From the Editor

• Since we last chatted I finally got my art studio photographed so the saga is over and 3 days later it’s already got a one way ticket on the hot mess express. I’ll keep you posted on when the issue of Where Women Create comes out. In the meantime you can see my progress through doom piles, cute maximalist storage and finally prepping for a photoshoot. It a long journey but we got there. Want to see my craft room in 2010 just for funsies?

Will You Be Teachers Pet?

• I’d love to have you in one of my upcoming in person classes. In Austin I am teaching Stuffed Animal Taxidermy on 9/19. This fun project looks amazing on a gallery wall and is also very handy as a necklace holder. There is tween night option too. If you don’t live in Austin, here is a tutorial to make one at home. Los Angeles I will be at These Hands on September 24th teaching How to Make a Junk Journal! Right after that I’ll be at the Society of Wildflowers making dioramas, accordion travel books and prize ribbons. There are still day passes available.

Stuffed Animal Taxidermy

• I feel like artist Precious Okoyomon would really appreciate my stuffed animal taxidermy class. I also think Mike Kelley and I could be friends. When I saw Deodorized Central Mass with Satellites at the MOMA I loved how it was just stuffed animal butts. Hard to believe that the work of Sungho Bae is made from discarded stuffies. Also, let us not forget the OG of up-cycled stuffed animals - Flea. Also, speaking of Flea - I was today years old when I realized he played the bass line in “Bust a Move” and did you see his Tiny Desk performance?

Daisy Chain Fields

• I mentioned Olivia Rodrigo before and her cool video featuring needle felting. Today I wanted to shout out that she hand picked 10 women run businesses for her festival Daisy Chain Fields that was last weekend. One of which, By Jasmini, makes junk journal kits! As someone who vended at the Austin City Limits Music Festival for years I can appreciate what goes into prepping for a festival. Go check out all the Etsy shops that were included.

A Sssssuper Snakey Medusa Wreath

• It’s September so I feel like I can talk about Halloween more freely now. Not like the month has ever stopped me before. Over on my website I shared How to Make a Medusa Wreath. You might also enjoy making this Medusa Planter or Medusa Thrift Store Flip if you’re into Mythology.

Question of the Week

• What is your favorite social media platform? I gotta say TikTok never caught on for me. I rarely get on Facebook these days. I’m still an Instagram girl (I have two accounts). Is Pinterest a social media platform or a search engine? Does anyone actually use Threads? Here on Substack we have notes and they are just as fun.

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read the last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

If you are just popping in let me catch you up. This all got started when a magazine called and said they wanted to feature my craft studio. Hooray for press, boo for cleaning. The first thing I did was start addressing my doom piles, which honestly I still have. Next, I showed off all my cute craft room storage. Today instead of revealing all the pictures of my clean studio (I’ll let you wait for the issue to come out to see that) I thought I’d share a few pearls of wisdom about getting ready for a photoshoot. I thought just in case one day Micheals calls you to film a TV commercial in your craft studio or Vintage Holiday Decor Magazine wants to photograph your Christmas trees I’d share what I have learned. Let’s just say that I no longer bust out the magic erasers but I always make sure to lotion my hands.

These ideas go beyond the obvious “clean the house”. These are things you can skip cleaning (the base boards), things you should always have in the room being photographed (plants and flowers) and why including your pets is always a good idea.

Things To Do Before The Photoshoot. And I don’t mean 5 minutes before.

• Read the brief. Most publications will supply you with a brief telling you what they want and how they want it. This is not a suggestion, this is their shot list. You can add extra, but make sure you include exactly what they asked for.

• Book a photographer. This is not the time to reach out to a friend who always takes good photos of her kids. If the publication is print there will be very specific sizes needed. If you don’t know who to hire, ask a friend or your social media hive mind.

• Create a shot list. The magazine may provide you with guidance in the brief but if not you know your space. Make a list of what you want photographed. Don’t rely on memory the day of when you are frazzled. Think about it and write it down. Also, you can take some test photos with your phone to give you an idea of great angles.

• Gather an emergency kit for you and the photographer. You never know when you will need double sided tape, a lint roller or a step stool to get the perfect angle.

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From the Editor

• This has been a rough week. We have lost so many creative people in such a short amount of time. I’ve taught my Dolly Parton cake mix journal class to hundreds of people in various workshops and played her music the entire time. I even had the kids in my afterschool art class yesterday do Dolly themed crafts. I listened to the Rocky Horror Picture Show all day yesterday to remember Tim Curry. Then last night before bed I saw the news about Yayoi Kusama and now I feel like I should spend the weekend watching Clue, listening to Dolly and putting polka dots on everything.

