The Crafter's Box Podcast

Create embroidery art on a larger scale as we craft modern customizable felt pennants. Lauren Holton, the fiber artist behind Lark Rising Studios, shows us how to layer geometric botanical shapes with high-quality wool felt and attach them to cotton twill using two simple embroidery stitches.   Lauren's thoughtfully curated kit contains everything needed to create three custom felt pennants. The luscious felt is a Merino wool blend with a soft feel and incredible color retention. Durable and pliable, the felt is Made in the USA and ideal for this project. To correspond with the rich hues of the felt, there are thirteen matching embroidery threads along with size 5 embroidery needles. To play with felt shapes, color, and layers, Lauren has included traceable templates that can be modified and customized.

Create handmade resin floral coasters and trays that are both elegant and functional. Join Christie Lothrop, the artist and green thumb behind MadPotters, as she shares her honed techniques for mixing and pouring epoxy resin into silicone molds while creating depth with layers of botanicals. To further customize your projects, Christie shows us how to add metallic flakes, alcohol inks, and mica powder into the mold. The kit includes everything needed to make personalized circular coasters, square coasters, and an oval tray—plus safety supplies to protect both you and your workspace. Christie has also included several additional decorative elements to make the dried botanicals pop. Adding metallic flakes brings sparkle to the project, mica powder creates a translucent or milky shimmer, and alcohol inks combine to make a marbled appearance. The heat gun will help to create a clear result in our cured resin. The possibilities for these resin projects are endless. Besides botanicals, try adding photos or trinkets to preserve these memories for a lifetime.

Unwind with circular weaving as we create stunning wall hangings and explore the techniques and materials to find our individual creative passion. In this workshop, Jacqueline Do, creator of Along the Loom woven wall art and Social Media Manager for The Crafter's Box, shares her love of the craft as she demonstrates the fundamentals of warping a circular frame along with several techniques for creating texture using merino wool roving. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/jacqueline-do-circular-weaving-with-wool-roving/

Discover how gratifying hand sewing can be as we slow things down and explore two very special quilting workshops. Amanda Carye, the designer and writer behind Broadcloth Studio, shares her passion for this meditative craft as she walks us through each step of the quilt making process. With 25 years of quilting experience, Amanda surprisingly didn't own a sewing machine until about four years ago. “The lack of a sewing machine was quite an education!” she says. “Working at a slower speed and spending time with each piece drove home the mechanics of patchwork and would be my personal recommendation to anyone just taking up sewing.”   In these workshops, Amanda walks us through every aspect of quilting. Amanda's curated kits include everything needed to quilt in your favorite Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton colorway. Years of experience and testing have informed her materials selection so that students can continue to make well into the future. She's chosen the best tools to elevate our sewing, making the process enjoyable and clean. The seam guide and marking tool ensure precise seam allowances and markings, while the magnetic pin cushion and leather thimble make hand sewing more comfortable and convenient.   Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/amanda-carye-hand-sewn-patchwork/

For all knitters, from beginner to advanced, it's time to embrace slow living through our craft as we create a cozy beanie and mitt set with luxurious custom eco-friendly yarn. In this workshop, Jewell Washington, the entrepreneurial designer of Northknits, walks us through a set of weekend projects as she shares her tips for joyful knitting.  With three balls of our Lusso cashmere blend yarn, bamboo circular needles, locking stitch markers, tape measure, and tapestry needle, each kit contains everything needed to knit a matching beanie and mitt set in the color of your choice.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/jewell-washington-cashmere-knit-beanie-and-mittens/

Use the warmth of your own hands to roll elegant beeswax candles. This cozy craft doesn't involve any melting or hot wax, making it a quick and family-friendly activity. Liz Wagner is the Creative Director of The Crafter's Box, and her love and expertise of the craft shines through as she shares a wide range of candle shapes, sizes, and embellishments to make with our kit.  In this workshop, Liz teaches us how to handle the beeswax sheets, make our cuts, and pick the best wick size for each candle. The possibilities are seemingly endless as we learn to make tapered, fluted, pillar, beehive, and decorative floating candles. By combining different colors and playing with cut shapes, we can further customize our designs. “Beeswax is one of my favorite materials to interact with, on a sensory level and on a creative level,” says Liz. Since the Middle Ages when it was introduced, beeswax has been a preferred choice for candles. This natural byproduct of honey production has a bright and warm burn with a pleasant smell. Liz has selected the ideal wicking to pair with our beeswax, ensuring the flame will burn beautifully. After cutting and rolling our candles, they're ready to be gifted or lit immediately.

