6/6/2025
During a recent interview, the tables briefly turned when I was asked whether I do any art. The question made me stop and think. I explained that I don’t have a set medium or type art style – instead, I’ve dabbled in various projects. A jack of all trades, master of none, so the saying goes. Once I’ve completed a project, I’m typically content having tried it and move on.
The one thing that does remain constant is my penchant for the written word. In addition to my regular job of writing and editing, I enjoy journaling and occasionally coming up with short stories that I share with my trusted inner circle.
A few days passed after the interview and Mother’s Day arrived. It was then I realized how much my artistic ventures have been influenced by the women before me. I recall how I watched my great-grandma in her plush rocking chair doing needlepoint, crafting table favors and ornaments – I even sat beside her in a smaller rocking chair and helped. A couple years ago, I finished my first cross stitch design, and it now hangs in my apartment.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of my aunts is a sewing wiz, and my paternal grandma was known to quilt with her Amish friends. When I was a preteen, I took a couple of sewing classes and made a bedspread of my own. My mom is a scrapbooker, perfectly preserving memories made on trips or when we participated in community theater. I attended scrapbooking meets with her, putting together a book about a trip to England and France. She has since moved on to online scrapbooking methods, but has recently taken up felting. (I find this slightly hilarious as it requires handling fine needles, and my mom is a retired nurse.) She’s made more than a dozen gnomes to give away and made me vibrant wall hangings. I found myself thinking about her when I came across a felt artist at a recent art fair.
I’m not sure when my next artistic journey will begin – I do have a paint-by numbers kit patiently waiting for me at home. Until then, I’m perfectly content to find inspiration in those around me and those in the creative industries. Speaking of which, there are plenty of exciting features in this issue of Art Materials Retailer. Beth Bluestein of Sparrow Art Supply in Middlebury, VT talks about how the art supply store has become a community hub and resource for local creatives. Ashley Ellis, an encaustic artist, shares how her life journey impacts her artwork. I met Joe McClain at Creativation and was moved by how his organization, Help Heal Veterans, creates therapeutic craft kits for those who’ve served our country.
There is also a new addition to the magazine: Retailers Toolbox. This segment features advice and insight from retailers on a certain topic. We hope this becomes a regular staple.
Happy reading!
You can e-mail Victoria at victoria@fwpi.com
