In this special episode, I’m telling you stories about how it all started, what production looks like on a weekly basis, and where I see this unique video series going! Are you ready? Let’s do it!

Show Notes –

Amy Porterfield – There’s a very good chance you’ve never heard of Amy, since she doesn’t tangle in the weaving world. But, Amy is an expert at online marketing and digital course creation. I’ve been following her for years now! And the truth is, without Amy Porterfield, there would probably be no A Handwoven Experience. So Amy, wherever you are, thank you. (Check out Amy right here to see all the fabulous online instruction she offers!)

Episode 1 – This is where it all started, my friend. I had very little idea of what I was doing. I only knew that I wanted to begin sharing my knowledge of weaving, using video as the vehicle. (I’m thinking there’s a happy ending…) Enjoy the maiden voyage right here! 

October Weave Along

Are you enjoying the October Weave Along? This month-long weaving adventure is an opportunity to not only weave a fun pattern, but also participate in a sweet community of weavers. To see all the colorful details, click here to see the overview. It includes information about the Facebook Group and the benefits of being an Acton Creative Insider.

I hope your waffle weave is coming together like magic! Happy Weaving!

The post Behind the Scenes of A Handwoven Experience appeared first on Acton Creative.

A custom project will be a partnership between you and another person. Your job as the artist is to give them clear choices and to make sure you outline what you can and can’t create. And their job as the client is to bring you their ideas and ultimately work with you to settle on a plan.

(p.s. If you despise making a specific item, don’t offer to do it. For example, if pillows make you crazy, don’t offer to weave someone pillows. Life is too short to be miserable – even if someone else is paying.)

When the custom experience goes well, it is a beautiful collaboration. You, the weaver, will get the pleasure of working within parameters given to you by someone else – which could be a lovely stretch of your creative skills, and a bit out of your comfort zone. And in return, the client will receive a one-of-a-kind woven piece of art that incorporates their colors/materials/style/sizing, etc. – which is incredible! Aren’t they lucky?

So in episode 95, I’m giving you a handful of things to consider if or when you take on your first custom project. Ready? Let’s talk custom!

Show Notes –

Instead of show notes, I’m going to mix it up and give you a quick questionnaire to help you determine whether custom projects are a good fit for you. And here we go!

• Do you get annoyed when someone gives you a suggestion?
• Do you have a pressing laundry list of projects to get to?
• Are you unsure you can accurately weave an idea from your head?

If you said “yes” to any or all of these, custom projects may not be the best fit for you, at this time. And that’s okay! There is no rule that says every weaver must be willing to do custom projects. See, this is a fabulous benefit to being an adult – you get to choose what is a good fit for you! (And you can eat ice cream for dinner, if the mood strikes you!)

Acton Creative’s Custom – However, if you are intrigued by the idea of doing custom work, you are invited to take a stroll through my custom page to see how I presented my options. Feel free to use it as inspiration for your own! Check it out right here. 

Acton Creative Insiders – 

Do you love all things Acton Creative? Want event more? I have just the thing! I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership includes personal insights, weaving tips/tricks, and behind-the-scenes action every single week! All we’re missing is you!  This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

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So, if you’ve been looking for a reason to get into weaving, this video could seal the deal! Enjoy!

Show Notes –

Actual scientific stuff – While my personal list of why weaving is good for you was not backed by a scientific team, I thought it would be interesting to source a sciency article connecting creativity to good things. Here’s what I found. It’s a blog post from the Therapy Group of NYC linking better mental health to creativity – amazing! I hope you enjoy it! (Click here to read all about it – and feel a tad smarter, too!)

5 Ways to Recognize a Weaver – I’m taking us back to the beginning, episode 12. In that episode, I list ways to recognize a weaver. (Funny how I’m drawn towards lists with 5 things. Not 4. Not 6. Just 5!) This entertaining compilation might (or might not) surprise you – especially if they describe someone you know! Check out this classic A Handwoven Experience video. 

Acton Creative Insiders – 

Do you love all things Acton Creative? Want event more? I have just the thing! I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership includes personal insights, weaving tips/tricks, and behind-the-scenes action every single week! All we’re missing is you!  This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

The post Why Weaving is Good for You appeared first on Acton Creative.

We’ve accomplished SO much together in 2 years. You’ve inspired over 80 videos, countless weaving questions, and many fascinating conversations.

Through the process of creating A Handwoven Experience videos and listening to your feedback, I’ve been able to fine tune the business to really narrow down what I want to accomplish and who I want to serve.

And none of it could be achieved without you! So, thank you. Those 2 words don’t seem nearly powerful enough to convey my gratitude. Just imagine receiving a huge hug from me that goes on WAY too long.

So, without further adieu, here is the 2nd Anniversary of A Handwoven Experience video!

Show Notes –

1st Anniversary – Out of curiosity, I flipped back to last year and the first anniversary video. In it, I shared a few things that I learned in that original year – which was also at the beginning of the pandemic. (Thank you very much.) Funny enough, the things I learned during the first year are still things I employ today! If you’d like to also take a walk down memory lane, check out the anniversary video from March of 2021 right here.

