Have you ever wondered who is behind that inspiration project, educational blog, or social media post? Learn more about the Plaid team below! Our team shares their crafting backgrounds, crafting advice, favorite projects, their favorite Christmas activity or tradition, and more!
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Kyra Balentine, Content Studio Director
Content Studio
My creative and crafty career may not have started out with paint and a glue gun but I have always loved fashion, art and design. I can remember even as a child carefully planning out my outfits weeks in advance and spending hours redecorating and rearranging my bedroom. In high school I brought home a pencil drawing that I created in art class and the rest, as they say, is history.
I went on to graduate from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio with a degree in advertising and graphic design. This led me to several internships at advertising agencies and a part time job doing visual merchandising at our local mall. I remember thinking, "Wow -- I can dress up mannequins and create displays while getting paid!" My visual merchandising career lead me to corporate positions with Abercrombie, Limited Too, and Dickies. Some of my shirt designs were even featured in Men's Health Magazine -- definitely a professional highlight for me!
A career defining moment came for me when I took a position at Michaels Stores corporate offices in Dallas. It was there that I was able to return to my artistic roots, and I was reminded of my love for art! I had the amazing opportunity to lead the team in Michaels craft room, creating projects and inspiration for Michaels.com. When our family moved to Atlanta for my husband's job, I was lucky to find the perfect landing spot here at Plaid! Over my seven years here, I have worked in both communications and in the content studio and now am honored to work with a team of amazing artists and makers every day. The thing I love most about what I do is the chance to teach and inspire others to learn something new, whether it's creating video tutorials, leading an online Craft Break, or teaching an interactive Zoom class.
It's been an amazing journey so far -- both personally and professionally. Along the way, I have become a wife, a mom, and I am doing the work I love with my Plaid family every day.
Favorite Project I have created:
Watch how I made my favorite project in one of our Craft Break sessions. Click below to watch.
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Jessie Jennings, Content Creator
Content Studio
I have been crafting and making art for as long as I can remember. I am constantly going through artistic phases, from scrapbooking to set design to Cosplay. I remember being 5 or 6 years old, staying up well past my bedtime, making villages and engineering working cars and boats out of construction paper, Styrofoam, and cardboard. When I was 7 years old, my sister and I started a jewelry business on the beach. We sold beaded bracelets on a boogie board, taking custom orders and hiding our merchandise when the lifeguards came by because there was “no soliciting.” All of these experiences lead me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Drawing and Painting and also eventually lead me to Plaid.
My favorite way to craft is fabrication and finding creative ways to make something that didn’t exist before. This includes things like making props out of EVA foam, building insects out of cardboard or sewing Muppets out of fabric and foam. I have always been excited about the idea of making something out of nothing.
People say to me all of the time “I can’t do that” or “I wish I could draw like you” and my answer is always that “practice makes perfect.” I truly believe that anyone can learn to be creative and to make projects that they are happy with. Also, when making art, getting feedback from colleagues and peers is vital. Having a community of creative people to bounce ideas off of and to help redirect you when you’ve hit a wall is extremely precious.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite Christmas tradition is making homemade pierogis with my dad using my grandmother’s recipe. My favorite holiday craft is hand painting gift wrap for family and friends.
Favorite Project I have created:
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Emma Pniewski, Content Creator
Content Studio
I grew up in an artistic family. My mom went to art school and my dad’s a talented carpenter, so I’ve always been encouraged to try to make things before I buy them. Gift giving is my love language, so some of my earliest crafting memories are of making meaningful gifts for my friends and family on a budget. Being able to make something that’s handcrafted for somebody I love is one of the best feelings in the world. I love making brightly colored family friendly crafts – I think crafting with friends and family is a great way to make meaningful moments with the people you care about. One of my favorite ways to craft is by repurposing everyday objects and turning them into functional, beautiful pieces of art. My piece of advice for new and experienced crafters is to find a piece of décor you love and then make it yourself- we’re usually more talented than we give ourselves credit for.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My family’s Polish and my dad’s a chef so every year at Christmas time my family gathers around the kitchen table to make homemade pierogis.
Favorite Project I have created:
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Dylan Estes, Digital Content Creator
Content Studio
My passion for crafting began with the Carol Duvall Show. Each week, my mom and I would tune in to see the paper crafters and jewelry makers featured on the show. Eventually, I was inspired to start my first business “Fun Designs by Dylan”. I made jewelry and polymer clay figures and would sell my wares at the local craft and gift shows. My father is a carpenter and as I got older, woodworking became more enticing than jewelry making. He showed me how to use different power tools and wood burning techniques.
I love to create with limited resources. Nothing makes me more excited than having to make a table from a pile of random wood, some mismatched hardware and a tight timeline.
Aside from crafting, I enjoy photography and video production. I practice all kinds of photography including 8x10 large format, 35mm film, and all-things Polaroid.
A large portion of my job as a Content Creator is centered around creating videos for TikTok. My favorite video to date is my Mod Podge Fall Leaf Pumpkin:
My tip for wood working crafters: Always clamp your woodburning tool cord to your work table! This will keep the cord out of your way while crafting and prevent your tool from falling off your table.
