Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle James.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a creator for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are decorating my dollhouse with fabric from old clothes and, by 18, selling wreaths at church fairs. I also loved going to local fall festivals and fairs with my parents, something I remember doing from as young as five.
My mom was very artistic and started taking art lessons in her 40s. I loved seeing how excited she was when she came home from class and watching her art improve over time. She passed away from cancer at just 47, and one of my most cherished possessions is an oil painting she made for me.
I started taking craft classes soon after and never looked back! My first blog, Michelle’s Paper Creations, focused on scrapbooking and paper crafts before evolving into OurCraftyMom.com in 2013.
The name actually came from my kids. Their friends would come over and see me scrapbooking or creating something and always say, “Your mom is so crafty.” When I asked my kids for ideas for a blog name, my son said, “How about Our Crafty Mom?” And it stuck!
Over the years, the blog has opened the door to so many wonderful opportunities, including collaborations with companies like Yankee Candle, Lowe’s, Wayfair, and more. But one of my favorite parts has been the community. I’ve met and teamed up with bloggers I genuinely looked up to when I first started this journey.
Sharing crafts, home decorating, and DIY projects has brought me so much joy. In many ways, it feels like a full-circle moment because I now experience the same happiness I remember seeing on my mom’s face when she came home from her art classes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a firm believer that anything that brings you happiness is going to come with a few challenges along the way. Once I became monetized with an ad agency, I was able to turn my blog into a full-time income, but getting there took several years of hard work and persistence.
The biggest challenges came with the changes to Google a few years ago. Many blogs were hit hard, with some shutting down or being sold. Then AI brought another major shift, and we were encouraged to pivot.
I chose to keep doing what I love and what my readers love; sharing crafts, home decorating, and DIY projects. Thankfully, I’m still here, still creating, and I hope to continue doing what I love well into retirement.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in handmade creations using budget-friendly supplies, from thrift store finds and repurposed items to Dollar Tree treasures. I also love hunting through flea markets, antique stores, and estate sales for unique pieces I can transform or decorate.
One of my favorite things to hear from readers is that they never considered themselves “crafty,” but tried one of my projects, discovered they could do it, and found a new hobby along the way!
I also love paying it forward by teaching free craft classes at local community centers, with plans to soon bring them to nearby nursing homes.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
While I’m not normally a risk-taker, I’m a big believer in manifesting, especially when it comes to something I’m truly passionate about. My dad always taught us that hard work pays off, and I believed that if I worked hard enough, I could build a life around doing what I love.
It has paid off in more ways than I ever could have imagined. It may sound corny, but the old adage about doing what you love and never working a day in your life really is true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourcraftymom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourcraftymom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourcraftymom/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourcraftymom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwy9wAd9GBGh48TDVV_Wag
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourcraftymom
