More Than Paper & Ribbons: Anna Griffin on the Deeper Meaning of Crafting
Anna Griffin isn’t just a name; it’s a legacy woven with threads of creativity, resilience, and healing. For over three decades, Anna Griffin’s artistry in paper crafting, cardmaking, and scrapbooking has touched countless lives, demonstrating the power of creativity for emotional well-being and personal transformation.
At Wendy Crafts, I understand the deep connection between creativity and healing. That’s why I’m so honored to share this conversation with Anna Griffin from an episode of my Wendy Crafts podcast. We talked about her whole creative journey and how she sees the link between mental health and creativity. It’s really inspiring!
Early Creative Roots and Family Influence
Griffin’s creative journey began in the warmth of her family’s kitchen. “I think being creative was from day one, moment one,” Griffin reminisced. “My mom had my sister and I crafting at our kitchen table, and a lot of it was like after school, like for recreation.”
She dabbled in everything, from cute little popsicle stick projects (the ones we all did as kids) to bright, bold paintings and even intricate stuff like needlework. Griffin explored almost every crafting project out there, cultivating a deep sense of joy and familial connection.
Later, her mother’s struggle with mental illness would transform Griffin’s crafting from a delightful pastime into a sanctuary of escape. “Those emotions were turned into more—like creativity became an escape from it,” she shared.
Crafting was where her own mental health and creativity could finally breathe. A little bit of peace, a little bit of solace, right in the middle of all those tough times. It’s amazing how powerful that can be.
The Resilience of a Female Business Owner
Griffin’s personal resilience and coping mechanisms were invaluable in her journey to become a female business owner and beloved creative pioneer. She has an amazing photographic memory, and an incredible imagination, where she can just see these creative visions.
Griffin explains, “Resilience for me is… like every single time something blocked that vision or the creation of a product or an idea or an adoption of a new technology—like any time I got stopped, I knew to go back to that ability and ask myself, what’s missing?”
She’s always been a problem-solver, which helped her get through tough spots, such as when HSN recently made some significant changes. “Instead of [thinking] ‘The world is coming to an end,’ I went straight into a very opportunity-driven, solution-based approach,” Griffin revealed.
Her ability to pivot, even away from partnerships like Cricut, underscores her commitment to preserving her brand and maintaining her status as an “OG” in the crafting world. And you know, that kind of dedication—that real, honest authenticity—is what really speaks to me. Being authentic and true to oneself is core to Griffin’s understanding of mental health and creativity.
Crafting as a Tool for Mental Health and Self-Esteem
For Griffin, crafting extends beyond the creation of products. It’s a mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of others through creative healing. “I feel like that’s my mission and purpose in life,” she asserted. “When I’m at my most creative, I am fully seated in my self-worth.”
When I think about crafting, it’s so much more than just making pretty things. It’s an opportunity to heal inside and discover who you really are. It’s that beautiful, intimate connection between your mental health and your creativity.
Whether you’re just crafting by yourself, in your own little world, or you’re building a business, like Griffin, it’s the creativity that changes you. It helps you grow and transform. That’s so powerful!
“[The creative] zone is a safe zone,” Griffin explained. “It is the most beautiful gift to yourself.” This concept of creative healing lies at the heart of her work, turning paper crafting, cardmaking, and scrapbooking into powerful tools for emotional well-being and self-esteem.
Bravery and Overcoming Loss
My heart went out to her when she talked about losing loved ones. “Most recently was when my dad died,” she shared. “He taught me bravery is going to get me everything I could ever hope and want for.”
Her father, a guiding light and supporter, emphasized the importance of resilience and the unwavering strength of community support during times of profound grief. His creative influence, combined with his invaluable business acumen, shaped Griffin’s entrepreneurial approach.
She recalls that he used to tell her, “Honey, you need to always know your inventory,” along with the timeless wisdom of “Always open your own mail and always know your bank balance.” These seemingly simple yet impactful lessons have guided her throughout her career.
Shifting Inner Dialogue and Self-Talk
Griffin’s journey of self-discovery has involved a massive reworking of her inner dialogue which has directly impacted her own mental health and creativity. The teachings of Tosha Silver and her exploration into energy work have profoundly changed her perspective.
“I heard the fan mail so differently,” Griffin revealed. “I said, I hear you, I see you—these beautiful gifts back to me—and I receive them, and I am overjoyed.”
This shift in perspective and release of self-doubt is like opening a window and letting the sunshine in. It happens often with things like paper crafting, where every creation is a little victory, a tangible reminder of your ability to make something good.
Going from a place of “I don’t deserve this” to “Wow, this is amazing!” shows how much our inner voice matters, especially when we’re expressing ourselves creatively.
The Anna Griffin Community and Fan Mail Friday
Building more than a brand, Griffin has created a fantastic community where everyone shares the joy of creating and finding comfort through crafting, regardless of skill level. The Anna Griffin community stands as a testament to the powerful experience of human connection and empathy.
Fan Mail Friday, a cherished tradition, plays a pivotal role in validating and connecting with her audience on a deeply personal level. “It’s such an honor to be that for others,” she shared. “And that people feel that way about connecting through creativity.”
The act of receiving and sharing personal stories through fan mail, often expressed through the artistry of cardmaking and scrapbooking, creates a safe and nurturing space for emotional expression. “I really do want to be that for anybody [who] needs it and wants it,” Griffin emphasized. It’s like people are sharing their hearts, their feelings, and their lives.
In the spirit of connection and community, the idea of a Griffin postage stamp was explored alongside the potential expansion of Fan Mail Friday to include digital submissions, making creative healing more accessible.
Embracing Creativity to Heal
As our interview wound down, Anna Griffin left the audience with this incredible gift: a reminder that being creative and strong, looking after your mind, and connecting with others all matter. And she’s really poured her heart into creating a space where crafters feel safe and supported, because she truly understands how much making things can help someone heal.
At Wendy Crafts, everyone deserves to find their creative outlet, whether you need a creative hobby or are thinking about turning your creative passion into a business. If you’ve ever felt that spark to create, go for it—you might find it changes your life!
If you’re interested in hearing more of Anna Griffin’s story, be sure to check out the entire Wendy Crafts podcast episode!
