I have always been drawn to creating things for the endless customizable options. Beginning at a young age with pet rocks, I have always been drawn to crafting because I believe it’s important to celebrate our individuality. I prefer to create rather than purchase mass-produced decor. I especially LOVE the challenge of using things for anything other than their original/intended purpose. I get great joy from sharing how simple tweaks can be applied to store-bought items to create a more unique aesthetic - even by people who don’t think they are creative or artistic. Crafting is for everyone. While there are many skill levels to creating, someone doesn’t need to be the master of a skill set to create. They just have to find a medium that allows them to express themselves.

Hot glue has long been my go-to when creating/crafting. While it’s important to have the right tool for the job; cool vs hot temp glue, cordless, detailed tips, extra long glue sticks/rolls - my newest Surebonder favorite is the Mini Detail Tip Hot Glue Pen. The ease and versatility make it a must for any crafter.

I’m constantly inspired by the world around me—whether it’s seasonal celebrations, shared conversations, current trends, or even the need for a gift. Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing something knowing I could make it myself in the color/size/medium I would prefer. Every day, I add little notes to the mental post-its in my brain, saving them for future projects. It’s amazing how random pieces of information can come together, and then poof, it’s time to plug in the glue gun and create something new. The hardest part of the creative process for me is narrowing down the endless available possibilities to a singular track and vision.

There are so many! I am mesmerized by an artist and their chosen medium they love, such as paintings by DeAnn Herbert (@deannart), cute illustrations by Amber Koogler (@averie_lane), mosaics by Sharra Frank (@sharrafrank), wax seal art (including the use of glue sticks) by LaRetta Madsen (@strictlyrita), Jeffrey Meszaros (@jambottlecapart) and the imaginative and skilled Kimbo (@agirlandagluegun). I just love to see the passion they put into each creation and the joy you can see and feel from it.

When a project isn’t coming together the way you envisioned, sometimes you have to step away. Grab a snack, get a change of scenery or even take a quick nap. A change in focus can help you feel refreshed and ready to jump back in. As for managing creative burnout, I try to limit myself to a certain number of projects so they don’t become a to-do item on a lengthy list. Stay joyful and have fun!

As any creator can attest, failure is constantly lingering in the background. It can show up at any point in a project- such as a paint color not matching, a piece of material cut too short, running out of a key design element or even a compromised fastener. As you create you have to be ready with a substitution or a pivot. What I’ve learned is some of my biggest “failures” have ended up being even better than my original idea.

Just start! Trying isn’t about succeeding, it’s about exploring. I would much rather try and learn something than live with the disappointment of never trying at all.

I look forward to continuing to create with the power of hot glue. Next for me is revisiting an old favorite: Perler beads. I have seen so many new ways to use them other than just pressing them flat.