05/27/2026
I’ve stayed quiet for a long time, but I can’t anymore.
Today, I saw a post from another maker. She had a very ugly comment from someone she used to work very closely together, had their own group, etc.
This solidified for me that the crafting community has changed. And honestly, some of it has become really sad to watch.
You know the hardest part for me?
We all used to feel like family. Or at least I thought we did.
Over the last 7 years, I’ve watched people go from supporting each other to tearing each other apart. I’ve seen friendships end, people publicly disrespect each other, makers talk behind each other’s backs, ideas stolen, passive-aggressive posts made for attention, and people suddenly act like someone is beneath them because they have less followers, less success, or aren’t part of the “popular crowd.”
And I truly don’t understand it.
I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I know my personality is big. I’m loud sometimes. I’m emotional. I care deeply. I wear my heart on my sleeve. But one thing I’ve always tried to do is genuinely care about people.
I’ve spent a lot of money traveling to events excited to see people I thought were my friends… only to leave feeling hurt, uncomfortable, and wondering if it was even worth being there.
Imagine standing in a room full of your own peers and somehow still feeling completely alone.
I’ve been on the receiving end of the whispers.
The looks.
The obvious side conversations while someone stares directly at you.
Who does that?
We are grown adults, not high school kids trying to make someone feel small.
And honestly? Sometimes it made me feel like I was nothing more than the gum stuck on the bottom of someone’s shoe… just there, annoying people by existing.
That kind of behavior says way more about the person doing it than the person receiving it.
Success is beautiful. I love seeing people succeed. I truly do. But if success changes the way you treat people, maybe somewhere along the line you forgot who you used to be.
People forget that social media isn’t real life.
People forget that words matter.
People forget that human beings are behind these screens.
You have no idea what someone is carrying while they’re smiling at an event, posting online, or simply trying to survive another day.
Use me as an example.
While some people are worried about followers, popularity, clicks, and status… I’ve spent the last year and a half grieving the loss of my relationships with both of my children. There are days I fight just to mentally make it through.
That changes a person.
So yes, I’ve become quieter.
Yes, I’ve distanced myself.
Not because I think I’m better than anyone.
But because I got tired of the ugliness, the gossip, the fake behavior, and the complete lack of compassion people show each other.
At the end of the day, crafting is supposed to bring joy.
Connection.
Creativity.
Community.
Not ego.
Not cruelty.
Not mean girl behavior disguised as honesty.
Be kind to people.
Be respectful.
And please… never forget where you came from.