Craft Storage For Maximalists

• The never ending saga of operation clean my studio is moving right along. This week I wrote about storage options for maximalists like myself. Instead of conquering doom piles I feel like I am making more. I never promised I would make the studio perfect, I just said I would get it camera ready. Instead of finding a place for everything I am also making and selling mystery boxes in my Etsy store. Oh and, I love how this girl turned her junk drawer (doom pile in a container) into oversized art.

The Lack of Color

• Remember when we talked about the frequency illusion (or is it the algorithm)? It’s happening again, but this time it’s articles about chromatic decline. The Atlantic wrote about a color recession. Interior designer Oliver Furth talks about an epidemic of beigeness. Then not exactly in the same vein but I spotted an article about the loss of color in Japanese chip bags. I think this kid and I are safe from being effected, but keep an eye out for the beige creep in your life.

Halloween Gallery Walls

• I’m still talking about Halloween over on my website. Really, I think about it year round I just don’t let myself talk about it until the end of summer. This week I’m sharing different ways to make a Halloween gallery wall that includes kid art, vintage collections, fun photos and thrift store up-cycles.

Palette Cleanser

• Thanks for pointing out this adorable video with Eric Carle and Mister Rogers. Just the palette cleaner we need this week.

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read the last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

A Tiger Never Changes It’s Stripes - And I Wouldn’t Want to Anyway

Did you really think my self proclaimed title of becoming a doom pile destroyer was also going to make a minimalist? It makes no sense for me to hide all of my beautiful and inspiring craft supplies away in a dark garage, closed in a cabinet or tucked in a closet. Instead I try and make my storage solutions as bright and cheerful as the supplies inside. Sure, I have plenty of clear plastic storage bins of stuff just like everyone else but what is visible in my shared living room / craft studio is stored with a bit more whimsey.

Purple Crates Get a Makeover

In my original post: ADHD and Doom Piles I told a story about purple crates. The lore is that once as a child I swore up and down to my mother that I would keep my room clean if only I had these certain purple crates. Well you can guess how that story ended. I never lived it down and still think of miracle cures for clutter as purple crates. I’m always looking for my perfect purple crate but in the meantime my Dreambox and collection of vintage storage solutions helps.

Choosing the Right Cart or Shelf for the Job

Carts on wheels are a crafty girls best friend. Every self respecting crafter has a few of those rolling carts banging around in their studio. Mine holds craft paint. This one however is actual vintage shelf / bar cart from the 80’s that is fairly deep. Sure the containers inside like vintage tins, large glass jars and kitchen storage are cute but every one of them is filled with supplies. I am thankful for making this post because it can also act as a key so I can remember what is tucked inside.

Fun and Function Can Coexist

When choosing storage options for my studio I look for a couple of different things. Obviously the kitsch factor is a priority but I actually do take into consideration functionality. Not only what will this hold but also can I stack it, does it have a lid and can I cram it into a small space. I only have so much real estate in this room so every storage solution needs to not only appeal to me aesthetically it also needs to actually contain the clutter. For every cute box you see in these pictures there are 5 more boxes, bags and bins of craft supplies lurking in the shadows. Everything can’t be in my craft room at once so I have to strategize.

Tins for the Wins!

Fun fact: one of the 478 things I collect are cute tins. You think I have a lot shown here, you should see my stash in the garage stuffed full of vintage bits and baubles. These tins are not only adorable they are also great because since most were originally made for holding things like candy or cookies the lids are super snug to keep food fresh. I originally started using them when I was transporting supplies to and from my broken jewelry tree workshops. No spills in transport and the containers look awesome!

Think Outside the Storage Box

Vintage tool boxes are fun when you can find them. Think about a caboodle - they were based on the designs of tool and tackle boxes because they are so functional. Plus, that little handle makes them easy to transport. Take a cue from the mechanics and fishermen, they know how to organize stuff. Many of the items I use in my studio were made for the job of storage, maybe just not what I’m storing inside them. Coffee canisters can hold clothespins, crisper drawers don’t have to contain lettuce - paint pens work too and don’t get me started on the benefits of collecting vintage luggage.

Junk Journal Ephemera To Go

I use my tool box as a tiny ephemera caddy. When I am putting together orders of the Collage Curios in my Etsy shop I grab the caddy for extra bits of ephemera. When I run out of one thing like Precious Moments playing cards or Yahtzee score cards I just add new stuff to my stash.