Stitching is a meditative, slow craft tradition that embraces the thoughtful work of our hands as we turn textiles into art. Pour a cup of tea, settle into a cozy chair, and join us for a deeper look at the rhythmic stitching of appliqué with expert sewist Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and The School of Making. Founded as a preservation of the living art of textile making, The School of Making considers quality, sustainability, and location for each and every material they source—their focus is on the intersection of fashion, craft, and DIY. Natalie shares, “I've come to believe that craft, making, and creative endeavors toward producing sustainable products will create an enduring future for our community.”  The heart of this workshop is found in the art of stitching. In this workshop, we'll explore specialized reverse appliqué and negative reverse appliqué techniques by starting first with essential sewing concepts in preparing our thread, keeping our stitches neat and structured, and building a strong sewing foundation. Through reverse appliqué, we ‘reveal' the stunning stenciled designs that The School of Making is most known for.  Our completed swatch is the perfect size for embellishing journals, pillows, and tote bags. Next, explore appliqué with quilting or even garment construction--consider adding accent beads or embellishments for an even greater challenge.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/natalie-chanin-hand-stitched-applique/

In this special episode of The Crafter's Box Podcast, we sit down with the talented Lindsey Campbell of Hello Hydrangea to discuss three incredible workshops Lindsey has prepared with us for release. Frame Weaving, released in October 2021, Strohsterne, released in November 2021 and Premium Tablet Weaving, to be released in mid-November 2021 are each unique and intricate techniques that will expand a maker's library of skills.  Frame Weaving is one of the oldest artisan techniques in the world, dating back to ancient times. In her workshop, Lindsey guides us through a specialized technique that weaves yarn in floating patterns on a fixed frame. The wooden frame provides structure to weaving elements that would otherwise not be able to stand on their own, creating an intricate and colorful décor piece that's ready to hang in your home.  Strohsterne is the art of creating straw stars using natural wheat stalks and cotton thread. In her workshop, Lindsey teaches us how to make six different star patterns in varying sizes, shapes, and techniques. “These dainty celestial projects are often used in Germany, Sweden and other Scandinavian countries,” shares Lindsey. In traditional stories, the straw stars are connected to the star of Bethlehem, shining in the night during Christ's birth. Additionally, straw was readily available and affordable for people, making Strohsterne ornaments a deeply important part of German and other northern European Christmas traditions. Tablet weaving, also called card weaving, is one of the oldest weaving practices. It is a type of band weave, which has been found in different parts of the world since the Bronze Age. The yarn is threaded through a series of cards, and as they turn, a pattern is woven into a thin band. You can use the end project as a belt, hat band, curtain tie, shoelaces, bracelet bag strap, pretty much anything.  Join us for this special deep dive into all three beautiful and unique techniques.  Learn more: Frame Weaving & Strohsterne. Stay tuned for Tablet Weaving.

Explore the art of custom soy candle making. This workshop immerses students in the cozy craft of personalized scent blending and candle pouring as you learn the technique essentials with husband-and-wife team, Melissa and Chad Burgess. They share their expertise and passion in their workshop, teaching us how to choose the best pairings of materials and scents to make exquisite and aromatic poured soy candles.  We begin with an overview of fragrance, learning how to identify top, middle, and bottom notes. Chad and Melissa walk us through each step of candle making, from choosing your vessel and wick size, to preparing and pouring your wax, all the way through to completing and curing your candle. For those interested in fragrance blending, they share tips on getting started and exploring your preferred scent combinations. Not only will we learn the step-by-step process of creating candles by making them together, Melissa and Chad also set you up for future success by examining the intricacies of fragrances, wick sizing, and scent blending—and how to pair them all together in the best vessel. Once you complete this workshop, you will have the skills to fill any vessel suitable for a candle with your own creative scent blends. Yes, you'll be making gorgeous candles, but you'll also be treating yourself to creative therapy. Melissa developed a passion for candle-making after receiving a DIY kit in 2015, and it quickly became a therapeutic outlet for her. The act of creating will soothe the soul, and the candle itself will add a sense of calmness and joy to your home each time you light the wick.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/craft-and-foster-poured-soy-candles/

