Why You Need to Find a Crafting Community: What Anna Griffin Taught Me

Podcast

Beyond the Craft: Building Belonging with Anna Griffin

You know, I’ve always believed that the real magic of crafting isn’t just in what we make, but in the connections we build along the way. When we share our creativity, something amazing happens – we turn our individual passions into a collective experience, and that’s where the real sense of belonging and well-being comes from.

Here at Wendy Crafts, I’m all about that – the power of creativity and community working together. And in my latest podcast episode, I got to chat with the incredible Anna Griffin about just that: how crafting and connection can really lift us up, creatively and emotionally.

At Wendy Crafts, I deeply believe in the transformative power of creativity and community. And in my recent podcast episode with the remarkable Anna Griffin, we explored that very heart of crafting and how the synergy of creativity and connection cultivates creative empowerment, and ultimately, nourishes our souls.

The Genesis of the Griffinites

Anna Griffin has built more than a wildly successful brand; she’s nurtured a vibrant community where the joy of creating is shared by everyone. Inspired by the “Janeites,” devoted fans of Jane Austen, the Anna Griffin community called themselves “Griffinites.” Initially, Griffin responded to this self-identified group with a degree of reluctance.

“I sort of pushed it away,” she admitted, “I was like, okay, you do whatever you want to do, however you want to call yourselves. I’m not worthy of having a group that names itself [after me].”

It took time, but Griffin eventually came to understand the true heart of her community. It wasn’t just about beautiful crafting supplies; it was about a sense of belonging and celebrating a shared creative spirit.

And that’s the magic, isn’t it? The feeling of connection, of understanding, and the joy of creating together. It’s not a solitary act; it’s a bond, a shared journey.

That’s what I cherish, and it’s what I hope to cultivate with my own crafting platform.

From In-Person to Virtual

Originally, Griffin needed to be face-to-face with everyone to experience a shared creative spark. That’s how her ‘Create’ events were born – a beautiful way to gather and craft together. While these in-person gatherings offered a unique and immersive experience, they also presented challenges regarding accessibility and scalability, limiting the number of participants and excluding those unable to travel.

The pivotal moment arrived during the pandemic, prompting a radical shift to virtual “Create and Crop at Home” events. “I was like, okay, I think we can do this virtually,” Griffin recalled. Suddenly, her crafting events were no longer just for people who could hop on a plane to attend in person–they became accessible to everyone, no matter where they were in the world.

Isn’t it wonderful how creativity finds a way? How technology can open up our world and tear down those geographical walls to bring together crafters from every corner of life? It’s a beautiful demonstration of how our creative expression can be so adaptable and so inclusive, even in the midst of turbulent times.

The Virtual Craft Room

The virtual craft room experience has become a cornerstone of Griffin’s online events, providing a dynamic space for participants to connect, share their creations, and forge lasting friendships. “It is a place that you can go… and sit at a [virtual] table as if you were in that first ballroom that we had.” Griffin described.

This virtual space really highlights how crafting, mental health, and well-being are so intertwined. It’s about belonging, about feeling seen and heard, and sharing in creative joy, no matter where we are. It creates a place where participants can experience the healing power of crafting together and be reminded that we’re never truly alone on our creative journeys.

Aligning Creativity with Personal Growth

Griffin’s decision to focus on self-reflection as this year’s theme reflects an intentional shift towards creating products that carry deeper emotional messages and encourage personal introspection. “It’s the message from the heart,” she stated, referencing products like the “Beautiful Blessings” sticker set that embody this theme.

Crafting is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal development. It’s a way to see inside ourselves, to really explore those thoughts and feelings that sometimes get buried, showcasing crafting inspiration for personal growth.

Griffin isn’t just selling paper and stickers; she’s giving us tools allowing us to talk to ourselves and figure things out. She facilitates using creativity to understand yourself better and to actually grow as a person.

Overcoming Barriers to Creativity

Sometimes, our creative efforts are thwarted because of obstacles that stand in the way. Those obstacles may be sudden and obvious, or they may be subtle in nature, sneaking up on you without you noticing. Two in particular, busyness and self-doubt, seem to plague crafters the most.

Time, or Lack Thereof

Does it feel that no matter how hard you try, there’s no time for crafting in your schedule? Sure, life is often seasonal where we occasionally go through “busy seasons” that cause us to hit the pause button on certain leisure activities. But sometimes it’s about failing to treat creativity with the intention that we would for other forms of self-care.

“Making time is exactly that. Make it,” Griffin emphasizes, encouraging individuals to prioritize crafting and allocate time for activities that bring joy and fulfillment. It’s not about finding extra hours in the day; it’s about deciding that you’re worth those hours.

Self-Doubt

What about that little voice inside that whispers, “You’re not good enough?” I’ve heard it myself and, let me tell you, it’s a real creativity killer.

Griffin has this no-nonsense attitude about that inner critic that tries to hold us back: “Just get rid of it. Go away!”

Her approach to crafting emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, regardless of skill level. I love how it’s like she’s handing out permission slips to be creative, no experience required! That little nudge can be huge in unlocking a little door inside everyone to their own creative power.

When you’re no longer worried about messing up or being judged, suddenly you’re just enjoying the act of creating.

The Kitchen Table

You know, I just love the image of the kitchen table as a creative workspace. For many of us, it was the place where we were introduced to crafts. A kitchen table is homey, inviting, and encourages playing and enjoying the creative process.

You don’t need a fancy studio or have all the right tools in order to be a creative. Creativity is about sitting down, wherever you are, and just making something. Crafts made at a kitchen table can be just as valuable or meaningful as ones made in a formal “art space.”

Finding Your Creative Tribe

Crafting, at its core, isn’t just about the stuff we make. It’s about the connections we build, the communities we find, and how we empower each other along the way. Anna Griffin’s story and the “Griffinites” crafting community prove that shared creativity can serve as a force for good, a way to heal, and a way to truly belong.

At Wendy Crafts, I believe everyone possesses a creative spark that’s waiting to be ignited. I encourage you to find your creative tribe—whether it’s online, connecting across miles, or in your own neighborhood, sharing laughter and glue sticks in person.

To learn more about Anna Griffin and the importance of crafting, listen to the entire Wendy Crafts podcast episode!

Learning How to Heal Through Crafting: A Conversation with Anna Griffin

Podcast

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!