Favorite Project I have created:
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Sherrie Ragsdale, Content Creator
Content Studio
I started making small home décor items 26 years ago really out of necessity. My husband and I had just built a new house. We wanted to fill our house with furniture but soon discovered how costly it would be. That’s when I decided I was going to teach myself about power tools. Everything I know came from either woodworking magazines, woodworking books, or just plain old trial and error. My brother gave me a table saw for Christmas one year. That is when I started building furniture. Before I knew it I was filling custom orders. My tool collection began to expand which made the possibilities endless. I found out quickly I had a true passion for everything DIY. However, what is most rewarding is taking something that has been labeled “unusable” and making it into something new again.
I look for inspiration from almost anything. For instance, I may see a large structure with an unusual shape and think of ways that I can create a piece of furniture that has the same feel. I see things that speak to me and then I put my own twist on it. Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. There is always a way to figure things out.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite holiday tradition is when my entire family gets together in my home on Christmas Eve and we exchange our white elephant gifts.There's always a lot of laughter. Sometimes the gifts are store bought and other times they are crafted. I've seen some pretty funny crafts over the years.
Favorite Project I have created:
This is one of my favorite projects mainly because I was given the opportunity to actually build the dresser from scratch before I painted it. I also LOVE the bright colors and geometric shapes.
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Andy Jones, Content Editor for Let’s Paint
Content Studio
I have been painting and teaching painting since I was a teenager. I have a very creative mother and so our house was always filled with craft supplies and art materials. I took a painting class and was instantly hooked. I’ve never put down my brushes since then. I continued to take painting classes and workshops and was an art major in college with an emphasis on painting and printmaking.
I love painting and trying new ways of painting. I’m always trying to expand my skill set and over the past few years, I’ve made a concentrated effort to paint in a looser, more painterly style --- I’m loving the way my paintings are looking. The effort and hard work are starting to show real results!
The best advice I can give anyone is to work at your craft. I love painting and I know that if you have the desire, you can be trained to be a good painter. Practicing and painting all the time will improve your skills tremendously! Paint as much and as often as you possibly can!
Favorite Project I have created:
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Kirsten Jones, Content Creator
Content Studio
As a mom, designer, DIYer, wife, traveler, bargain hunter, handmade gift giver, and avid trash collector I am in love with creativity and an overzealous optimist. I cannot remember a moment of my childhood that was not creative, from painting murals on my bedroom walls as a kid to sewing two of my favorite outfits together for middle school picture day. I graduated with a degree in Marketing and worked at Plaid as a product manager and brand manager working with the acrylic paint categories, a career I loved. After my boys arrived, I decided to take a leap of faith and work for myself, 20 years later I am still working with the best craft company on the planet, Plaid, as a freelance creator. I also enjoy doing art festivals and creating pieces for local boutiques. My most recent passion is teaching people to paint and be creative. I have made appearances on QVC, HSN, and taught hundreds to paint at Pinners Expo Conventions across the country.
My favorite thing about creating is living intentionally and leaving a mark on someone. By creating and crafting you have the chance to inspire, explore, and step away from the normal and head in the direction of awesome. I do not have a favorite craft because I love them all, but I guess what I love best is following the current trends and discovering a way to turn those trends into projects.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite time to craft is Christmas. This will be the 13th year of my favorite Christmas tradition, I host a handmade ornament party, what began as me forcing my friends to stop making excuses and just try to craft. It’s not important if it’s perfect, only that you put your heart into it and made someone smile.
Favorite Project I have created:
Paint pouring is such a popular trend, I took that trend, combined with a modern dresser and unique paint palette to create a statement furniture piece.
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Lindsay Outten, Multimedia Specialist
Content Studio
I create videos, animations, photos, and graphics that you see across our social media channels. And I'm a proud member of the Let's Paint A-Team! I've been in the video industry for over 20 years - and I've been crafting since I was a small child. Before landing at Plaid, I worked in the TV industry as a writer, shooter, and editor. I've also been a voiceover artist and have even been on-camera talent from time to time! I joined Plaid a little over a year ago and was really excited to find a job that united both my profession and my love of all things crafting.
Some of my best crafty creations have come from birthday parties for my daughter and from Daddy-Daughter Dances at her elementary school. I have created video game-themed decorations like Thwomps and Boos and Koroks...and large-scale candy-themed props like giant lollipops and chocolate bars...and too much other fun stuff to name! I also really love to crochet. There's nothing quite like creating art - whether it's a painting, a costume, a video, a stand-up routine - whatever form it takes. It's always a unique reflection of the person who made it and that makes every piece special. So I encourage everyone to give it a try and make something uniquely you!!!
Favorite Project I have created:
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Bill Skeel, Sr Graphic Designer/Photographer
Graphics
I’ve always been interested in art. I started out drawing when I was younger and later went to design school (Portfolio Center) and studied graphic design. I have been working as a designer for the past 31 years (24 years at Plaid). Plaid gave me the opportunity to start doing photography about 15 years ago. I'm primarily self-taught. My "education" included working closely with photographers (related to Plaid) and picking up what I could from them, frequenting internet forums, and reading a lot of books. I would not call myself an avid crafter, but I have done some painting.