In this premium workshop we are exploring the art of wood carving, handcrafting artisan serveware that will become staples in our kitchen and home. Motoko Smith, of Leo in the Woods, inspires, educates and shares with us her thoughtful practice in design and woodworking. Following her techniques, we'll create a knife, coffee scoop, large spatula, and kuksa out of a rich cherry wood. This rewarding and immersive workshop allows us to take a wooden blank and, with time and diligence in our craft, create custom home goods that we will enjoy for a lifetime.  Along with learning the fundamentals of woodworking and wood carving techniques, Motoko shares her expert tips derived from years of experience and countless hours of work. By the end of this workshop, Motoko will leave us feeling confident in our new skills, ready to experiment with future wood carving projects on our own.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-08-pw-featured-maker

Using handmade objects in the home can bring joy to mundane activities and a handcrafted broom is no exception. Sweeping suddenly becomes enjoyable and lifts the spirit. In her workshop, Alyssa guides us through the art of broom making to craft a Naked Turkey Wing Hand Whisk. Despite it's quirky name, this broom is an elegant addition to the home that's beautiful enough to put on display and practical for everyday use.  The workshop begins by exploring the materials for this craft including broomcorn and cording, a dowel to use as a foot brake, and a few household tools you'll want to gather ahead of time to set up your workspace. Alyssa guides us through a few preliminary design decisions that affect the style and shape of our brooms and how they'll look once they're hanging on the wall.  Working with natural shapes, textures, and colors is a soothing and restorative process. Join us as we learn to embrace this century's old art form while adding our own modern twist to the design. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-09-w-featured-maker

Fabric weaving is a textile technique using strips of fabric to create unique woven patterns. In this workshop, under Mister Domestic's expert guidance, we're exploring three different custom fabric weaving patterns to build a beautiful raw linen lumbar pillow for the home. In this workshop, Mathew shares an overview of building a raw edge linen two-axis weave. Once your skills are mastered, explore two additional intermediate weaving patterns for wall hangings, placemats, table runners, quilts and pillows. You can use different axes to create interest and dimension in every unique textile piece and explore your very own patterns as you get the hang of weaving with pins on a table top. We invite you to add additional fabric bundles for more making, each bundle includes enough fabric for multiple pillows or even a lap quilt. This workshop presents a totally unique take on weaving as we're working 'off the loom' and embracing textiles over fiber. Join us for an immersive workshop in a brand new offering that will inspire continue making all season long Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-08-w-featured-maker/

Welcome to our premium workshop exploring the art of modern cake design, construction and decorating, including learning how to handcraft delicate wafer paper florals. Confectionary artisan Stevi Auble shares with us inspiring, encouraging and thoughtful instruction on everything you need to know to create awe-inspiring edible wafer paper florals in her signature techniques, plus modern cake designs, from the foundational skills of creating a sturdy (and delicious) base, to the how-to of successful stacking and finishing techniques. Your edible wafer paper floral bouquet includes instructions, materials and specialized tools to handcraft—in stunning detail—ranunculus, peonies, cosmos, garden roses, anemones and accompanying leaf embellishments. You have enough of everything to make five of each flower, giving you flexibility to practice and perfect your craft. In addition, Stevi leads us through the process of building a tiered Romantic buttercream cake design from scratch—learn tips for baking, stacking and filling tiers, creating a crumb coat, expertly applying buttercream, and decorating a finished cake with perfection. Stevi introduces a plethora of information to transform makers into seasoned sweet designers. This workshop covers the full spectrum of cake construction and decorating, focusing on handcrafting delicate, edible florals made from wafer paper.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-07-pw-featured-maker