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From the Editor

• Since we last chatted - I’ve sent my baby off to high school, remembered what a good song this is after seeing Lionel Richie live and started watching a really horrible TV show hosted by Stormy Daniels of all people. Some of my favorite things I saw scrolling this week: Flea during his NPR Tiny Desk show, bedazzled HEB candles, this cute print oh and I got rickrolled.

On to the crafty stuff…

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT - CRAFTS!

• Every so often the major news outlets get on a kick talking about crafts. I think we are having one of those moments. The above is from an article I did with CNN about junk journaling but they also just had a crafty Instagram post about squishy toys. Bloomberg talks about Americans spending their paychecks on crafts (found via CIA). Cosmo has an article about crafty fan art with cool works from Labyrinth of Collages and I Scream Color. The Canadian version of NPR the CBC mentioned a resurgence in snail mail. This article on hobbyamory from NYT is making the rounds. Wired claims Etsy is in its flop era. Oh and in China fabric collage is all the rage according to Radii Media.

Won’t You Take Me To - Spooky Town!

• Ok, I’m still talking about Halloween over on my website, but I can’t help it I’m excited. Plus this week’s post is really fun - 15 Halloween Crafts and Collections Stolen From Christmas. I mean feast your eyes on this advent/countdown calendar.

A Place For Everything and Everything In It’s Place

• Remember that time I decided to be a Doom Pile Destroyer and totally flaked out? Well this week I started Take 2. I have a photo shoot for Where Women Create Magazine at the end of the month and this place has to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building. Time to revisit this article about how to arrange your desk and take a few tips from this grandma all the while remembering it’s a hot mess but my estate sale will be feral.

Have Crafts - Will Travel

• If you have been on the fence about going to India with me - there is only room left for Namaste and Notebooks. Does that room belong to you and your crafty bestie? I’m headed to California next month! First stop I’m teaching The Basics of Bookbinding - Let’s Make a Junk Journal at These Hands in LA on 9/24. That weekend I am headed up into the mountains for the Society of Wildflowers. Rumor has it there are a few day passes available if you want to come make a diorama, concertina journal or prize ribbon with me. Don’t forget I’m also teaching Stuffed Animal Taxidermy here in Austin next month.

Question of the Week

• How do you keep your craft supplies corralled? I’m taking advice, pearls of wisdom and Amazon links. I have bins and boxes galore but I still forget where I put things, there are doom piles under my bed and you can’t even walk in my garage. Thinking about some mystery bag sales to get started with the editing efforts but before then hit me with your tips and tricks for organizing a craft space.

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read the last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

Sometimes I Lie, Especially When It Comes to Claims of Cleaning.

Remember that time I said I was going to be a doom pile destroyer? Well I lied. I didn’t mean to lie, I would say I just flaked out. As with most of us in the ADHD club - doom piles are daunting. Hence the name. However, I have until the end of the month to get this bad boy photo ready because I’m going to be featured in Where Women Create Magazine. Everyone say a little prayer, cross your fingers and light a candle that I can clean my craft space by then (or at least shove everything in my bedroom where the camera can’t see it).

Let Me Bust Your Bubble

First things first I’m going to get all Wizard of Oz on you and pull back the curtain on Instagram studios vs. working studios. Any time you see my house in a photo shoot I promise you there is a giant plastic bin full of random crap just out of frame. If you saw my garage it would either send shivers up your clean freak spine or make you wish for my untimely demise so you could hit the estate sale. Remember two things can be true at once. All this to be said it’s time for me to get all smoke and mirrors in my studio and get this space presentable. Who knows, maybe I will actually put things where they belong instead of another doom pile (don’t hold your breath).

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From the Editor

• It’s funny when you spend a week organizing and cleaning a space that is not your own and meanwhile your own studio looks like this. That has been my week. It’s that time of year when we teachers organize all the craft supplies and get our classrooms looking pretty. Did I mention I teach after school at a process art studio in Austin a few days a week? Well anyway, the classroom looks great and I’m excited to get crafty with the kids but my own studio is a wreck! I’ve got until the end of the month to do a photo shoot for Where Women Create Magazine so I better make some time to get cleaning this weekend.

