Introducing the newest addition to the CraftJam team: Maddy!

Come meet our Craftjam intern and JamMaster Maddy. She is a student at Pratt Institute studying Illustration and well verse in any craft that we throw at her! She is the one behind any of the development of our new classes. We are happy to have her join our CraftJam Team!

What’s your name? Pair it with one adjective (with the same letter as your name) to describe you. 

Well Morbid Maddy is a nickname I’ve gotten in college due to my dark humor..  but I think I’m going to have to go with Mellow Maddy.

What do you usually do during the day?

I am an intern here at CraftJam headquarters! My job basically consists of me researching, creating, and perfecting new crafts for the JamMasters to teach. I do crafts all day, except for lunch where I normally get something with raw fish in it. I am also a student at Pratt Institute, majoring in Illustration.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a ranch in the Garlic Capital of the World: Gilroy, California. We had 28 acres and owned goats, pigs, alpaca, a miniature donkey and as many other random animals we could persuade my dad into buying. I am the fifth generation to live in my house (I am the whitest person you know). You can really see how growing up with farm animals affects my art; I draw a lot of cows.


Maddy's custom "Garlic" necklace

Maddy’s custom “Garlic” necklace

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made?

I made a little graphic novel last semester called “Clear Streams” that was hand done gouache painting. It’s about a little boy who lives in Yosemite and only wears tube socks and running shorts.

What do you like about crafting?

It lets me make things that no one else has! Ever since I was a little youngling I was obsessed with being different than everyone else and crafting helped me achieve that! 

What CraftJams have you attended and what did you make?

I’ve gone to the leather wallet and wall embroidery CraftJam, but I’ve done all the other crafts outside of the jams at work! My favorite is the rubber stamp. I made a big Monstera Deliciousa plant leaf stamp recently that I love!


illustration by  Maddy

illustration by Maddy

Why should people become CraftJammers?

People need an artistic outlet in life ! I think it is just as important as working out or eating healthy. Creativity is a vital part of your brain and you need to exercise it in any way possible. 

What’s your favorite drink while crafting?

Do mashed potatoes count as a drink? If not then a big thing of black iced tea. 

If you could CraftJam with anyone, who would it be?

Dolly Parton so that we could put sequins and bedazzles on EVERYTHING.


a gif of Dolly made by  Maddy

a gif of Dolly made by Maddy

Favorite song(s) when crafting casually?

I’m a huge fan of Angel Olsen (convinced she is my long lost sister) and she has released two songs off of her new album set to come out in September. Her last album was haunting and made me cry (in a good way) and the song Hi-Five is one of my favorites of all time. Her latest song Shut Up and Kiss Me is incredible. 

What would you like to learn next?

Sometimes I feel like I’ve tried every craft out there working for CraftJam, but I know there are tons I have yet to conquer! I would love to learn how to crochet myself a poncho for winter.  

Say hi to Maddy on Instagram or check out more of her art on her website! And stay tuned for more updates on our blog, including upcoming CraftJams, awesome DIY inspiration, and profiles of the talented JamMasters and Jammers who make our community awesome.