In this workshop, we tap into the most creative and colorful versions of ourselves as we explore how to paint the sky in Stefanie Bales' signature style. We've thoughtfully collaborated with Stefanie of Stefanie Bales Fine Art to bring you expert-led instruction paired with inspiring and empowering creative freedom so you can uncover what's in your own sky. Stefanie walks us through all the steps to create a light-filled acrylic seascape and sky painting. You'll be introduced to Stefanie's favorite tools and materials for making, and you'll explore all of the artistic benefits of working with her curated color palette. Stefanie also allows us to discuss and dive into various brush techniques and tips for organic mark making, as well as thoughtful instruction on working through the process of building out color layers. In the end, you'll have a rich understanding of new painting techniques and a stunning canvas featuring a one-of-kind rendition of a light and cloud filled sky in beautiful pastels. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-07-featured-maker/

In this workshop, we explore the art of painting with style and vibrancy on a custom leather clutch. We've collaborated with artist Kel Cadet-Lyons of R-KI-TEKT in a craft honoring culture, art and design. Together, we've hand-selected a variety of paint brushes and bright, playful hues to create a harmonious dance of colors and patterns. Kel walks you through her step-by-step tutorial while sharing her personal color theory, simultaneously exploring surface treatments and patterns in using an oil-based marker to add contrast and details. Kel encourages you to unearth your power in creativity, drawing inspiration from things in your life that bring you happiness as you test and hone skills using your new collection of tools and materials. Continue your exploration by utilizing found objects in your home as your next painting tool, or by using leftover paints to breathe new life into a favorite leather piece. Ultimately, Kel hopes to help you release any intimidation surrounding customization of this style and walk away with a beautiful leather clutch you'll be proud to carry. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-06-featured-maker/

In her Leather Sandal Making workshop, Rachel Corry of Rachel Sees Snail Shoes will teach us every aspect of the sandal making process. Though the thought of handcrafting your own sandals may feel a bit intimidating at first, Rachel breaks the process into clear, simple and straightforward steps, empowering us to create footwear worth flaunting. In your workshop, Rachel teaches a simple slide style of sandal with an optional slingback.  It’s simple to make any other style of sandal, even one of your own invention, with Rachel’s guidance.  We’ll first go over tools and materials and then get right into checking patterns against our own feet. No matter the sandal design, the making process is the same: patterns, cutting, draping, slots, taping, scratching, gluing, and sanding. Your hard work will pay off, and you will be ecstatic to go out and share your new shoes with the world. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-q2-premium-featured-maker-sandals/

Welcome to our Cross Stitch Workshop with Zoe Frost of Junebug & Darlin. This Cross Stitch Workshop is an excellent creative practice for novice and expert makers alike. Cross-stitching is achieved through using a grid. By working in a pre-gridded fabric, there’s no guessing as to where to put your stitches or what type of stitch will work best. Cross-stitching is a great methodical craft. Zoe Frost of Junebug & Darlin will walk you through each of the curated supplies in your kit. You’ll learn how to read a counted cross stitch pattern, and from there, stitch your way through her speciality design, created just for our community of makers. You’ll also explore technique and skills in how to back your embroidery hoop for a professional finish.  Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-05-featured-maker/

In this workshop we explore the art of handcrafted paper. Join us as we work side-by-side with Rae Samuels to pour, mold, press and dry - follow along with Rae's recipes or customize as you craft. Paper becomes stationery for a letter to a friend, a journaling entry or a backdrop to photo memories. Paper transforms when it becomes a thoughtful gift tag, wrapping paper, a seating card, a menu or an invitation to commemorate an experience.  We use paper to forge connections with others, celebrate and communicate news and milestones such as births and weddings, and to document and share our own stories throughout time. What a wonderful history! Paper has been used for everything from currency to communication. Paper has historically been crafted using a diverse array of materials from around the globe. This workshop takes us step-by-step through the process of making, starting with creating the pulp all the way through adding custom embellishments, and finally, pressing and drying our paper creations for use. Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-04-featured-maker/