On to the crafty stuff…

Pantone With Pizazz

• Have you seen all the folks over on Instagram bedazzling Pantone cards? I first saw Lauren Quigley do it and then my friend Tisa Jackson gave it a spin. I might have to bust out the Swarovski crystals I bought in Austria and order a set of the Pantone Postcards. Not sure what color to start with? Try the Pantone Birth Chart Palette Generator. Since Pantone was on my mind I watched this interesting documentary called The King of Color about the guy who invented the Pantone Matching System.

Too Soon to Start Talking About Halloween?

• Nah. It’s never too early! Just posted the full tutorial for these Creepy Cute Doll Head Planters. They were originally on DIY Network, but just too awesomely weird not to share again. Other Halloween adjacent things that have recently caught my eye: these trompe-l’œil paintings, this Robert Wun take on Jack Skellington and this adorable kitty Summerween situation.

Another Collection I Didn’t Realize I Had - Tiny Journals

• This seems to be a pattern with me. First it was clowns, now it’s tiny journals. How could I possibly resist these cuties? Anywhoo, take a poke around inside the journals in my latest post for Glue Gang members. Speaking of the gang, I also just added two new free goodies - a guide to book binding and a sample of one of my Etsy digital download collections. Want even more tiny book action? Check out this collection and don’t forget my DIY Matchbook Junk Journal.

Pop Goes My Heart

Has anyone else been watching videos of Bjork dressed in balloons at an eclipse party this week? Highly recommend. Speaking of Robert Wun I have a feeling the outfit was one of his creations. Bjork and Robert both would appreciate the Russian a cappella group Spokanki singing and doing a synchronized balloon dance (Thanks Christine Terrell for the link). Not quite a balloon, but have you seen the inflatable art of Pat Oleszko?

Question of the Week

• Who was the last band you saw in concert? Mine was David Lee Roth. It was my 6th or 7th time seeing him or Van Halen - sadly it was not great. Tomorrow however I have tickets to see Lionel Richie (for the second time) plus Earth, Wind and Fire. Do you like to see live music? It has always been such a core part of my identity. My first concert was Social Distortion!

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

My mom used to say that having 3 of anything made it a collection. Apparently I became a collector of tiny notebooks a long time ago without actually realizing it. The largest of these are about the size of my hand and a few fit in my palm. Most in my collection are vintage, a few are handmade. Some are totally blank and others are full of some stranger’s notes. Either way I adore this tiny but mighty collection.

So why do tiny books exist in the first place? Like who thought this was a good idea. Well historically miniature books weren't just cute they were portable. They were made to travel in pockets and purses. You couldn’t fit an entire full sized notebook or rolodex in our handbag but a wee address book - sure. They have become a bit obsolete but like a silver dollar pancake I am a firm believer that most things in miniature are better.

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From the Editor

• My wallet has had a rough couple of weeks from all the shopping - but how was I expected to road trip to Dallas and back without stopping at all the thrift stores and antique malls along the way? Online I did some Etsy shopping with Cranky Cake Shop, Bklyn Paper Company and Boston Bag Lady. Bazaar Cosmic Gator wallpaper from Spoonflower is on the way to my doorstep and I can’t wait. It’s also taking all my willpower to not hit the sales happening at Nooworks, Gentle Thrills and Big Bud Press but I’ll try and stay strong.

Onto the crafty stuff…

Why Burn Books, When You Can Just Rip Their Pages Out and Make Them a Journal

• Pop over to my website and check out my latest post about how to make an Altered Book Journal. As someone with a LOT of journals going at once, my altered book journals probably get the most love. For funsies - here is a video of me working in one of my altered book journals recently. Don’t worry, I promise these books are going on to live better lives than they ever were dying a slow painful death on a thrift store bookshelf.

Unbe-WEAVE-able

• Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Have you ever heard of frequency illusion? It’s the cognitive bias that makes you feel like you notice the same thing over and over. Lately I’m experiencing this with natural weaving. The NYT had an article about a new generation of Indonesians taking up ceremonial leaf weaving. Maybe my next creative retreat should be set in Bali? This week I saw the trailer for Wicker with Olivia Colman and her woven husband Alexander Skarsgård. In case you are wondering - yes, he looks scrumptious even covered in wicker. This article about giant woven masks had me at absurdist basketmaker. The closest I have ever come to this type of weaving is this woven wicker plate project.

The Write Stuff

• This week members of the Glue Gang got the backstory behind my family history of collecting quotes - and a look inside the art journals where I keep my own collection. I’m working on my hand lettering game as I collect said quotes. Right here on Substack I’ve started following ’s The Handwriting Club and I adore lettering. I’ve interviewed lettering goddesses Natalie Pariano, Amy Tan and Shelly Kim - maybe I need to revisit these episodes. Lastly, here is some online fun with fonts and lettering for you: Calligraphr, Doodle Fonts and my favorite Tela.

