Hello! I’m busy working on Issue 8 of CraftSanity Magazine, but wanted to take a break to invite you to join me at Schuler Books, 2660 28th St. SE, in Grand Rapids on Monday, Oct. 29. As part of this hip, independent store’s 30 anniversary, I’m teaming up with some very talented staffers to host [...]

          Hello! I’m hosting a CraftSanity Crafternoon at the new Grand Rapids Press office on Saturday and I’d love for you to come. Attendees will get to make a beaded heart pin, discuss the impact of technology on art and craft and many other crafty topics as well as mingle with [...]

After receiving many requests for a CraftSanity newsletter, I’m finally starting one. The main purpose of the newsletter is to let you know when new issues CraftSanity Magazine are coming out and give you a chance to snag a copy during the dollar off pre-order sale, but I will also include updates about CraftSanity Looms, [...]

When I started CraftSanity Magazine more than a year ago, I knew I wanted to print a collection of paper dolls with artistic and crafty themes. Since fine art illustration is not my strong suit, I recruited Rebecca Green, a local artist and illustrator, to make this a reality. To create a doll for each [...]

 In the last 24 hours I have: * made many, many looms for this weekend’s Detroit Urban Craft Fair * recorded and edited a podcast with an awesome artist and cook * signed my very long name 200 times on the limited edition paper doll prints Rebecca Green and I collaborated on. (Check back for [...]

HELLO, everyone! I hope you’re all well and crafting up a storm. I’ve been a bit distracted lately, but I’m being very productive nonetheless. We’re headed to the printer with issue 5 of CraftSanity Magazine on Monday and then I will be picking up my mallet and sander and building as many CraftSanity peg looms [...]

This is Willie James Jones, a man who spends his days drawing hot rods, surf boards, bongo drums and palm trees at Heartside Gallery and Studio, a free drop-in art studio located  in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The studio is frequented by people who have struggled with homelessness, addiction, mental illness and other challenges. I wrote [...]

My apologies for the sporadic blog posting of late. I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on issue 3 of CraftSanity Magazine and attending art shows hosted by my daughters in our hallway. The girls have been painting like mad and burning through their stash of supplies very quickly. They installed their latest batch of paintings [...]

My voice has yet to return to full strength, but I’m taking an optimistic approach and moving ahead with plans for CraftSanity Magazine trunk shows. On Friday, March 18, I’ll be showing all the projects from CraftSanity Issue 2 during my “Take Five” craft segment on WZZM Channel 13 here in Grand Rapids. The show [...]

Since spending a few days in sick bay, I’m playing catch-up on a few items that I wanted to pass on. First off, Liesl Gibson, owner of the Brooklyn-based pattern company, Oliver + S and guest on CraftSanity episode 106, now has a line of patterns for women called: Lisette. Read more about the new [...]

The  deadline pressure is on as I work to put the next issue of CraftSanity Magazine together. I’m stressed but having a blast at the same time so no complaints here. The projects by designers from near and far are so diverse and awesome that I think you’re really going to love issue 2! In [...]

Hi Folks. Sorry it’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been busy working on the next issue of CraftSanity Magazine due out in March. There is a lot of writing, crafting and pattern testing to do in the next 20 days, but I think it will be worth all the effort. The next [...]

Ok, folks, the premiere issue of CraftSanity magazine is set to ship out Tuesday Dec. 7 (revised date)and I can’t wait for you to see it! The magazine is 8″x8″ and contains 44 pages featuring 15 projects ranging from knitting and crochet to sewing, weaving, paper craft and embroidery. And because I LOVE to interview [...]

Even in the busiest times, while in the thick of the most involved projects it’s important to stop and soak up nature’s wonders. The other day I snapped this picture of a rose past it’s prime but still quite beautiful. It’s so important to pause every now an then, especially when your plate is full [...]

What I enjoy most about art and craft is all the kindred spirits I’ve met along the way. Here’s a list of my upcoming classes. Check it out and maybe our creative paths will cross someday. A special thanks to the kind folks at Lakeshore Sewing and the David D. Hunting YMCA for these new teaching [...]