In this Premium Workshop led by Natalie Gill of Native Poppy, we explore the elegant + wild art of floral design, assembly and styling. This workshop uses seasonally available dried botanicals to create a wreath that won't wilt, but will stand the test of time and can be enjoyed for many months (if not years, with proper storage) to come. This workshop will continue throughout 2021 with new materials releases each season so you can continue creating beautiful wreaths all year long. In our podcast episode with Natalie, she shares about her journey to becoming a professional maker and floral artisan, as well as tips to styling florals and a preview of what you'll learn when you join our workshop experience. Learn more at https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-q1-premium-featured-maker/

If you’ve ever been curious about how to spin your own yarn for all of your favorite fiber arts, this workshop is what you’ve been waiting for. We are learning how to spin custom yarn from fiber on a drop spindle with incredible fiber artist and pattern designer Lauren McElroy In her own practice, Lauren sources and curates her yarn from fleece to wearable art. In this workshop, Lauren teaches us how to start with top wool and spin it into a beautiful skein of hand-spun yarn. This workshop comes with everything you need; including two wooden drop spindles, combed top wool, cotton leader yarn, spools and wooden dowels. We’ve also lined up the perfect set of add-ons to really take your spinning skills to the next level — like a blending board and niddy noddy (don’t worry, Lauren covers all of these in her digital tutorial). We begin by learning the fundamentals of drop spinning: how to split wool in preparation for spinning, how to draft and park to spin singles, and how to ply and finish the yarn. Combed top wool is the perfect fiber for beginners to learn how to spin on a drop spindle. It’s incredibly accessible and all of the fine fibers are aligned making it much easier to work with and more predictable. By the end, you’ll have a completely custom skein of yarn with the satisfaction of turning raw fiber into a workable thread. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-03-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring Eastern Geometric Drawing & Painting. Fine artist and friend of The Crafter's Box Zahra Ammar leads the way on how to construct two ancient patterns step-by-step: The Breath of the Compassionate and The Geometric Rosette. Once constructed, Zahra then shows how to tesselate, transfer and watercolor these intricate pieces. The result? A beautiful, vibrant and shimmering piece of fine art for the home. In our conversation today, Zahra discusses her love for geometry, the rich cultural history surrounding this art, the significance of the two motifs she chose for this workshop, and much more. Learn More about this workshop: Eastern Geometric Drawing & Painting

In this workshop we are exploring the beautiful and delicate art of embroidery featuring woodland botanicals with artist Katie Martin of Harvest Goods Co. Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or a long-time stitcher, this workshop will elevate your embroidery skills and knowledge through Katie’s comprehensive direction. We’ll learn how to split threads, tie off, correct mistakes (and realize how easy they are to fix!) and how to finish your pieces. In this detailed tutorial, she also covers all of the basic stitches and dives into some more seemingly advanced but totally doable techniques including stem stitching, french knots, whipped back stitching, and even thread painting! By the end, you’ll have a beautifully elegant botanical embroidery full of dimension, movement, and texture. If embroidery is something you’ve always wanted to try but has seemed intimidating to you in the past, this is the workshop for you. Katie talks about some of the stitches that first seemed a bit daunting to her when she started — it took her a few months to work up the courage to try a french knot! Once she realized how profoundly simple each stitch is, her skills and confidence grew and grew, just like yours will. With practice and imagination, you can truly make anything you set out to. Katie set us up for all of the future making by sharing how you can expand on your patterns, the flexibility of the stitches you can incorporate, and how you can truly curate your own designs to match your interests and comfort levels. This workshop is the perfect craft to slow down, disconnect, and focus on the techniques to clear your mind. Enjoy every little different element that goes into this intricate and elegant botanical design Katie has created just for us. Cozy up with your hoop and embroidery threads, a blanket, and cup of something warm — let’s get stitching! Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2021-01-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring the medium of ink through illustrations & silhouettes of magical, mystical forests inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Artist Peggy Dean of The Pigeon Letters shares her skills, techniques and knowledge behind this flexible paint alternative to explore illustrating greenery using her very own line of ethically produced paint brushes. We will explore ink as our medium of focus and all of the unique characteristics ink offers. The ink Peggy chose in this workshop is so opaque it can be applied over colorful watercolor washes as she shows us how to use this technique to create beautiful silhouettes. Together we will explore the tones and hues of deep green while experimenting with the transparency of watercolors. Peggy will teach us how to properly prep our paints and palette wells while utilizing techniques to create detailed trees with white ink over a dark watercolor wash to create an opaque finish. The result? A gorgeous, whimsical forest painting to frame for your home. When finished with your first piece, explore ink in a host of different colors through our add-on kit. Keep creating in a new medium! Learn more: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-holiday-featured-maker/