Keeping it Classy

• Did you catch my class during the Summer Creative Retreat? It was super fun hanging out and making junk journals with everyone.

• Here in Austin I’m teaching stuffed animal taxidermy for tweens and adults.

• I’ll be in California this September teaching at the Society of Wildflowers.

• There is one room left for my Namaste and Notebooks retreat in India this coming February.

Leave me a comment if I’m going to see you in class any time soon.

Question of the Week

• Throwing it back to the frequency illusion - what’s been following you around lately? Do you keep seeing Kinusaiga everywhere you look? Feel like you are being haunted by the term whimsey-maxing? Can’t throw a rock without hitting an anthropomorphic banana? This is probably just the dang algorithm but I want to know what keeps popping up for you.

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

I remember my dad paying me to type his collection of quotes into a document. In hindsight I’m sure it was more to instill the wisdom behind those aphorisms into me than it was his needing anything typed up. He was the one collecting Benjamin Franklin quotes like “Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship”. No one was going to pay me to archive my mom’s maxims about people looking like they were put away wet. Funny enough I tend to repeat the quirky quips from my mom more than the ones from my dad.

Now as an adult, I too have become a quote collector. The ones I keep tucked away in the notes app on my phone are typically about art or creativity. Recently I have started dabbling with putting a few of my favorites into my journals. Some of these sayings just resonate with me more than others. I’m enjoying putting them into my journals, it’s kind of like a more artistic version of what my father had me doing.

Wanna see a few of favorites? Keep reading…

“I force myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste.” Marcel Duchamp - French Painter

More than just a guy who took a urinal and called it art Duchamp had lot’s of interesting things to say. This quote is a good reminder to spice things up and try a new medium, color palette or style every now and again.

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From the Editor

• Hola and greetings from the land of glue guns. Lot’s of fun stuff going on around here so I’m glad you stopped by. Before we get to the crafty nitty-gritty I thought I’d share a bit of what I’ve been reading, watching and listening to. In case you are in a slump. Affiliate links incoming - meaning if your purchase through these links I get a little some something too. WATCHING: I am so glad I gave DTF St. Louis a second chance, I miss Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed already and hooray for two new seasons of Drag Race. LISTENING: According to Spotify I’ve listened to 412 minutes of music in the last week with The Talking Heads being my ‘top artist’. READING: Let’s be honest, I’m an audiobook gal. After going to see The Odyssey it just made me want to re-listen to Circe, The Song of Achilles and all things Natalie Haynes. Also, did you see this review of the movie by Emily Wilson? She wrote the translation the film is supposedly based on.

Onto the crafty stuff…

Join the Vintage Craft Book Club

• I’ve started a brand spanking new series called The Vintage Craft Book Club. Because as you know I like old books and I can not lie. Apparently I especially like old craft books because I have three copies of The McCall’s Book of Handicrafts. Anyone can watch my video review of the book, but only members of my paid subscription group - The Glue Gang - can win.

Needle Felting is Having a Moment

• Not just any old needle felting, but animated needle felting. “The Cure” video from Olivia Rodrigo is full of nods to needle felting, cardboard crafts and miniatures. Read about the crafters behind the production. The Craft Industry Alliance pointed out a needle felted remix of an old Birkenstock ad this week. Ever taken a ‘stab’ at needle felting? I’ve tried it a few times here and here.

A Beaded Chandelier to Dye For

• Fun fact: you can dye plain wood craft store beads. Yup, it’s true! Pop over to my website and read all about it and learn how to make a Beaded Chandelier to Dye For. Speaking of unusual dye jobs check out this Navajo Weaver who dyes wool with Kool-Aid. Also, I’m a bit obsessed with these hand-dyed kitchen towels that remind me of orizome (which is tons of fun with kids).

Question of the Week

• Do you like free online classes? Who doesn’t! Join me live next Tuesday during the Summer Creative Retreat and I will walk you through how to make a junk journal. You can watch for free or purchase the permanent vacation option to watch all the videos later. One of my favorite things about online classes like these is that there are always tons of free goodies included. My offering is the latest junk journal ephemera digital download in my Etsy shop - Mad for Plaid! There are a gazillion cool workshops and instructors like , Birgit Koopsen and Traci Bautista.

