welcome guest contributor Anna Griffin, Founder & CEO of Anna Griffin, Inc. to Somerset Place. Today, she will be sharing her simple tips to get your creative juices flowing!

March is National Craft Month, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate the joy of making something with your own two hands. But have you ever looked at a beautiful quilt, scrapbook, or card, and thought to yourself “I could never do that?” If so, I want you to ignore that little voice in your head. Knowing where to start might seem intimidating, but the truth is, creating is for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into crafting altogether.

For me, it all started with a deep love for timeless craftsmanship. In 1994, I created Anna Griffin, Inc. as a small stationery company that quickly grew into a full-fledged crafting brand. Over the years, my goal stayed the same: to join creativity with community. I love helping others find their creative spark. That’s why education is at the heart of everything we do. Through our interactive crafting shows on AGTV, I’ve been lucky enough to help thousands of people bring their creative ideas to life, all through the magic of making.

So, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about getting started, know that you’re not alone. No matter where you are in your crafting journey, here are a few tips to help you find joy in the process:

KIM COLLISTER⎟ SOMERSET STUDIO SPRING 2021

1. Start Small

You don’t need a craft room filled to the brim with high-end supplies to make something beautiful. Some of the most meaningful projects start with just the basics. So, try:

• Making a greeting card for a loved one using leftover wrapping paper, fabric scraps, or magazine clippings.
• Breathing new life into everyday objects. What about turning unused mason jars into decorative organizers or repurposing old buttons into a one-of-a-kind magnet for your fridge?
• Starting with a quick, easy project to boost your confidence. Whenever my creativity hits a wall, I like to reach for one of our Simply Card Making Kits to get my hands moving without overthinking it.

MARIE AGUIAR KOSIK⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2024

2. Find Your Joy

Crafting should be an escape, not another thing on your to-do list. Lean into what truly excites you:

• Love playing with bold colors and patterns? Try card making, watercolor painting, or quilting.
• Enjoy hands-on projects? Experiment with clay, embroidery, or woodcraft.
• Drawn to nostalgia? Scrapbooking, journaling, or DIY home décor might be the perfect creative outlet for you.

If something feels frustrating, don’t force it. Instead, try something else! Creativity should feel like a treat, not a task.

SUSAN MORAWSKI⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2024

3. Progress Over Perfection

The beauty of something handmade is in its imperfections. Crafting isn’t about getting everything just right. It’s about embracing the process, flaws and all.

• Turn mistakes into happy accidents. A smudge of paint or an uneven line just adds more charm to your project.
• Learn as you go. I like to take advantage of the resources at my fingertips and use tutorials from creators on social media to help me master a new skill.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The crafting community is full of people who are more than happy to share their tips with one another.

Remember, every expert started as a beginner.

KIRISTA TRASK⎟ IN HER STUDIO SPRING 2021

4. Craft for the Everyday Moments

You don’t need a special occasion as an excuse to make something beautiful. Crafting is an easy way to slow down and add a little creativity to your daily life.

• Send a "just because" card to a friend instead of waiting for their birthday.
• Add a personal touch to your space. Frame a fabric swatch from your favorite project or use handmade paper flowers to brighten up a corner in your home.
• Set aside time for a "crafting moment" each week. Just 30 minutes of creativity can do wonders for the soul.

KAT SCHMOYER⎟ MINGLE WINTER 2019

5. Find Your People

Some of my favorite memories are of crafting with my community. Every year, we host an annual crafting event, CREATE, that brings more than 2,300 people together from all over the country for a full weekend of creativity. Here are a few ways you can make crafting a shared experience:

• Look for a crafting group in your area. Try using social media to find local meetups, or even virtual ones like CREATE.
• Host your own craft night and invite friends and family over for a casual evening of creativity.
• Many local craft stores offer hands-on classes where you can learn new skills and meet like-minded crafters.

Creativity isn’t about having all of the supplies or perfecting every technique. It’s about the joy of making something that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re starting with just a single sheet of paper or diving into a brand-new craft, there’s no right or wrong way to create. So, go for it!

 

Explore more ways to spark your creativity in our magazines.

 

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