Check Out Michelle Spaulding’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Spaulding.

Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Michelle Spaulding, aka “The Crafty Diva,” For those who don’t know me, I love making things. I knit, crochet, weave, stitch, make fabric, and play with clay and paint. I retired early from corporate life due to chronic illnesses. I studied expressive art therapy to pursue my passion for teaching people to use arts and crafts for self-care and healing. I continue to embark on my healing journey while teaching others. I am a certified Dream Coach, fabric artist, teacher, writer, and storyteller. I realized one of my big dreams was to live on an island and make and teach the fiber arts. I lived on Hatteras Island for almost ten years. I facilitated a weekly knitting circle for residents and taught arts and crafts workshops to summer vacationers at a local art gallery. I relocated to Hillsborough in 2020, a month before the global pandemic, due to my health challenges and my need to be closer to family. During that crisis and the need for physical and emotional healing, I was inspired to create an updated version of my fabric and home decor line, ‘Michmystikdesigns.’ I created and produced many fabric and fashion pieces for the home and body. I express myself through color, texture, and fabric. I also am a creativity coach, and my goal as an expressive arts facilitator is to inspire others to tap into their unique creative gifts. Last year I was able to locate art studio space in a local historic cotton mill where I teach and create fiber art and other things. In these historical times of uncertainty, creating a supportive community is empowering and important to weather these challenging global events. My teaching style intends to provide a fun, freestyle crafting and making art experience in a community environment.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My health challenges have been the biggest obstacle I have experienced to fully creating a post-retirement career in the arts. Chronic pain and illnesses make it difficult to plan, travel, or schedule consistent appointments and activities. Living on a fixed income also impacts your ability to meet the demands of creating a business. So, I do what I can when I can. I set goals and deadlines, but I also have the flexibility to rearrange my schedule or cancel if needed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Artist Statement:

• “Crafting is medicine for me. It’s my spiritual practice. I can express my inner wise self through my art and crafts. It helps me heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Making and creating allows me to tap into the Divine creativity of our Universal force.”

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are several wonderful and experienced life and business coaches and professional therapists that can be found to support a person on a new career path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Michmystikdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Craftydivacottage