In this premium workshop, we are learning from artisan Ashley Marie LeBaron as she leads us through the traditional craft of cold process soap making and the significance of using natural, skin-nourishing ingredients your skin needs and deserves. This artisan apothecary workshop will teach you how to work with lye, mix ingredients, use essential oil blends, and mold beautiful soap loaves with the traditional cold process technique. Learn more at: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-q4-premium-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring the intricate art of Himmeli. Artist and designer Samantha Leung introduces her craft with a detailed, digital workshop starting with the fundamentals of geometric pattern design that teaches about the Finnish holiday craft of Himmeli: a brass mobile or hanging craft highlighting the beauty of a delicate, geometric design. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-12-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring the delicate art of hand crafted crepe paper florals. Artist Sandra Gaestel shares her skills, techniques and knowledge behind this medium to build detailed floral arrangements — in this special bundled kit we’re combining everlasting paper palms + delicate garden roses and cosmos. Sandra has curated a toolkit of the materials she uses in her own studio to bring life to her craft. We can’t wait for you to dive in.

Welcome to our workshop where we explore handknit socks with artist Ksenia Naidyon featuring three unique cabled patterns — so all knitters, intermediate to advanced will have a cozy sock pattern that is perfectly comfortable for both their feet and their skill level. While this is an intermediate-level workshop, beginners will be ready for the challenge as we’ve included the materials and guides you need to be able to knit your own cozy socks. Learn more at: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-11-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring macrame — the unique art of tying knots in a series of patterns to create custom designs from cotton rope and string. In this workshop, artist Rachel Breuklander shows us how to take macrame to the next level by focusing on dyed cotton string to embellish and build knotted landscapes using a simple combination of classic macrame knots, such as the lark’s head knot and the square knot. Learn more at: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-10-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring hand block printing and the use of tessellated or tiled patterns. In this workshop, artist Mindy Schumacher introduces her craft with a detailed, digital workshop sharing how to create custom hand block printed silk scarves. With Mindy as our guide, we’ll explore the basics of geometric pattern design by carving and making impressions with a printer’s block made from a rubber stamp-like material. She’ll teach us how to roll fabric ink onto the block with a blend roll gradient technique, creating depth and movement with the colors. The result is a truly unique piece of wearable art — a silk scarf unlike any other featuring your own original prints. Through this experience, you’ll also gain the knowledge and tools to continue experimenting in pattern printmaking.   Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-09-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring hand-poured cement. In this kit, Christie introduces her craft with a detailed, digital workshop in sharing how to create custom planters. Using both a silicone mold (an exclusive design just for this workshop) plus sustainable vessels like recyclables, we'll build new homes for your favorite plants and succulents. Keep creating with Christie's tips on how to continue exploring hand-poured techniques with various molds for future making. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-08-featured-maker/

Welcome to our workshop exploring the fiber art of locker hooking. Using a specialized hook + needle tool and a unique mesh fabric, Lindsey guides us through building wool trivets for the kitchen and dining room from scratch. Let’s start together at step one and then expand to new materials, large scale wall hangings, and even floor rugs.  Locker hooking is a beautiful, durable craft similar in style to traditional rug hooking or punch needle, but with a hidden cord beneath the surface to “lock” all of your loops in place. This style of craft became popular 100 years ago in Great Britain and America where women would use thick wool to create rugs. Modern artists have adapted the craft to use strips of fabric as well. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-07-featured-maker/

Welcome to our premium workshop where we will begin to explore the fundamentals of leatherworking in its raw form with Tyler Axtell. This workshop is designed to inspire making across the board in this beautiful medium. In this project, we'll begin by making a hand-sewn leather messenger bag from the ground up from a cut of hide. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-q2-premium-leathercraftsmanship/

