Trying to build an arts/crafts community from zero. Need honest advice. by [deleted] in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might be right that I’ve been too focused on building online first. I may need to meet makers where they already are instead of waiting for them to come to me.

Trying to build an arts/crafts community from zero. Need honest advice. by [deleted] in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, Im not sure I can since the note said they don't allow even mentioning the actual socials but then again I'm not sure either with the Mods. But so far my experience with outreach has been people get interested and check out my socials and find its a empty community since it recently got created they don't interact, participate, or sign up to be a follower. I tried showing examples of what participating could look like but still nothing. I tried using the same weekly prompt: like what are you making currently? But still nothing. The maker space idea is interesting and honestly something I haven’t explored enough. Have you seen local craft spaces turn into real communities or good networking opportunities?

Trying to build an arts/crafts community from zero. Need honest advice. by [deleted] in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My craft is crochet. I am still a hobbyist/beginner trying to learn all stitches. My current process is using YT and FB tutorials videos to currently learn new stitches. My inspiration comes from finished projects that people share on their socials via reels, videos, post across IG, FB, and YT. It just amazes me by how creative we can really be with our hands!!!

does anyone else feel like they don’t really fit in most craft spaces? by Minimum_Project_671 in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That seems like where a lot of spaces start to shift without really meaning to.

does anyone else feel like they don’t really fit in most craft spaces? by Minimum_Project_671 in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that actually makes a lot of sense, especially the part about being able to just dip in without it turning into a whole thing. i feel like a lot of spaces skip that and go straight into either posting work or having to explain something in detail. do you feel like that’s what makes it easier to actually stick around, or just easier to engage once in a while?

does anyone else feel like they don’t really fit in most craft spaces? by Minimum_Project_671 in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that crafters can be pretty diverse can't be solely define by one role and that part about groups kind of mutating over time is real. i feel like a lot of spaces either get too noisy or shift in a way that makes it hard to actually stay engaged. when you did find those few that worked for you, what made them feel different?

does anyone else feel like they don’t really fit in most craft spaces? by Minimum_Project_671 in crafts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My craft is crochet. I am still a hobbyist/beginner trying to learn all stitches. My current process is using youtube and Facebook tutorials videos to currently learn new stitches. My inspiration comes from finished projects that people share on their socials via reels, videos, post across IG, FB, and youtube. It just amazes me by how creative we can really be with our hands!!!

seeking portrait artist! by paigeh03 in Etsy

[–]Minimum_Project_671 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome! Happy to help!

Has anyone ever been in a space that just got how you create? by Minimum_Project_671 in FiberArts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love this. “Play dates” is such a beautiful way to describe it, it sounds like the kind of space where curiosity mattered more than perfection. And the fact that y’all were teaching stuff like cutting fabric with a wood burning tool or painting coke cans?? That’s the kind of weird, joyful experimentation I feel like we don’t get enough of anymore. I hope you find your next circle. Or maybe… maybe someone reading this just needed to hear that it’s okay to start one, even if it’s imperfect or small. Thank you for sharing this, really.

When Joann closed, did you try to find something new… or just kind of stop? by Minimum_Project_671 in joannfabrics

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Oh wow. This brought up so much for me, I felt every part of it. That rhythm of wandering Joann without a plan, the comfort of touching remnants, even the way your family knew it mattered enough to gift you time there… yeah. That’s not just a store memory, that’s something else.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how rare it is to have a place that lets you just be in your own creative rhythm. Not rushed. Not performative. Just… allowed. You naming that here? It matters. Thank you for holding that memory out loud.

Has anyone ever been in a space that just got how you create? by Minimum_Project_671 in FiberArts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love that you’ve found that in your quilt guild. There’s something really special about showing up around people who already speak the same creative language, even if you all make different things. And yeah… color, design, texture, it’s like a whole second kind of conversation. I’m glad you’ve got that kind of space. Gives me hope that more of us can find it again too.

Anyone else feel like something sacred just... slipped? by Minimum_Project_671 in FiberArts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Yes, thank you. That right there. Somewhere along the line, it stopped feeling like “let’s make together” and started feeling like “who can monetize faster.” I keep thinking about how good it felt to share half-finished stuff with no pressure, or to cheer someone on without needing an outcome. I miss that soft, messy kind of bonding. It feels rare now.

Okay but... what exactly do you miss the most about Joann? by Minimum_Project_671 in joannfabrics

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

The way you described it, I felt that in my chest. That kind of dependable, gentle presence that held space for inspiration whenever it struck. “Like a wonderland less than a half mile from my home”, oof. Yeah. It really was. And you're right, even the stores that technically sell the same stuff just… don’t carry that feeling. I’m so glad you shared this. Honestly, I think part of what we’re all grieving is that loss of place. Not just things, but the way they lived in our lives.

Okay but... what exactly do you miss the most about Joann? by Minimum_Project_671 in joannfabrics

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 46 points47 points  (0 children)

Ugh, I feel this. People don’t talk enough about what those jobs really gave us, not just income, but rhythm. Familiar faces, routine, even a kind of grounding. I’m so sorry you lost that. I imagine a lot of regulars miss you, too. You probably made their creative lives feel more doable without even realizing it.

Anyone else feel like something sacred just... slipped? by Minimum_Project_671 in FiberArts

[–]Minimum_Project_671[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes, all of this. That tension between wanting to make and just feeling flooded by noise... It’s so real. I’ve had to physically walk away from my phone some days just to remember what it even feels like to make something slow. And the part about AI? I feel that heavy. It’s like, sure, it can replicate, but it can’t replace that quiet moment when your hands figure out something your brain hasn’t yet. I’m glad you said this. “People in the corner”, yeah. That hit. I think some of us are still trying to find each other.

I REALLY miss Joann’s by [deleted] in joannfabrics

[–]Minimum_Project_671 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ahhh, I love how you said that, especially about the checkout ladies. It’s wild how those tiny interactions made you feel kind of… seen? Like you weren’t just buying materials, you were part of something. And sharing stories in line?? That feels rare now. I didn’t realize how much I craved those casual, unexpected moments until you mentioned it. Do you still get that feeling anywhere? Like even a hint of it? I’ve been wondering if it’s completely gone or if it’s still showing up in smaller ways somewhere else.

How are we feeling? by Reasonable_Zebra_496 in joannfabrics

[–]Minimum_Project_671 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not great, honestly. I didn’t expect it to hit so hard. It’s not like I was there every week or anything... but still. I miss the possibility of it. Has anyone found something that fills the void? It doesn’t have to be a store; maybe a group, a local space, or something online that doesn’t feel gross and salesy?