Acton Creative Insiders –

Why join the AC Insiders? Let me count the reasons.

• Your thirst for all things Acton Creative is insatiable and you fear missing even one single thing.
• You are loving the direction Acton Creative is going and want to lend your support.
• You want to be the 1st to know when new, exciting events/products are happening.

If one of those sound like you, come on over! All are welcome!

Simply click here to choose which membership level suits you. And in the blink of an eye, you’ll have access to weaving tips, behind-the-scenes accouncements, and Acton Creative extras – not to mention that your membership will help the company grow and thrive.

It’s a feel-good situation all around! I can’t wait to add your name to the list of AC Insider members!!

The post 2nd Anniversary of A Handwoven Experience appeared first on Acton Creative.

Are you ready to learn from me and my adventures? Here we go!

Show Notes –

Shout Color Catcher – One of my weaving to-don’ts involved forgetting a Shout Color Catcher when washing my project. The red yarn completely bled into the white stripe next to it, creating an undesirable pink section. Nope. That was NOT the plan.

So, the moral of the story is to always include a Shout Color Catcher – especially during the first wash, when most of the extra dye will come out to play. If you haven’t heard of this and want to give it a go, click right here to pick some up for your next project. (p.s. I’m an Amazon Affiliate and get a little something if you shop using my link.)

Rep weave – If you love the look of rep weave and promise you won’t try to make a scarf with it, I have more information ready for you! In episode 47, I talk about the Nuts and Bolts of Rep Weave. It’s a great overview of this fabulous pattern – perfect for dense, heavy fabrics! (Not scarfs. Did I stress that enough? Just say “no” to rep weave and scarves together.)

October Weave Along –

It’s happening! The October Weave Along has officially started and the participating weavers are already creating brilliant things! If you haven’t checked out this month-long weaving program yet, there is still plenty of time. You are invited to join us!

We have a Facebook group called the Acton Creative October Weave Along where weavers are connecting from all over! And there is much more information for you at the homepage right here. 

So if you are looking for some inspiration to return to weaving, or want to chat with other weavers, or simply want to try your hand at some 1/3 twill (our official October Weave Along pattern), this is the place for you! I can’t wait to see you there!

AC Insiders –

Are you enjoying Acton Creative, finding lots of value? You are officially invited to join the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership, hosted by Patreon, is a fabulous way to support and be in “know” for all things Acton Creative. Click here to become a member. I can’t wait for you to join us!

The post Weaving To-Don’ts (part 1) appeared first on Acton Creative.

Because weaving is such a solitary craft, we don’t always have the opportunity to share our little (and big!) successes. And even when we have these fabulously satisfying moments, we may not have folks around us that will appreciate the magnitude of them.

Have you ever arrived at the end of a project that turned out better than anticipated? Then, you excitedly shared the news with your partner/friend/neighbor? And their response was sort of lukewarm? Not NEARLY as enthusiastic as you wanted it to be? The letdown is so sad.

Thus, Weaving Wins was born! Tell us all about your latest victory in the weaving arena and we’ll promise to hoot and holler with unbridled cheer!

Examples of Weaving Wins –

• You tried a new weaving pattern.
• Your very first project is finished.
• A weaving teacher you admire offered a class and you registered immediately.
• Or, you tried a new yarn.
• Maybe you fixed a broken yarn like it was no big deal?
• How about that time that you found a bag full of weaving yarn at a garage sale for $10?
• Remember the first time you got the tension JUST right in your project?

These are all ideas for Weaving Wins! But, you are a wildly creative person and I know you’ll come up with some wonderful wins to share with all of us!

Why share your Weaving Wins?

We (the Acton Creative Community) promise to cheer you on! My hope is that our shared joy will encourage you and others to keep going. Keep weaving. And definitely keep trying new things.

Thanks to the amazing internet, our solitary work doesn’t have to stay hidden. We can share all the good things with each other! And won’t that be lovely?

Ponder your latest Weaving Win and share it in the comments! Then, come back and share future wins with us, too! I can’t WAIT to hear all about the great successes you’ve been having! Happy Weaving, my friend!!

Acton Creative Insiders –

You are cordially invited to join the Acton Creative Insiders, hosted by Patreon! This monthly membership is a fabulous way to support and be in “know” for all things Acton Creative. Click here to become a member. I can’t wait for you to join us!

And one more thing –

In the video, I mention the wildly talented Amanda Baxter! If you haven’t already checked out her amazing yarns, click here to go visit her site. Enjoy!

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2020’s been a whopper, hasn’t it? I hope that during the last few days of the year, you’re able to find a little tinsel or a sparkly ornament or a brightly lit candle that reminds you there’s still magic in the world.

There’s magic in making a plan for a new project and the excitement that comes with the creation process. Right at the very beginning, when you hash out your idea & it begins taking shape.

