Hi creative friends,
I’m so excited to reintroduce a feature that many of you will remember from 2023 and 2024… our Crafter of the Month spotlight.
It’s a lovely opportunity to celebrate the incredible creatives within our Craft Room community… those who uplift, inspire, and share from the heart.
This month, I’m shining the spotlight on a member who has been a consistent ray of sunshine in our group for the past two years… the wonderfully kind and talented Cris Sabin.
If you’ve spent any time in the Craft Room, you’ve no doubt seen Cris’ beautiful makes and thoughtful comments.
She is always so encouraging, generous with her praise for others, and wholeheartedly supports the Design Team by joining our lives, watching the tutorials, and creating the monthly projects.
She truly embodies the spirit of our community.
I asked Cris if she’d share a little more about herself, and her answers are just as lovely as she is…
Meet Cristeen Sabin
Location: Minoa, New York (right in the heart of the state)
Cris has always had a creative soul. A hairdresser by trade, she’s long had a love for making things beautiful, and her crafting journey began with sweet childhood memories of turning shoeboxes into imaginative homes using paper dolls cut from the Sears catalogue. That early spark grew into a love for decorative painting… Cris fondly remembers learning to paint flowers from Donna Dewberry’s video tutorials, and at one time had blooms painted all throughout her home!
Today, her style has blossomed into one that we all know and love… shabby chic, with soft touches of nostalgia, lace, and romance.
One special project that holds her heart is making cards for Cards for Kindness. Cris uses elements from many Craft Room kits to create heartfelt cards that are then shared with organizations supporting veterans, breast cancer patients, and children in hospitals. Knowing that her handmade cards bring comfort and joy to others makes this a truly meaningful part of her creative journey.
Cris’ Favourite Things
Cris is especially drawn to papercrafting… although painting still has a place in her heart (and now, in her grandchildren’s hearts too, as she teaches them simple flower techniques and watches their confidence grow).
Her creative process begins with catching the monthly sneak peek and dreaming up ideas… often adding personal photos to her journals to preserve memories in a meaningful way, beyond digital screens. She then gathers coordinating elements like ribbons, lace, charms, and flowers before diving into her crafting time. Cris also loves refurbishing items, whether it’s seasonal décor, picture frames, or even her Christmas mantel.
Her must-have tools include: Tim Holtz scissors, Fiskars paper trimmer, Bone folder and Metal ruler.
Currently, she’s working on a special folio using the Summer House kit for a friend who is travelling to California. She’s also planning to create Lauren’s sweet wreath project and a few cards to complete the set.
A Place to Belong
Cris shared how much she treasures the supportive atmosphere in the Craft Room:
“I feel very comfortable in Shabby Art Boutique. I’m constantly learning in a safe zone, where members are positive and uplifting. It makes me want to stretch my wings more!”
She finds inspiration in the creativity of Nicola, Lauren, Sandra, and Diane P. admiring their out-of-the-box ideas… and she thinks Mr Shabby Larry is awesome too! (we agree, Cris… he is very much appreciated in Lauren’s craft room).
Thank You, Cris ♥
It is such a joy to have Cris as part of our community. Her warmth, generosity, and creativity enrich our space in so many ways. Whether it’s through her thoughtful words, her beautiful projects, or her commitment to kindness, Cris truly makes the Craft Room a more beautiful place.
Please join me in thanking and celebrating our Crafter of the Month, Crist Sabin.
Happy crafting,
Hugs
♥
Kerryanne
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