At Paper Source, we’re dedicated to Doing Something Creative Every Day, and value the handmade touches we can bring into all of life’s celebrations. This month’s Meet the Maker is no different and has helped make crafting both easy and accessible for over 20 years!
American Crafts is a leading source of modern, innovative and colorful crafting supplies. With an emphasis on capturing everyday moments and favorite memories, they strive to inspire, create and beautify the simple things in life with easy-to-use tools and unique products. Check out our interview below to learn how they got their start and how they continue to change the game.
Describe the heritage and legacy of American Crafts
American Crafts was founded by Steve and Alma Mitchell nearly 25 years ago. Along with their sons, the Mitchells transitioned from creating cross stitch patterns to producing pens & craft supplies. The family business steadily grew into a well-known source for crafting supplies and a leader in the industry.
US President Gerald Ford (left) present Steve and Alma Mitchell, founders of American Crafts, with a national entrepreneurship award.
What sort of crafting trends are you currently seeing?
Currently, we are seeing a shift from monochromatic office organization to a cleaner, more retro look. Minimal prints, felt, textured papers, unique writing instruments, and pastel, 1970’s retro color palettes make up the bulk of this trend.
Rainbow organization is also on the up and up. Driven by a desire for the perfect #shelfie, crafters are turning to every color of the rainbow to organize, colorize, and beautify their craft spaces. Pens, paper, washi tape, folders, books all come in a full spectrum of bright, vivid colors.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen done with your tools?
Our customers are constantly surprising us with their unique uses of paper, pens, brushes, and tools. They practice layering techniques, new color combinations, and creative uses of multimedia tools and mediums. They create custom planners and journals, make perfect scrapbook pages, and turn blank canvases into beautiful works of art that constantly amaze us and keep us on our toes.
View the full American Crafts collection here and kickstart your creativity today!
I’d like more ideas using this machine.