Golden Scissors Awards - Craft Industry Alliance

The craft industry is made up of both world-class corporations and thousands of visionary small business owners, whose never-ending creativity continually lifts the entire sector to new heights. The Golden Scissors Awards are an opportunity for the industry to recognize those who have offered outstanding leadership and innovation in the past year.

woman at the cutting board in her art studio

Recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation within the crafts industry.

Golden Scissors Awards will be given annually to nominees who show exceptional:

creativity
service towards the craft community
innovation

Each nominee will be considered individually and confidentially and will be judged by a panel of five judges nominated by the Craft Industry Alliance Board of Advisors.

Winners will be announced on May 1 live on stage at h+h americas 2024. See you at the show!

Who can submit a nomination?

Nominate yourself, or someone else. There’s no fee to apply. Submissions are open to both US and global entries and all nominees must be 18 years of age as of the date of entry

There’s no limit on the number of people you nominate or the number of awards you nominate them for. A separate entry form must be submitted for each entry. Please note that applications must be filled out in full by the deadline, January 26, 2024, to be considered for an award.

Eligibility is open to anyone working in the crafts industry.

computer screen with award form, on desk with office supplies

Meet our judges

The 2024 Golden Scissors Awards will be judged by this independent panel of judges selected by the Craft Industry Alliance Board of Advisors.

Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica

Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, is a former syndicated newspaper columnist and now a full-time creativepreneur which has led to multiple product lines, and collabs with national brands. She has authored several craft books and novels, including a book about the life of Frida Kahlo, and her latest – The Crafty Chica Creates. Also, she has product lines with Makers Movement for HSN, Bisque Imports, Madison Park Greetings, and Riley Blake Fabrics. Featured include Forbes, The New York Times, Buzzfeed and more.

Kate Butler, Golden Peak Media

Kate Butler the Chief Content Officer for Golden Peak Media. She leads a team of 35+ content producers and designers across platforms, including digital, mobile, social, television and print for 12 award-winning brands. Golden Peak serves four core enthusiast verticals – quilting, sewing, artistry (painting and collecting) and crafts (knitting, crochet, beading and jewelry). She’s also an award-winning news editor and media executive.

Ed Roth, Stencil1

Stencil1, is an NGLCC registered LGBT-owned company founded in 2004 by Ed Roth, a street art-inspired brand that has evolved into more than just a stencil company. Roth’s passion for stencils and DIY projects led him to create a brand that reclaims stencils from their craft store roots and makes them cool. With a focus on edgy, fun, and art-inspired designs, Stencil1 has become a cutting-edge design brand, collaborating with high-profile brands and creating large-scale stencil installations. Roth’s books, Stencil 101, Stencil 101 Décor, and Stencil Style 101, provide inspiration for stenciling enthusiasts of all levels. As Stencil1 continues to evolve, it remains true to its roots of creativity and self-expression. Stencil1 offers stencils, wall decals, and DIY artist tools and supplies.

Brittany Gray, EE Schenck

Brittany Gray is the President of EE Schenck Company, a wholesale distributor and producer of fabrics, notions and more, supporting sewers, quilters, crafters, and manufacturers worldwide. EE Schenck is also the home of the textile manufacturer and quilting brand, Maywood Studio. Brittany began her early career working at the Portland, Oregon-based company before moving to New York City, where she spent 10+ years managing wholesale sales for luxury fashion companies. Brittany returned home in 2014 to rejoin EE Schenck and ensure continued family operation and longevity for the company, which celebrated 100 years in business in 2021. Under Brittany’s leadership, EE Schenck remains focused on serving independent retailers and manufacturers while modernizing its services and offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry.

Dana Williams Johnson, Yards of Happiness

Dana Williams-Johnson, PhD learned to knit in 2011 and has since become the prolific knitter behind Yards of Happiness (www.yardsofhappiness.com), a blog where she shares her fiber adventures with her sidekicks Jellybean and Kiwi. In 2023, Dana earned a Ph.D. from Howard University after defending her dissertation “Stitches of Progress: Knitting Consciousness and the Changing Power of Black Women’s Work and Leisure.” She is now a tenure track Assistant Professor at Howard University.

Award Categories

one woman showing another woman something on a piece of paper

Emerging Leader

Designed to uplift promising talent, this award celebrates budding entrepreneurs working in the industry for under five years who have shown exceptional growth potential and innovation.

It recognizes those who are making a significant impact in the early stage of their career and highlights their potential as future industry leaders.

Lifetime Achievement

Dedicated to visionaries who have made a lasting impact on the industry.

This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have been pioneers in their field, driving positive change, and leaving a lasting legacy through their hard work, determination, talent, and collaboration.

Sustainability

Recognizes companies, initiatives, or campaigns demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability. This award honors those who prioritize environmentally conscious practices and ethically sourced materials that positively impact communities and society as a whole.

The purpose of this award is to celebrate the craft industry’s willingness to engage with today’s big issues including sustainability, environmental consciousness, and wellbeing.

Social Impact

Recognizes companies, initiatives, or campaigns demonstrating a profound commitment to social responsibility and social justice. This award honors those who prioritize social responsibility in ways that positively impact communities and society as a whole.

The purpose of this award is to celebrate the craft industry’s willingness to engage with today’s big issues including diversity, access, and wellbeing.

woman looking at color swatches at a desk

Innovation

This award celebrates a groundbreaking new product, idea, or business model launched within the last two years.

Honoring creativity and forward-thinking, this award acknowledges businesses that have brought new concepts to the forefront, commending unique and original ideas that push the boundaries of design and set new trends within the industry.