We're so excited to spotlight one of the amazing creators in our community, Sallie Dale! Sallie is a punch needle expert, mom of four, and the creative force behind The Urban Acres- plus a proud DreamBox owner! Her creativity, authenticity, and love for making inspire so many.
We caught up with her to ask about her creative journey, favorite projects, and how the DreamBox helps her to stay inspired and organized. Keep reading to hear her story!
1. What inspired you to start crafting and how has your creative journey evolved over time?
I don't remember a time when I wasn't making things. In fact, I like to joke that I was born with a hot glue gun in my hand! My mom is an avid cross-stitcher and so I saw her working on projects all the time, and she really encouraged me to be creative. It was on a trip to Hobby Lobby with her that I discovered knitting, which led to my obsession with fiber arts. It took me a while to find "my thing", so I like to encourage others to try a lot of different crafts until you find the one you really love.
2. What is you main craft type? What do you love about it?
I love fiber arts- knitting, spinning, cross stitch and punch needle. I love the texture of yarn and the huge color variety. I also love that it's relatively "mess free" and doesn't require a lot of cleaning up. You can also take your projects with you which is something I almost always do when we go on trips.
3. You've had your DreamBox for almost a year now- what are some things you love most about it?
I love being able to find what I am looking for in less than 60 seconds as opposed to having to dig through an entire craft room! It helps me to be able to see what I actually have so I don't overbuy on supplies and it keeps my space tidier. It also helps keep all the tiny people I have around my house out of my craft supplies :)
4. What's something unexpected that crafting has brought into your life- whether a friendship, opportunity, or life lesson?
I have been able to support my family financially through crafting and provide a really nice life for us while being home with my babies. When I told people I wanted to make money through making, I think most people thought I wasn't realistic. There's a proverb that I have stuck to for many years that says " A man's gift makes room for him and brings him among great men." I have seen that happen time and time again and so many doors have been opened for me through sharing my punch needle projects!
5. How has having a dedicated craft space, like your DreamBox, impacted your crafting process?
I am a busy mom of 4 children, so having easy access to my supplies means that I can get to my projects a lot quicker instead of having to move things to another room. I often only have a few moments here and there throughout my day, so it's wonderful to quickly grab what I need.
6. Can you share with us a favorite project you've worked on recently and what made it special?
I just finished up a hall runner rug for my home. I started it right around the time I found out I was pregnant with my fourth baby and I finished it about a month before she was born. When I look at that rug I will think of what life was like when I was making it, and the anticipation of meeting my new baby. And I also have to say my Wildflower Rug which was my first full-size rug project. That one is really special to me and I am still so proud of what I made every time I look at it!
7. What would you say to someone considering the DreamBox for their creative space?
Most of us don't have the luxury of having a dedicated crafting space, but the DreamBox makes it easy to create a craft room anywhere in your house. Is it an investment? Yes. But because of the quality it's a one-time purchase that can be used for a lifetime. It's made a big difference in my life because I don't have my craft supplies strewn out everywhere! Something my husband really appreciates! :) I also love that the configuration has infinite possibilities so it can evolve as my crafting habits do!
8. Is there anything else you would like our audience to know about yourself? And where can people find and follow you?
If you want to learn punch needle, there's only one place to do it and that's TheUrbanAcres.com! I can be found on all socials under @theurbanacres and I hope you'll follow along!