
We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 Craft Industry Alliance Scholarship recipients. We launched our scholarship program six years ago in an effort to make Craft Industry Alliance membership available to creative small business owners who would benefit from the resources and community support we offer, regardless of financial means.
We had over 80 applicants this year and reading through the applications was truly inspiring! We had applicants at all stages of business and from every craft sector including upcycling, quilting, jewelry, garment sewing, bath and body care, rug hooking, spinning and dyeing, paper crafting, and more.
Ten applicants truly stood out and we’re thrilled to offer them one-year memberships. Each recipient has their own hopes and aspirations for their craft business and we can’t wait to welcome them into the Craft Industry Alliance community. Thank you to the ten recipients for allowing us to share a bit about their stories so you can get to know their businesses and celebrate this special day with us.
Tiffani Hawkins

My creative business, A Krafting Alley, has evolved some over time. I started it in 2022 mainly as a way to showcase my cardmaking, junk journaling, and any other craft projects in order to connect with other crafters and maybe even get on some design teams for companies to earn some free products. Then I started blogging, then designing SVGs to sell. Now I not only sell SVGs, but I also sell products I create via sublimation or my laser, as well as products via POD with my seamless patterns. This is all a side hustle for me as I still work full-time for the state in HR. But my goal is to make enough consistently to replace my income so that I can pursue my creative business full-time. I believe it’s my God-given calling to create for others!
Tracey Kazimir-Cree

Always Be Creating is Northern Colorado’s creative reuse shop—where donated, gently used art and craft supplies get a second life. We make it easy to donate materials you’re no longer using, and easy to shop for affordable supplies that help artists, teachers, students, and families keep creating. Think of us as an arts and crafts thrift store.
We opened on October 1, 2025, and have been running as a for-profit business. We solicit donations of arts and crafts supplies, keeping stuff out of the landfill and into the hands of makers. We also offer workshops, crafting clubs, and open studio time. Going forward, we are considering becoming a non-profit and plan to move to a larger space in 2 years. Right now, we have about 3000 square feet, and we are packed to the gills!
Ina Trandafir

I started 9to5crafts in 2022 after rediscovering how meaningful and grounding creativity could be during a difficult season of my life. What began with crafting alongside my daughter and making a cake topper for a family celebration gradually grew into a small business centered on helping other families make their own special moments more memorable.
Today, 9to5crafts is a one-person handmade business based in Washington. I design and create personalized cake toppers, vinyl stickers, and other celebration products. My cake toppers are made from carefully layered cardstock, specialty papers, and decorative finishes to create dimensional designs that can be customized with names, ages, colors, and themes. My sticker collection includes personalized designs, state and travel stickers, humorous designs, and products inspired by hobbies, families, and everyday life.
Galaxy Salo

I started my business, Galaxy Knits, in January 2025, when I started writing a blog about knitting. I create online courses and digital products to help people learn and improve their knitting skills. I have published a few knitting patterns of my own design, as well as a book on math for knitting and crochet (I have more patterns and a second book in the works). I have also been paid for online presentations and demonstrations, as well as in-person classes. I am a certified technical editor and have helped knitting designers with my services. My goal is to continue creating resources and finding opportunities to diversify my income streams.
Maria Honorato

ColorTheRoses is a creative business that grew from my love of watercolor, culture, and the places we call home. I started developing my business several years ago, creating original hand-drawn and hand-painted watercolor artwork inspired by heritage, iconic places, nature, and faith.
My work began with watercolor maps that celebrate more than geography—they tell the story of a place through its landmarks, architecture, culture, and details that make people feel a sense of belonging. Today, I transform my original artwork into products including art prints, home décor, beach towels, rashguards, and giftable items.
My business model combines online sales with wholesale opportunities through Faire, trade shows, and selected retailers. My goal is to continue growing ColorTheRoses into a sustainable art and lifestyle brand while keeping handmade artwork and meaningful storytelling at the heart of everything I create.
Amy Litteral

I began burning hats three years ago when COVID was going on. It gave me a much-needed creative outlet while I was stuck at home. My skills grew, and I began selling them. I hand-burn hats and hand-paint them. I also now have a laser that engraves them as well. I sell on Etsy as I can no longer physically sell at shows. Having a disability and still having this creative outlet has made all the difference in my life. My plans for the future are to begin selling hats wholesale to boutiques, and I am also writing a book about hat burning that I hope to have published.
Apryl Bruce

My name is Apryl Bruce. I founded The Printing Block. The Printing Block is a wearable art clothing brand. The Printing Block began in 2020, with a focus on block-printed surface pattern design. The designs are created through multiple mediums. I express myself through the mediums of block printing, digital art, punch needle, sewing, and hand painting.
The Printing Block’s design focus and expression celebrate the humanity and culture of the African American experience. Images of individuals, community, cultural experiences, and expression are illustrated on jackets, sweatshirts, and accessories. It is a celebration of belief systems, traditions, and history. The use of clothing as a canvas provides individuals with the opportunity to express their true selves and interests through fashion and everyday attire. Additionally, the work provides an opportunity for both community and alliance, with the goal of not only educating and increasing esteem within the Black community but to demonstrate similarity in difference with other cultures.
Juanita Canzoneri

Kismet Mosaic was founded in 2012, and I am its third owner, having purchased the business in 2019. We sell mosaic art supplies to hobbyists and artists throughout the United States and Canada, both online and through our retail store in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Our product line includes a wide range of materials for mosaic artists, including our signature Kismet Tile, a durable glass tile made with 97% recycled glass. We also carry unglazed porcelain, glazed ceramic shapes, glass, mirror, metallic, and specialty tiles, allowing artists to explore many different styles and techniques.
Our business model combines ecommerce and brick-and-mortar retail, with a focus on providing specialty materials that can be difficult for mosaic artists to find. We serve everyone from kits for beginners discovering mosaics for the first time to experienced artists creating professional work. Education, creativity, and exceptional customer service are central to our business. We believe that creativity is crucial for long-term happiness and that having the right materials and encouragement can help people explore that creativity.
Michelle Silberman

Flock and Fable was launched just a few months ago in June of 2026.
Flock and Fable is about connecting makers with local, small-batch yarn that tells a story. Each spring and summer, I travel around the Carolinas collecting wool and fiber from small farmers and homesteaders. Very often, this fiber would be discarded as there are few viable options for small producers to create something with the fiber from their animals.
Every year my goal is to collect at least 90 lbs of fiber to send to Green Mountain Spinnery in Vermont. This year I have collected a record amount of wool and am looking to work with more American mills to create different types of yarn. I believe that saving wool destined for the landfill and sharing what can be created from this fiber is important and special for makers and farmers alike.
Vickeidy Plybon

Sewspicious is my creative business. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a business focused on creating modern quilt patterns that are accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced quilters.
Sewspicious was established as a business in 2022 and has been growing steadily ever since. I am a one-woman show and currently fulfill all the roles in the business, from design and pattern writing to sample making, social media management, content creation, customer service, and more. This year, I started outsourcing two important aspects of the business: bookkeeping and website development.
I design and sell original PDF quilt patterns directly through my website. My work is inspired by bold color, strong graphic shapes, and the idea that quilting can be both creative and approachable. In addition to pattern design, I collaborate with fabric and quilting companies, teach, and share my work with the larger quilting community.
My business model is primarily digital, with pattern sales forming the foundation of the business, supplemented by teaching, partnerships, and creative collaborations. Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing Sewspicious by expanding my pattern collection, introducing printed patterns and wholesale offerings, developing more educational opportunities, and reaching a wider audience, including more Spanish-speaking quilters.