See you here next Thursday!

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

The good news is my book hoarding problem is going to pay off for you fine folks! I am going to give away the two extra copies and I’ll mail them to your doorstep. The catch? You have to be a member of The Glue Gang to win. In other words the contest is only open to paid subscribers (and to US residents). This is the maiden voyage of this fun new series but from here on out the Vintage Craft Book Club will only be for Glue Gang members.

Ok let’s flip through the book together. I even put on makeup and brushed my hair for this video!

McCall’s Book of Handicrafts - The Vintage Craft Book Club

How cute is this book and all the projects inside. Very groovy with all the batik, macrame and tie-dye. Apparently I talk a lot since my video cut off and I had to start again, but welcome to real life editing!

Modern Spins on Vintage Crafts

I tried to show examples of the crafts in my video. I always like to see variations or new spins on an old craft. Here are some of my versions of the crafts mentioned in the book if you want to give them a try.

• Candle Making - DIY Terrazzo Candles from Crayons

• Ceramics - Boho Head Planters with Air Dry Clay

• Macrame - DIY Macrame Pumpkin Hanging Planters

• Metal Foil Tooling - Fruit Inspired Tin Foil Art

• Nature Crafts - Framed Floral Fun

Even More Modern Spins on Vintage Crafts

Honestly when it comes to crafts most people are not reinventing the wheel. Usually crafting is all about putting your mark on something that has already been done and making it your own.

• Tie-Dye - Fruity Tie-Dye Shirts

• Weaving - Wicker Plate Weaving

• Papier-Mache - Watermelon Bowl from Recycled Paper

Other Things Mentioned in the Video

• A modern day version of this book is The Big Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano

• Enid Collins, a purse designer from Texas, started with papier-mache.

• Jonathan Adler has a new product line at Michaels with serious vintage vibes.

Win a Copy of The McCall’s Book of Handicrafts

I hope you love this new section of The Glue Gun Gazette! Remember anyone is welcome to leave a comment, but only paid subscribers can enter to win! I’ll choose someone by next week. Not every Vintage Craft Book Club will have a giveaway, just the one where I have 3 copies of the same book.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for other books to review. Chances are it is in my collection somewhere.

From the Editor

• Howdy! I feel like I’ve lived several lives since last Thursday so much has happened. First, remember the story of the workshop that almost broke me? Well last weekend I taught another event that went MUCH BETTER. I’ve gotten my teaching mojo back. Both events were run by amazing people and full of awesome crafters - the difference was I learned and adapted. Apparently, this old crafty dog is not too old to learn a new trick. I’m fresh off a trip to the Texas coast with my fam where I cut paper in the car there and back to make fresh collage ephemera packs (Did you see the packs get a shout out in newsletter recently?). Last, but not least yesterday the lovely Maggie Stephens let me into her amazing studio and gifted me with so many Christmas ornaments that it filled the entire backseat and trunk of my car! Talk about Christmas in July! I’m ready for holiday workshop season.

Junk Journals

• The Venn Diagram of my junk journal obsession and clown collection have intersected and I love the results. Over on my website I’ve got a new post about how to make a wee matchbook junk journal. You don’t have to go with a clown theme, but why wouldn’t you. Don’t forget to sign up for this FREE Summer Creative Retreat - where I’ll be teaching junk journaling live. Pretty sure I should officially start wearing one of these ‘Ask Me About My Junk Journal’ badges. Oh and how cute are these journal bags from MenMin!

Grandma Crafts

• The New York Times had an article this week entitled “The Comforting Resurgence of Grandma Hobbies”. I always find throwing in the word grandma trivializing. I enjoyed the article but quilting, lace making, crochet doilies… are pieces of skilled textile art. Be sure to also read “My Grandma’s Doilies Are Not a Joke”. I’m sure I’ve used the term in my 20+ year career too and no shade to grandmas but when the term is paired with any domestic art it feels patronizing. Speaking of generational handiwork in the news … If you visit the MOMA you can create your own quilt square, I’d learn needle point for this Margaret is in Peri-Menopause kit, obsessed with this cross stitched pottery and I should have bought this lace making doll I saw at the thrift store for textile historian Elena Kanagy-Loux.

The Hunt For the Perfect Couch

• I’m addicted to combing Facebook Marketplace looking for a new couch. Do you ever get to that point in life where you want your entire house to look different. I need a change in all the rooms. Loved this home tour with Dani Dazey and felt very inspired to peruse wallpaper options. What are your thoughts on scratch-n-sniff wallpaper? Also been keeping my copy of 70’s House by close at hand.