We are exploring the wonderful medium of raw beeswax as we learn to create custom dipped taper candles in this workshop. Hand-dipping tapered candles is an ancient craft that remains unaltered to this day. The rhythmic process of dipping cotton wick into hot wax - slowly building layer upon layer - connects one with both past and current moment. The result is a pair of beautiful beeswax candles for home or gifting.   Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-06-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to modern quilling with artist Zahra Ammar. In this podcast interview, Zahra introduces the art of quilling in her beautiful, modern style - we learn more about her creative background, her inspiration, her artistic journey. Zahra shares her favorite tools and the curation behind her full workshop kit.  Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-05-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to pressed florals with artist Karly Murphy. In this workshop, Karly teaches the foundations of the flower and leaf pressing to capture beautifully dried botanicals. Once an assortment of flowers and leaves have been preserved, Karly shares her tips to creating finished works of art with bundled composition and style. Flower pressing is an age-old art that at its heart can become a memory keeping craft to time capsule important events such as weddings, baby showers and even funerals. Preserve florals from an abundant garden harvest in a new home or press leaves on a favorite family vacation. Pressed florals make lovely framed art or special gifts for family and friends. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-04-featured-maker/

In this episode, we sit down with sashiko artist Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino. Jessica shares about the custom kit she's put together for The Crafter's Box including her in-depth video tutorial and the tools & materials she's curated from her own studio space.  Sashiko is a craft founded in rural Japan. When making precious fabrics from seeds, the art of sashiko was developed to mend, strengthen and reinforce garments for longevity. With a name meaning “little stabs”, this technique creates a design of running stitches through swaths of fabric. As time went on, simple running stitches were developed into more intricate patterns. In this workshop, Jessica teaches the foundations of the sashiko technique - we’ll explore both beginning and advanced pattern and shape making, building out several sashiko samplers and finally a large scale custom pillow project for the home.  Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-03-featured-maker/

We're diving into modern quilt making with artist and expert maker Arianna Caggiano. This premium workshop explores a contemporary style of color blocking with geometric shapes to quilt a modern, gorgeous piece for the home.  Join us as we learn more about Arianna in this latest episode of our podcast. So very excited to welcome her to the show. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-02-premium-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to weaving geometric shapes with artist Erin Barrett. In this workshop, Erin guides us through the creation of one of her iconic designs in a custom colorway curated for this project. Using color blocking and a geometric composition, we’ll be weaving together a beautiful handmade wall hanging for the home. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-02-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to Tunisian crochet with artist Toni Lipsey. This workshop dives into a unique technique to crochet a beautiful two-tone shawl complete with fringe and a lace-like seam.  Tunisian crochet is a hybrid of knitting and standard crochet, the technique utilizes a long crochet hook joined with a lengthy tube to hold one’s work in progress (in a similar fashion to knitting in the round). The result is a unique stitch unlike those of a typical crochet chain or knitted stitches. Join us as we meet Toni to learn about her story and passions for fiber-based crafts. We can't wait to dive in! Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2020-01-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to naturally dyed ribbon with artist Chrysteen Borja of @WaverlyKnots. This workshop dives into a variety of specialty and unusual dyes, as well as unique substrates for dyeing with Chrysteen's expert guidance. The four natural dyes featured in this workshop include logwood, wattle, cochineal (extract from a tiny bug found in the Southwest), and Himalayan rhubarb. You’ll find skeins of recycled silk sari and silk chiffon, along with pieces of our favorite linen blend and a cotton velvet. The combination of textile variations and dyes included creates a stunning range of colors from soft pastels to moody mauves. Explore deep purples, soft yellows, vibrant pinks and neutral tones. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-12-featured-maker/

Let's explore tapestry weaving on a custom, oversized floor frame loom under the guidance of weaver Erin Barrett. This workshop teaches a variety of weaving techniques allowing you to build and completely customize a tapestry unique to you. Explore color through placement, blocking, and various combinations to hand make a large wall piece for your home or a friend.  Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-q4-premium-featured-maker/