My advice to anyone who wants to get into graphic design is to take your time and enjoy yourself.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite Christmas activity is just spending time with loved ones and watching A Christmas Story a bunch of times.
Favorite Project I have created:
I built this bass from a kit I bought on eBay probably 8-10 years ago. It was all unfinished wood. I went for a bat theme. I cut the headstock into a bat wing, base coated it black, designed and airbrushed the bat on the back and flames on front in metallic silver.
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Brittni Swanson, Brand Communication Manager
Communications
Growing up my mom was super crafty! She would sew my Halloween costumes each year, she would craft our home decor, and help me craft really awesome school projects. So growing up in this environment I became very crafty and thrifty. I learned everything I know about crafting from her. For years I have loved scrapbooking, jewelry making, and painting. I love creating something out of nothing. I love creating anything from home decor to handmade gifts from the things I have on hand. In college, my focus was in journalism and writing, so when I found a writing job opportunity at Plaid I knew that this was the perfect place for me.
At Plaid, each week I write blog posts and design the weekly newsletter email. I also write product and project copy for our website. I make sure that our brands get the correct treatment on any digitial platform like the Plaid website, Amazon, or any other retailers.
My favorite type of crafting is home decor crafting. I recently moved into a new home and I am obsessed with decorating and crafting home decor for very little money. It is a fun challenge for me! My advice to anyone who wants to get started in crafting is to try a bunch of different types of crafting from stitching to painting to scrapbooking to find what you love.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite Christmas tradition that my husband and I do on Christmas Eve is we make a really fancy dinner, then we make cookies together, and watch the movie Elf.
Favorite Project I have created:
This table and chairs is my most favorite project. It's the largest project I've ever done and the project I am most proud of. I paid $45 on Facebook Marketplace for this table and chairs. Originally it was a yellow-wood that didn't match my decor. So I painted it gray and white with FolkArt Home Decor Chalk and sealed it with Mod Podge Furniture Matte. Our family uses this table every day and it turned out way better than I ever expected.
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Tamara Comstock, Social Media Specialist
Communications
I have been painting and crafting since I was a child. When I grew up, I decided to go all in and get a BFA in painting and never looked back! Anything in my studio that doesn’t get covered in paint is instead covered in glitter (if not both). I also enjoy making cosplays and going to conventions and events. In my heart I am a painter, though! I am a huge music fan and concert attendee and find a lot of joy in creating art that celebrates music. I also paint dozens of pet portraits each year. There is something so special about capturing that spark of personality and love into a painting of an animal and I am honored to memorialized people’s furry (or feathered or scaly) friends. My best advice for aspiring artists and makers is to not let the fear of mistakes hinder progress. I have learned so much from challenging projects that forced me to think outside the box and paintings that I had to rework. An elementary school art teacher gave me that and I have lived my life by that quote ever since!
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
My favorite holiday tradition is our annual Christmas cookie decorating party. We have dozens of cookie cutters including not only the expected festive shapes, but everything from unicorns to ninja-bread men! We have a rainbow of frosting colors, sprinkles in every shape, and fun candy to top the cookies. It creates an afternoon full of laughs and memories and more cookies than we can ever eat.
Favorite Project I have created:
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Chris Williams, Director of Education
Marketing Paint Team Education Manager
As long as I can remember, I have been crafting! You see, I was raised by a very creative mom who taught me from a very early age, that there was nothing I was not capable of doing! I learned some at my mom’s apron strings, and some simply by trial and error of teaching myself how to perform a specific craft. It seems like I have almost done it all! I can do all sorts of fiber arts like sewing, doll making, knitting and crochet. I can create with paper for card making, scrapbooking and decoupage. I also create with all sorts of needlework techniques such as: embroidery, counted cross stitch, bargello, trapunto, and crewel. But my heart is drawn the most to many different types of art. I love to draw, stencil, and paint in all sorts of mediums like oils, acrylics, and watercolors. However, in my leisure, you will mostly find me with paintbrushes in hand painting in acrylics! I can paint all sorts of subject matter; but if you know me, you know that my favorite subject matter is painting for the winter holidays to sell my hand created ornaments and decorations for Christmas. I have been painting and selling my work for years now and it is always a thrill when someone makes a purchase!
My personal crafting tip to share with one and all is to not limit yourself and to be open to try new things, new techniques, new products. I also would like to tell everyone to sit still amongst your craft supplies. It is there in that quiet place, that your creativity will speak to you and ideas will flow.
Favorite Christmas tradition or activity:
Christmas time is a magical time of the year. For me, it is the most creative time when homes are decorated, hand made gifts are wrapped and shared, holiday cards are crafted and sent to love ones, and the gifts of creativity are shared with loved ones, family and friends! Merry Christmas to everyone!
Favorite Project I have created:
Happy Crafting!