The Glue Gun Gazette 7/23/26

• 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 Becky Helms 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.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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 Estelle Bilson close at hand.

• 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?