This month's workshop is an introduction to wood burning with artist Rachel Strauss. We are exploring the wonderful art of pyrography through the careful instruction of a maker with years of creative experience behind a pyrography soldering iron. This workshop guides how to use an advanced temperature-controlled tool to burn on substrates such as wood, leather and cork. We are so excited to have you join us with this project as we dive into exploring wood burning. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-11-featured-maker/  

Welcome to an introduction to basket weaving with artist Anne Weil of Flax & Twine. Anne is an expert maker of all things fiber and has developed a love for working with natural materials. Using a clean and simple design style, Anne crafts pieces for home, for play, for gifts and for fun. We are introducing multiple basket weaving techniques and a variety of natural materials to explore, explore, explore.  This podcast dives further in Anne's artistic journey from her transition from investment banking to blogger, crafter, and maker of all things fiber art.  Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-10-featured-maker/

Welcome to an introduction to watercolor and gouache with artist Sarah Simon. Finding inspiration in the ever-blooming variety of textures and colors in her urban garden of the Pacific Northwest, Sarah creates lush watercolor paintings in a unique, artistic style that has captured an international following.  This podcast dives further in Sarah's artistic journey and the origination of The Mint Gardener.  Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-09-featured-maker/

Let's explore stained glass art. Lauren Earl is a stained glass artist designing unique, hand-crafted glass pieces that are both decorative and functional. In this premium workshop, Lauren breaks down how to work with glass from start to finish making this gorgeous, traditional art approachable and accessible. Lauren brings a modern edge to her medium - often combining colored glass with alternative metals, mirrored pieces and architectural designs to create simple and stunningly creative glass art. This episode explores the traditions and techniques that Lauren has adapted into her stained glass art. From materials to processes, we're ready to dive in! Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-2-premium-featured-maker/

We sat down with Alli Koch to discuss her creative past, her passion for iconic floral design, and overcoming a perfectionist nature. After graduating college Alli began making art for herself, then selling to her family, and quickly realized she had created her ultimate dream job. Today, Alli's designs can be found on several murals and in stores across the country. Listen in to get ready for a wonderful upcoming workshop! Thanks for joining us. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-08-featured-maker/

Corrie shares about her upcoming workshop focused on detailed, life-like paper houseplants. Her creativity stems from two favorite passions: beautiful botanicals and a love for all things paper crafting. Corrie Beth Hogg currently lives in Brooklyn and works out of her home studio where she practices crafting across many different mediums. We dive into Corrie's background, her recently published book, her love of all things the intricacies of plants and how she balances all that she takes on with her work/life balance. We explore her techniques in further detail and go over the tools & materials she relies on most. Listen in to get ready for a wonderful upcoming workshop! Thanks for joining us. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-07-featured-maker/

In this podcast episode we welcome acrylic landscape artist Colleen Elizabeth, our featured maker in June, to our monthly interview series. We also introduce our MARKETPLACE and our first ever premium workshop! A Rigid Heddle Weaving Workshop that delves deep into handwoven goods. Colleen shares about the curation of her kit as we explore the tools & materials featured with more depth. We chat her daily inspiration, a bit more on her background, and studio practice. Through each of our monthly informal interviews we learn so much more about our lead artist and their upcoming workshop collaboration with The Crafter's Box.  In June, we are exploring color blending, color theory and landscape painting with the incredible Colleen Elizabeth. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-06-featured-maker/

In our VERY first premium workshop, we're collaborating with weaver Rachel Snack to introduce rigid heddle weaving with a detailed digital workshop and a tools & materials kit to learn a brand new medium. In this interview, Rachel shares more about her background, her weaving history & education, and what inspires her to create the beautiful textiles and hand woven designs she's most known for. This kit in particular is so special - it features a New Zealand beechwood Ashford loom as well as Italian cotton linen + Japanese silk noil fibers for the beginning rigid heddle weaver. The digital component of this workshop introduces warping up this complex loom, learning how each and every component works and how to make your very first hand woven scarf. Then, the sky is the limit! Table runners, handwoven placements, wall textiles... Let's dive in. Let's chat - what is a weave structure? What ARE the different types of looms out there - and how are they used? What does a textile conservator do? Listen in to learn more. Learn More: https://thecraftersbox.com/2019-05-premium-featured-maker/