About
About Anne
I’m Anne; the heart and hands behind The Thoughtful Artisan. I’m a wife, a mom, an educator, and a maker, and I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t pursuing a creative endeavour.
As a little girl, I marvelled at the talents of my mom and my grandma; learning to knit, crochet, sew, cross-stitch and explore embroidery at an early age. Through them, I learned that the true value of handmade was not measured in monetary considerations, but instead by love and heartfelt intention.
As I grew, I paused many of my fibre-based hobbies and added photography, ceramics, and pottery to the creative roster. My love affair with cameras even led to owning my own photography business for over 20 years!
Then in 2016, the tragic and unexpected loss of my mom delivered a whole new purpose for my making. In desperate need of comfort and strategies to cope with devastating emotional pain, I actively pursued intentional jewelry design and came back to my roots by crocheting again.
In the years that have followed, I’ve become a well-rounded yarn-crafter. My personal journey is really at the heart of The Thoughtful Artisan. Creating has brought healing, and I believe it offers tremendous benefits to us in troubling times. I have found both purpose and joy in mindful making, empowering others, and fostering community connections; all things that were modeled for me by the most important woman in my life—my mom.
Signs of her continued presence are all around, but the cardinal has been a predominant symbol of the unwavering love that transcends the physical world. I display it proudly as the brand of my business, because it represents so many of the core values that it was built on.
This red bird represents vitality and love, loyalty and connection, courage and hope.
It’s a privilege to serve the yarn crafting community in such a special way; honouring my heritage and carrying on the legacy of a long line of makers.
Anne is a phenomenal instructor! I needed a great deal of support but she knew exactly how to accommodate and coach me along as I learned the anatomy of a stitch and the mechanics of crochet. I think I’ve finally figured it out and my practice projects are actually looking like they should! I would recommend any class or workshop to family and friends.
About The Thoughtful Artisan
More than just a purveyor of fine fibres, our shop represents a place where art and community merge. Unlike the impersonal aisles of big-box stores, this little shop exudes a sense of familiarity and comfort.
The doors of our brick and mortar location opened in August of 2023, and each week we excitedly welcome new faces to this cozy maker space. We aspire to have knowledgeable staff that act as empowerment coaches; thoughtfully guiding patrons on their quest for the perfect skein with unmatched passion and expertise.
An allure of the unique is also present here, with hand-dyed fibers, carefully crafted patterns, and a selection of Canadian-made accessories that celebrate handmade craftsmanship and a true love of local.
In essence, our little yarn shop exemplifies a haven of art, community, and small-town charm. More than just a place to purchase yarn, it exists as a place to connect with like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and create something truly one-of-a-kind. We believe that the magic woven within its walls is a treasure worth cherishing, and we hope you’ll support our creative journey!
You’ll find us at 496 Adelaide Street in Woodstock, Ontario.
The Thoughtful Artisan is a must-stop shop for yarn craft enthusiasts! You are sure to be delighted by the wide variety of beautiful yarns, but you’ll also receive excellent advice and project support. After a long 35 year hiatus, it is so nice to have a local yarn shop back in our community.