And it’s that little jolt of electricity that sizzles through you when the weft yarn brings the entire project together. Or the thrill of unraveling a gorgeous bolt of fabric from the loom and discovering that you like it SO much more that you anticipated. How about when you meet another weaver and you feel an instant connection? Magic.

It’s still there, even if our daily lives have become immensely heavy and fraught with worry. Even when we feel like we should only focus on the bad stuff because that’s what everyone around us is talking about. Yet, sparkly bits of magic are floating around, just waiting for us to notice. I promise.

This holiday season, maybe your nugget of magic is a concerned friend or neighbor who reaches out to see if you need anything. Or maybe you’ll find it in a sweet holiday card in your mailbox. Perhaps your magic will show up in a bag of tasty molasses cookies left on your doorstep.

My wish for you is that you breathe in a little spark of magic this holiday season. That you have a moment when all the worries slide away and you can live in wonder.

So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my friend. May many fabulous moments of magic guide you through the rest of the year.

The post Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! appeared first on Acton Creative.

What are you thankful for? It’s easy to pull out the pat answers – friends, family, health, etc. But, what about all the tiny little moments?

The perfect peanut butter toast you made this morning. Having a good hair day. The wave your sweet neighbor gave you as he left for work. All those little things can add up to a very big, thankful life.

Check out episode 38 to hear my list of little (and big) things I appreciate. And let me know what you’re giving thanks for this time of year!

Show Notes –

Practicing Gratitude – I found a sweet article from lifehack.org about 40 ways you can practice gratitude. If you are searching for a few ideas, check it out right here! 

Gratitude Journal – I started doing a daily list of things I’m thankful for about a year ago when I heard Rachel Hollis talking about her Start Today Journal. She asks you to count 5 things you’re grateful for everyday – little things. I’ve found that I really love the practice!

But between you and me, I’ve never used her branded journal. I tend to go more grassroots and grab any ‘ole notebook lying around. Lately, I’ve been rocking an Acton Creative weaving notebook, because why not use the products I’m creating? Plus, pretty covers with yarn make me happy.

Thank You!

Creating my own business is daunting, for sure. But with your support and encouragement, it seems just a little bit less scary. So, thank you! Thanks for reading. For responding. For whatever creative, curious journey you are on that led you here. Today, and all days, I’m giving thanks for you!

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See, entrepreneurs sink their hearts and souls into creating amazing products and offering A+ customer service. No one does personalization and a genuine touch like a small business owner.

Take a peek at episode 37 of A Handwoven Experience to hear the entire talk!

One Gift Challenge –

Here is your official challenge. Are you ready? Replace 1 gift that you would ordinarily buy at a big box store with something from a small business. It can be a local business or someone you love online.

In the comments below, let me know what gift (or gifts) you decided to purchase and from whom. Let’s spread some good karma and shop small!

Show Notes –

Small Business Saturday – This holiday has already worked its way into our yearly line-up, thankfully! But, it has only been a thing for 10 years, believe it or not. Click right here to check out an interesting article all about it.

Female small business owners – I found some fascinating data about women-owned small businesses. Being a female business owner myself, it is good to be part of a growing club that’s going to change the world!

Acton Creative’s Online Store –

The shop is open 24/7! So if you need to purchase a Fingertip Towel for Aunt Louisa at 3 am, it’s no problem!

You want to buy a Messenger Bag for your college-aged niece right after lunch? Yup!

You’re watching the Late Late Show and come up with a brilliant plan of Wallets for teacher gifts? No sweat. The little website elves are always working. Shop away!

And if while you’re shopping, you think, “You know what would make my life easier?”, include it in the notes for the order! If I can wrap a gift, include a note, or ship separately, simply let me know. I’m happy to help!

The post Shop Small appeared first on Acton Creative.

Yep, you guessed it – today’s post is a Happy Anniversary to me!

15 years is a long time to make decisions, mistakes, and life changes. And I’ve done plenty of all of those! Check out this week’s video to hear all about it!

Show Notes –

Woof – Another word for “weft”. Not really used anyone, but would be great for trivia night!

Floating Selvedge – There are times in a weaving project when (because of the pattern) the weft doesn’t go to the end of the row. This leads to strange and inconvenient warp floats. It happens in twill quite a bit. The solution to this dilemma is floating selvedges. A floating selvedge is a warp yarn on the end of the project that doesn’t lift & lower. Thus, your weft yarn can always go to the edge and around the floating selvedge. So no matter how boring a floating selvedge seems, it is an important player in the weaving world. Thank you, Ms. Floating Selvedge!

Things I’ve learned – I found a great article from Gather all about things Kim learned during her weaving travels. Because I haven’t traveled much, I really enjoyed reading about what she discovered when interacting with weavers from all over the world. Curious? Click here to read all about it.

Happy Anniversary Gifts – Traditionally, the gift for 15 years is crystal. But what’s a weaver going to do with something in crystal? Instead, give me wool and cotton any day! If we’re being fancy, silk or linen will work, too.

Happy weaving, my friend!

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