The Evolving Crafter (a.k.a. Crafty Witch Jenn)

I have been an avid crafter for years. I started out with woodworking and painting as a way to fill the time after I became a stay at home mom. Every year that passed, I found myself adding more and more venues to my crafting. Then, in 2000, the unthinkable happened – I lost my grandmother. She had been my best friend for years, and the toll it took on me was severe. In a desperate attempt to feel close to her, even though she was gone, I called my grandfather and asked if I could have her old knitting needles and crochet hooks. I remembered fondly the hours that she spent teaching me how to cast on, chain, and slip knot and wanted so much to relive those memories! The rest, as they say, is history. Not a day goes by that you don’t find me with yarn and a needle or hook in my hand, and chances are that if I know you, I’ll shower you with handmade goods until you beg me to stop!

I first joined an online Harry Potter crafts group around 3 years ago. I had picked up the series to read it prior to allowing my son to read it and gotten hooked. After the first movie came out, I realized that it just wouldn’t do to keep on making muggle crafts when the wizard crafts in the film were so completely awesome! Upon joining, I couldn’t believe the talent and imagination that everyone had! Even the most novice of crafters came up with the most fabulous stuff! We began sharing patterns, and eventually started a swap. This just added fuel to my crafting addiction – trading goods with others. It felt so good to be able to brighten someone’s day just by making and sending them something!

Around a year ago, I came on staff at Leaky as a Crafty Witch. I can’t begin to tell you how special this has been to me! I’ve made friends with the most amazing women, and forged bonds that I know will last a lifetime. I live in a house where I am the sole female, so the added bonus of online girl-time comes in handy to say the least! I really don’t know what I’d do without these wonderful ladies that I feel so blessed to work with everyday. We are a great support system for one another, and I know that whenever I need an ear to rant in or a shoulder to cry on that they’ll be there. There’s also the added bonus of having a group of people who understand just why working for Leaky, for the sheer love of Harry Potter and the positive influence he’s had on my life is so important!