Question of the Week

• What is the earliest you have ever started decorating for a holiday? My son has been pressuring me to get the Halloween out and my will power is hanging on by a thread.

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

After the original event I will be honest - I curled up in the fetal position for a few days and licked my wounds. Eventually after a few mental pep talks I started thinking: how could I have made that workshop better, more accessible, and less chaotic. I made a list. I made a kit. I tracked down an artist on the internet and asked her to illustrate a handout in about a week (she delivered — this woman was sent straight from heaven).

Then I showed up and taught the same workshop to double the number of people.

THEY LIKED ME. THEY REALLY LIKED ME.

(Please read that in your best Sally Field Oscar acceptance speech voice.)

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From the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Glue Gun Gazette. I’m trying something new with a wee letter from the editor - me Jennifer Perkins - right off the top. I thought it would be fun to share my week in quick snippets before I get to the ‘real news’.

• I’ve spent the week working at a process art camp for kids so when I come home at night my brain is mushy. I don’t have the bandwidth for heavy shows but I did finish Love Island and it was a journey. Thank God Netflix has a new season of The Ultimatum to see me through the rest of the summer. This video of a raccoon getting saved by paddle boarders in Austin’s town lake was adorable. I’m so sad to hear about Jennifer Finch from L7, but also so glad even big news publications are sharing about her diagnosis and her Go Fund Me. I can’t stop thinking about the new Crocodilo print from Nooworks. Bookmarked an interesting looking article about Ranger Crafts from The Craft Industry Alliance. Lastly, I’ve been listening to Astrology of the Week Ahead with Chani Nicolas. pointed out the great collage art on her website and newsletter that I hadn’t noticed before.

Summer-Ween Watch

• Do you prefer the term Summer-Ween or Code Orange? Both marketing terms to get us into the mood for Halloween early. Needless to say I need no further encouraging - check out my latest post with this DIY Halloween Witch Tent. I also loved this post from Whiskey and Whit with a Dollar Store Hack. Big Bud Press teased this print and I promptly commented “take my money already”. I’ve also decided I need to own a piece of Halloween art from Not Normal Fun.

Creative Pilgrimages

• Going on vacation this summer? Might I suggest Jim Henson’s Creature Shop which is now open for weekend tours (P.S. Check out How Muppets Go Outside). If I ever find myself in Sweden I want to visit the Ikea Museum. I still lament missing this exhibit. recently mentioned visiting the Grandma Moses exhibit at The Smithsonian (Did you know her paintings were also made into fabric?). The pieces are traveling to Bentonville, AR next which is a short drive from my dad’s house so maybe I’ll put that on the list. Crystal Bridges currently has a 3D Keith Haring exhibit that is calling my name. I’m even more excited about the retreat to India that I am hosting (you should totally come) after I saw this article about Cord Studio. I fully plan to shop their store in Dehli and buy this dress and this blouse.

Let’s Glue Stuff to Stuff Together

• Did you read the heart wrenching story about the workshop I taught that almost broke me and then made me a better teacher? Also, are you signed up for this Summer Creative Retreat? I’ll be teaching junk journaling live and would love to see you there. Don’t forget California I’ll be teaching at SOW this year.

Flea Market Finds

• Down here in Texas I’m wishing I was in Brimfield, Mass shopping at the flea market. I was lucky enough to go once with my mom years ago and it was amazing! It is the largest outdoor flea market in the country - just think of all the clowns I could find.

Question of the Week

• What is one museum that should be on every creative person’s bucket list? Mine is a tie between the Museo de Arte Popular and The Musse d’Orsay.

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

Let’s set the stage for what happened…

My classes have always followed the same philosophy: no rulers, no rigid kits, no step-by-step handouts. Instead, I set out a giant buffet of supplies, demonstrate the techniques and encourage people to make the project their own. This is how I like to be taught so I was making the mistake assuming everyone else enjoyed the same method. This teaching style and vibe has always worked for me. Until it didn’t. I forgot a lesson my kids and their Legos taught me a long time ago - some people love creative freedom and others crave organization and instruction. Just like I love both of my kids I adore both types of crafters. I had just forgotten that as the teacher it is my job to nurture both.

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• It recently came to my attention that the top performing post on my website according to Google is this popsicle stick bracelet. I have a stitched variation too. Great for the littles. If you want something a bit more challenging go down the folk art rabbit hole with me and try this Dyed Popsicle Stick Planter or this Delightful Dish made from - you guessed it popsicle sticks.

