After relocating from NYC to Orlando, CraftJam regular Keosha Burns is navigating a new city, a new home and a whole lot more space to indulge in her crafty pastimes. In between her busy full-time job in PR and decorating a lovely new home, she still finds time to work on a few embroidery and scrapbooking projects – oh! and organize her very first dedicated craft room (a whole craft ROOM)!

Hey, if we can’t go out, we may as well craft in!

What’s your profession and what do you do when you’re not crafting?

“ calms my brain and was the perfect opposite to my stressful career and lifestyle. ”

I lead PR for a mortgage company. I’ve been in quarantine since March 2020 and it’s been a tough journey. I watch a lot of movies, hang out with my dog and decorate my new home.

How did you get started crafting?

I was definitely a creative child, I used to beg my mom to take me to Michaels to buy craft kits. I used every school project as an opportunity to bring out my construction paper and poster board.  I do have an aunt that I share a lot of interests with. She taught me how to crochet, which was the start of my fiber love!

Keosha’s Notorious RGB and Amanda Gorman embroideries and handmade pom pom pillows.

Keosha’s Notorious RGB and Amanda Gorman embroideries and handmade pom pom pillows.

What is the project you’re most proud of?

Things (embroidery floss) organized neatly.

Things (embroidery floss) organized neatly.

That’s like picking your favorite child. My senior year scrapbook is definitely a prized possession. I am proud of my old Etsy shop that was full of knitwear and felt wreaths. But my latest love is embroidery – my Notorious RBG and my Beyoncé pieces are my fave.

What skills or crafts are you hoping to learn in the future?

I do hope to get better at hand lettering, but mostly just to help me design more embroidery and scrapbooking projects.

What, if any, crafts intimidate you?

I have attempted calligraphy many times and something about it frustrates me to the point of anger. I am so used to picking up most crafts quickly, but calligraphy is solidly in the “art” category and it just isn’t my thing.

Three of our favorite CraftJam embroidery workshops: Negative Space , Beginner + Clothing Embroidery !

Three of our favorite CraftJam embroidery workshops: Negative Space, Beginner + Clothing Embroidery!

What other hobbies occupy your time?

In quarantine I have gotten addicted to painting my nails. It is crafting-adjacent! (Pre-COVID I had a life full of travel, friends and running around NYC.)

A handmade leather wallet in progress.

A handmade leather wallet in progress.

Where do you find inspiration?

IRL…Anywhere and everywhere! Then I dig a little deeper with Pinterest and IG.

What is your favorite thing about crafting?

It calms my brain and the perfect opposite to my stressful career and lifestyle.

Do you prefer the act of crafting or the finished product?

The act, which is clear from all of my unfinished projects.

“I think of crafts as a solo activity but a group experience.”

Anytime is a good time to squeeze in some sewing!

Anytime is a good time to squeeze in some sewing!

Do you have a favorite material or tool?

I like ALL the tools and materials. And I finally live in a big enough home where I can have a craft room with all my stuff organized and labeled. Makes me really happy just to look at it.

What was your first experience with CraftJam?

I went to an embroidery class with a girlfriend and we loved it. I made a Drake piece, we met the whole crew and I was hooked.

What is your favorite thing about CraftJam and what workshop are you signing up for next?

I love taking craft classes and learning new skills. My favorite part is the people, especially during a global pandemic!

What do you love about the crafting community? How would you like to see it evolve for the future?

I think of crafts as a solo activity but a group experience. I have met amazing women through crafting, connecting with creative people is my favorite part. The crafting community needs to be more welcoming and open to more diverse people and skill sets.

“The crafting community needs to be more welcoming and open to more diverse people and skill sets.”

Keosha’s embroidery pieces on display in her dedicated craft room.

Keosha’s embroidery pieces on display in her dedicated craft room.

How has crafting affected your life? How do you see it affecting your life in the future?

Crafting keeps me sane. Most of the things I do require repetitive hand movements, and there is just something about that motion that zens me out and calms my spirit. It’s like meditation for me.

What is your one-sentence philosophy about life?

Never let fear prevent you from living your life on your terms.