We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Wood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned to hand sew/embroider from books. Any embroidery book I could find I bought it. Many hours of practicing stitches trying to get them to look decent. I think I could have learned faster if I would have had someone show me. The most essential skill for hand stitching , haha .. I would say patience.. lots of patience and to be willing to remove stitches and redo them when necessary.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started sewing in 1996. I wanted to make my daughter a Christmas Stocking. Something unlike the ones you can buy in a store. I was in the craft department at Walmart. I found a Bucilla Felt Appliqué Stocking kit. It was 10.00 and had every thing in it , except stuffing. I bought it , when I got home and opened it. I was totally lost. Next day , I was at the bookstore buying books. After that I was hooked and started making a stocking for everyone in the family. That has been my favorite and only craft ever since. People now find me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram . Word of mouth too. I am asked year round to make , mostly Christmas stockings, sometimes Christmas ornaments. What sets me apart from others? I’m not sure what others think. But, I just love making things for people that make them happy . If they are keeping a stocking or ornaments or giving it away as a gift. Every time I make a stocking, even if I’ve made the same one many times before, I make it different. Each one is one of a kind. I’ve made over 2000 finished Bucilla pieces since 1996. I always say , when people quit asking … I’ll quit sewing. What I’m most proud of… That’s the best and easiest question to answer! In 2019 I was invited to stitch the models for the front cover of the Bucilla kits for Plaid Crafts. I am also a Plaid Creator Ambassador. I absolutely love what I do.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I first started on Facebook , just posting photos of my finished Bucilla pieces as sort of a reference for myself. People started finding my posts . Sharing and commenting . I then made an Instagram , I had no clue what I was doing . My daughter told me that I needed to # everything I could think of when I posted and post often. So, that is what I continue to do and people just follow to see what I’m making. Mostly , people I make Bucilla kits for love to watch my posts while I work . It’s fun and I love sharing what I’m working on.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of what I do . For me is when I make a stocking for someone and they are so surprised and shocked. They absolutely love what I have made for them. It makes me happy. I love taking a Bucilla kit and adding more sparkle. With sequins and beads. I like to use other embellishments like fancy trim , ribbon, buttons , costume jewelry. Whatever I can find to make what I’m working on unique.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Michelle’s Bucilla Creations
• Facebook: Michelle’s Bucilla Creations