• I’m thinking these folks don’t consider popsicle stick crafts high art but I digress. Take your time clicking through and discovering the people behind what American crafts look like today according to Architectural Digest. I was especially blown away by Autumn Casey’s stained glass pieces. I was never even very good at those Makeit and Bakeit kits from the 80’s - always having crystal overage and spillage.

• Have you ever torn open a sari rag rug to see the treasures inside? Highly recommend. Check out my latest post Kantha Quilt Inspired Junk Journal. The stitching adds a new dimension to your average book binding project. Those journals would look good with a pack of hand painted papers from my Etsy store.

• Speaking of quilts (and modern day artists that should have been included in that AD article and video) I about fell off my couch when I saw these pieces by Felandus Thames. These intricate combinations of portraits and patterns are made with hair beads and wire. Thanks My Modern Met for putting Felandus on my art radar. Now I’m off to go down historical rabbit holes about whalers. P.S. Want to try a much lower stakes crafty version? I like these tutorials from Aww Sam and Studio Kuma.

• I am so excited to be teaching at the second annual Society of Wildflowers Women’s Art Retreat this September! There are still tickets available. So many cool instructors and projects plus a gorgeous location - what’s not to love. In my workshops we will be making woodland dioramas, California themed accordion books and award ribbons. Here is a video of one of my Painting Weirdo Workshops at the last SOW. Love to see you there.

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

• If you are looking for something red, white and blue to make I’ve got a few ideas to keep you busy: Firework Sharpie Shoes, Abe Lincoln Spoon Puppets and DIY Bomb Pop Chalk Popsicles.

• Talk about old school crafts - these folks are throwing it all the way back to the American Revolution. Tailoring, wall papering, boat making and more. Full article on The New York Times.

• This week members of The Glue Gang got a behind the scenes peek at an art retreat I attended recently in Waco. We made Memory Junk Birds - this is a couple of my classmates with their 4th of July birds.

• I’m slightly obsessed with going to the State Fairs: Growing American Craft exhibit (not to be confused with The Great American State Fair). Big Tex, Dolly Parton seed art and butter cows! You can see more pictures of the amazing exhibit over on Colossol. Side Note: I’d also love to hit Nick Cave: Mammoth while I was in DC.

• If you are entertaining this weekend I leave you with this episode of the Rachael Ray Show where I share several party ideas.

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?

The workshop was hosted by artist Lori Siebert and The Paper Crown. I recently went on another retreat with Lori to Mexico City and enjoyed it so much a 2 hour drive to get crafty with her again was a no brainer. Plus I adore the Paper Crown and have attended and taught several workshops there.

Speaking of retreats - this is the last month to sign up for Namaste and Notebooks and go to India with me in February 2027.

I attended the event with my usual crafty crew - Amber and Sarah. You might remember Sarah from her Stitchin’ on Wheels Craft Trailer Studio Tour. Here we are with part of our flock.

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• Something about summer always makes me want to bust out the tie-dye. I’ve done it a million times and a million different ways - ice dying, shibori and now I’m adding fruit style to the list.

• Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan you should still watch the opening credits to the new season of House of the Dragon. It’s live action embroidery of a tapestry. Read more about the backstory on Artnet. Also, remember that time I threw a Winter is Coming party complete with a Game of Thrones themed tree full of dragon eggs? One last thing while we are on the topic of ancient textiles - archeologists just discovered a Viking craft site.

• This week paid subscribers of Glue Stuff to Stuff got to read about The Day I Realized I Was a Clown Collector and Coveter. Have you ever had a collection without knowing you had a collection? That was me. My mom used to always say once you had 3 of something it was a collection - so all the signs were there.

• This is clown adjacent but I am really smitten on this new Bob Baker Marionette Theatre and Big Bud Press collab. I love them both so this fabric is a match made in heaven. My every day purse is from Big Bud Press and I recommend a trip to Bob Baker to anyone visiting Los Angeles! Would you wear it?

• This is me with last JoAnn haul. RIP. I loved this story on CNBC Make It about Lauren TeTef of Flourish Locally turning an empty JoAnn Store into Open House Creative Fest. If you are in the Torrance, CA area this weekend stop by! If you can’t make it you can always check out the Embroidery Hoop Photo Collage project I did for JoAnn Stores a million years ago.

P.S. Did you read last issue of The Glue Gun Gazette?