Arts & Crafts

 I live in Mahomet, twenty minutes from Urbana-Champaign, and when we drive out to Champaign, one of my favorite places to go is Michael’s. Yes, the art and craft store. I’ve always loved creating, many forms of art appealed to me growing up, and naturally my favorite place to be is the arts and crafts store. But why Michael’s and not some other place like Hobby lobby? There’s this quality about Michael’s that presents authenticity to its customers and shoppers unlike anyone else. Could it possibly be the unmistakable, dominating and in your face scent of sweet, cinnamon death? Yes. It’s in fact that scent, and it fills me with a ton of joy knowing it smells pinecone fresh all year round. I could be blindfolded and know I’m still walking straight into a Michael’s craft store, but that’s besides the point. 

I can say that I’ve basically grown up with Michael’s, and it’s not an understatement; we went there for literally everything. Growing up, I got into art around 4th grade, and I was for the most part, obsessed with various mediums. I burned through sketchbooks like wildfire, and we’d venture into the vast aisles of art materials, collecting new sketchbooks, paints, brushes, clay, pencils; anything you would think an artist would have in their collection. Soon after, my brother started emulating my interest in arts and crafts and we were in and out of Michael’s twice as often. I’d usually assist in making his school projects out of air dry clay or Styrofoam bases, but I also made my own fair share of projects with the tons of craft material we’d bought there. 

My first technical ceramics class was in 8th grade, where we first learned how to create basic structures out of clay; pinch pots, coil pots and slab pots. However, my first experience working with clay was probably on my own in 6th grade, where I often made little charms and whatnot. Michael’s was the haven for purchasing clay and paints, which I used to make them; I still have tons of air-dry clay sitting around. In studio art, we're working with ceramics, and it kind of reminds me of the times I used to model intricate pieces of art using the material at home. Now, I’m more inclined towards digital arts and painting with a drawing software, however, we still often go to Michael’s for my newly rekindled passion for 3D modeling. 

What’s most significant to me, is that the vibe Michael’s gives off is so welcoming in a way that I’m at a loss for, describing in words. The signature scent as well as the silk flowers they usually have sitting up front just screams mid-fall to Christmas time, and gives off that vibe exactly. I associate it with Canadian Christmas time and fond memories of sledding, drinking hot cocoa and vibing at the mall with my best friends. We took pictures posing at the huge Christmas tree in the center for my friend’s birthday one time and had a blast at the movie theatre while LED reindeer stood up all around the mall’s floors. Of course, that penetrating cinnamon smell wafted through the vacant areas and bustling outlet stores while Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” played over and over. The winter season is always such a beautiful time to recollect on and especially that autumnal shift to winter, where everyone’s spirit’s are always up for the holidays. Even in a whole new country, walking into the store feels the same way it did back up North. It’s like Michael’s held a little piece of home contained within the cozy atmosphere of the store.