DIY Darling Spotlight: An Honest Chat with Joan

Written by: CINDY CENTERS

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Why one subscriber keeps choosing creativity, connection, and a finished piece she’s proud to display.

Meet Joan

Kayla: We’re here with Joan—one of our DIY Decor Box subscribers (and dear friend!). Joan, tell everyone a bit about yourself.

Joan: I’m Joan—wife to Wesley (he’s a pastor), mom to two grown sons. One’s an entrepreneur, the other’s missions-minded and serving in Panama. I’ve known Kayla and Cindy for about 24 years—I even taught Kayla in Sunday School. I work at Kroger and help my son with his celebration yard-sign business on the side.

Cindy: And she’s been with us practically since the beginning—her first box was the Turkey back in those old pink-box days!

Why She Joined (and Stays)

Kayla: What first drew you to crafting and decorating?

Joan: My college degree is in interior design. Life moved me away from it for years, but I’ve always loved being creative. A while back I looked up and realized I was doing nothing for myself—just work, dinner, dishes, sleep, repeat. I needed an outlet. I trust these ladies completely, so the DIY Decor Box felt right—and my husband was 100% on board.

Cindy: How has the box changed that rhythm for you?

Joan: It gives me accomplishment and calm. When something I made looks store-bought on my mantle—or I gift it and someone asks, “Where’d you get this?”—I get to say, “I made it.” That feels good.

“Creativity is good for you. It’s not a luxury; it’s one way I care for my mental health.”

Crafting Live… or Later

Kayla: Do you craft along with the live class?

Joan: I usually start with you and finish on weekends. Sometimes I slow it down on purpose—like swapping super glue for E6000 and giving it a couple days to cure. Life happens on live nights, and that’s okay. Replays make it doable.

Cindy: And the community?

Joan: It’s more than a fuzzy feeling—it’s helpful. Other Darlings ask questions I didn’t think to ask. We pray for each other, share ideas, and celebrate wins.

A Mother–Son Craft Connection

Kayla: We love that your son jumped in on a few kits—why do you think it clicked for him?

Joan: He loves 3D printing and anything with a bit of engineering. He was all over the Gumball Machine (even added a coin detail!) and the Scripture Holder/Signpost—we researched old-fashioned lampposts to nail the look. When your grown son wants to make something with you… you say yes.

“We didn’t always make the same design choices—but trading that control for time together was worth it.”

Favorite Projects (and Why)

  • Scripture Holder – “If I have to pick one, this edges out the rest. Meaningful and display-worthy.”
  • Candlestick Holders – “Simple, versatile, and year-round; they move from mantle to tablescape easily.”
  • Seasonal Sets – “The gingerbread tree and ornaments made perfect gifts—everyone loved them.”
  • Jewelry Box – “I’m holding it back for a future daughter-in-law one day.” (We’re praying with you, Joan! 😄)

Surprise Win: The Flower Sign.
“I wasn’t sure at first, and I didn’t have a wall spot—so I adjusted it. Painting those tiny letters was easier than it looked and turned out really cute.”

Skills Joan Has Learned

  • Wipe-Back Technique: “Paint on, then wipe off with a wet wipe—the depth is gorgeous.”
  • Decoupage & Finishing: Transferable to other projects (even furniture touch-ups).
  • Pacing & Adhesives: Choosing glue for speed vs. strength, and giving pieces time to cure.

Cindy: And the best part—these techniques repeat. You’ll use them again and again across projects and gifts.

When a Project Is “Extra”

Joan: The Christmas ornament set had a lot of steps—fun, but more involved. It still turned out so stinkin’ cute. I kept one and gifted the rest.

Kayla: Same here—if I redid them today, I’d simplify the build now that I’m more confident printing more components. We iterate to keep things fresh, on-trend, and approachable.

Practical Perks (Space, Supplies, Shipping)

  • You don’t need a craft room—a shoebox of basics (brushes, glue gun, super glue or E6000, craft knife, a handful of paints) gets you far.
  • We sell go-tos (paint, brushes, pouncers, glue guns, micro-sander) if you can’t shop locally.
  • Boxes ship with free shipping; value adds up month to month.

For Anyone on the Fence

Kayla: What would you say to someone considering the DIY Decor Box?

Joan: If you can make it work, it’s worth it. We don’t have tons of extra money—my husband pastors and drives a school bus; we both work two jobs. But this is my thing. We trim elsewhere (coffee runs add up fast), and I keep this because it helps my mind, gives me a creative outlet, and leaves me with décor I actually love to see every day.

“It’s the gift that keeps giving—you enjoy the making, the finishing, and then the seeing. Over and over.”

Joan: “Even my husband gets excited when the box comes—he wants to open it and see what’s inside.”

 

Ready to Join the Darling Circle?

If you’ve been craving a creative outlet—and a finished piece you’ll be proud to display—come sit with us. Craft live or on replay, learn approachable techniques, and enjoy a community that roots for you in every season.

👉 Subscribe to the DIY Decor Box and make something beautiful this month. We’ll save you a seat. 💖

https://www.thecelebrationco.com/products/diy-decor_box

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