Craft to Heal Workshop: Things you might want to know ...
It's a year long program for all different types of fiber artists, and I'd really love for you to join ...
Craft to Heal workshops have begun!
Here are answers to some of the questions you might find yourself asking.
What kinds of creative exercises will we be doing?
Each month, you’ll be guided through creative exercises that use your craft as a tool for personal exploration, mindfulness, and emotional growth. These are not traditional “craft projects” where you follow a pattern to make something specific. Instead, they are exercises that encourage you to engage with your creativity in new ways. Examples include:
🌀 Mindfulness Exercises – Using breathwork and repetitive crafting motions to deepen meditation.
🌿 Letting Go Practices – Trying a new technique as a beginner to release perfectionism.
💤 Self-Care Rituals – Incorporating craft into a bedtime routine for better sleep.
🖼 Memory & Meaning Exercises – Using your craft to honor important personal memories.
⚖️ Balance & Structure Challenges – Crafting in response to themes like abundance, fear, or adventure.
The exercises are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different crafts. You’ll be encouraged to make them your own and explore what works best for you.
I already use my craft for relaxation - is this program for me?
Yes! Many people use their craft as a way to relax, and this program will deepen and expand that practice. But Craft to Heal is about so much more than just relaxation—it’s about self-discovery, emotional growth, and creative transformation.
✔️ If you want to be more intentional about your creative practice, this program will give you new tools and perspectives.
✔️ The interactive elements (in Levels 2 and 3) allow for deeper exploration and connection, magnifying the emotional and mental benefits.
✔️ The structure and accountability of the program can help you stay committed to your creativity in ways that casual crafting doesn’t always provide.
This isn’t just about using creativity to unwind—it’s about using it to understand yourself, grow, and create meaning.
I’m struggling with motivation in my creative practice—will this help?
Yes. As someone who has made a living from writing and art for two decades, I’ve had to develop countless strategies for working through low-motivation times—and I share many of those throughout this program.
That said, I also understand that sometimes, motivation issues are tied to deeper personal challenges (such as depression, burnout, or grief). This program provides structure, inspiration, and community support, which can help reignite your creative spark, but it’s not a cure-all.
✔️ If you’re feeling creatively blocked, the guided exercises and prompts will give you new entry points into your craft.
✔️ If you’re lacking motivation because of external life stressors, this program will help you use creativity as a tool to navigate them.
✔️ If you’re struggling with deep emotional exhaustion, Level 3’s one-on-one support may be the best fit to help you explore what’s holding you back and how to move forward.
This program can help you re-engage with your creativity, but it also respects the reality that motivation ebbs and flows—and that’s okay.
What materials do I need?
You’ll work with your own craft supplies. You can probably use items that you already have without purchasing more. Since we’re all working with different crafts, there won’t be a specific materials list, but I will provide guidance on materials in the March lessons and briefly in each first week Zoom of the month.
Can I join if I’m not experienced in crafting?
Absolutely! Craft to Heal is about using creativity for personal exploration, not about technical skill. As long as you enjoy working with your hands, you’re welcome here. However, remember that you’re not going to learn techniques here, so if you don’t know how to knit or crochet, then you’re not going to learn what you need to do those things in this class. It’s best if you have at least a little bit of working knowledge in at least one craft. The skills can grow and transfer over from there.
I have never considered myself an artist—can I still join?
Yes! Most of us have had a complicated and changing relationship to self-identifying as an artist. I believe that we are all artists, but you don’t have to believe that.
You do not need to consider yourself an artist to participate. If you enjoy making things with your hands and want to explore how creativity can support personal growth, you’re in the right place.
This program is about process, not product - so it’s for anyone, regardless of experience or skill level.
Do I need to stick to one craft for the whole program?
No! You are welcome to switch between different crafts as you go. If you knit one month and quilt the next, that’s totally fine. Some exercises might resonate more with certain crafts, so having flexibility can be an advantage.
Can I use writing, painting, or mixed media instead of fiber arts?
Yes, but with a caveat. The program is designed with fiber arts in mind, so exercises will be structured around crafts like crochet, knitting, quilting, and embroidery. However, if you’re comfortable with interpreting and adapting the exercises, you can absolutely use other mediums like writing, painting, or mixed media. Just keep in mind that you may need to do some creative translation of the prompts.
Do I have to show my work or share what I make?
You are invited but never required to share.
✔️ The first lesson each month is more of a lecture-style class, so sharing is completely optional.
✔️ In the second lesson of the month, active participation is encouraged, and there will be space to share and discuss, but you are never obligated.
✔️ You can also choose private one-on-one sessions, which can be a great space to explore your creative process personally.
Do I have to be visible on Zoom?
You are encouraged to keep your Zoom camera on in order to create and strengthen connection to the class.
However, you should always prioritize your own comfort and well-being.
If you know that you prefer a more private experience to a group experience, then you should join the first session of the month and/or schedule private 1:1 sessions.
If you are seeking a more interactive experience, the second session of the month will provide that.
Do you offer discounts or sliding-scale pricing?
Yes!
The first introductory class in March is a $5 class without discounts.
However, all of the classes to follow will be offered with a Sliding Scale price in mind.
Additionally, you can choose to join as many or few classes as you would like each month in order to keep within your budget.
I can't attend all of the classes. Will they be recorded?
Yes, all of the classes will be recorded and available for participants. You can sign up for the class and even if you don't attend you'll receive access to the video when the class has finished.
Do you have other questions? Just ask!
I love and need this.
Hello Kathryn, I have both your books and I have been following you since you were on Patreon. I have a program of sorts, where I teach people both the mechanics of crochet and how to use it as a therapeutic craft. So I’m very excited about your workshop as a way to inform and expand my own practice.
I would appreciate discussing with you (offline maybe?) how I can utilize the things I learn in the workshop with my students, without infringing on your intellectual property. Please let me know how you would like to move forward with this. Thank you!