The closure of Joann is the end of an era according to Tiffany Windsor whose mother was the founder of Aleene’s Tacky Glue and a trailblazer in the crafts industry.
When I heard that Joann, the fabric and craft giant, was closing all 800 of its stores nationwide, a wave of sadness washed over me—not just for the loss of a familiar retailer, but for what it represents. As I sit in my studio, surrounded by the vibrant fabrics, yarns, and crafting supplies that have been a part of my life for over six decades, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of loss. This isn’t just about the closure of a store; it’s about the end of an era that my mother, Aleene, helped create.
I’ve been in the crafting world for over 60 years, a legacy I inherited from my mother, the visionary behind Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Momma Aleene didn’t just create a product; she ignited today’s craft industry back in 1968 with Aleene’s Craftmakers Caravan. I can still remember the excitement as we hit the road, traveling to 38 cities with hundreds of made-up project samples on sandwich board displays at local convention centers. She wasn’t just selling craft books; she was showing people how to bring their own ideas to life.
From that spark, mom-and-pop craft and hobby stores began multiplying nationwide, turning her vision into a grassroots movement. Together, with her boundless creativity and her marketing know-how, she grew that movement into one that brought joy, purpose, and connection to millions. Today, watching it shrivel feels personal—and it’s time to do something about it.
The author’s mother, Aleene Jackson, firmly believed in the importance of teaching consumers what to do with the supplies available to them.
The end of an era
The news of Joann’s closure, announced on February 24, 2025, marks the end of a company that has been a staple in the crafting community for over 80 years. As I reflect on this loss, I can’t help but think of the 19,000 employees, mostly part-time workers, who will be affected by this closure. It’s not just about the loss of jobs; it’s about the loss of another space where creativity flourished and communities came together.
Joann’s closure, following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in less than a year, truly marks the end of an era in the crafting world. This isn’t an isolated incident, but rather the latest in a series of losses that have reshaped the landscape of craft retail over the past two decades.
In 2016, we saw Hancock Fabrics shutter its 260 stores after years of financial struggles. A.C. Moore followed suit in 2020, closing all 145 of its locations. That same year, smaller chains like Consumer Crafts/Darice, caught in the undertow of larger retail challenges, vanished from the scene. Each closure has steadily eroded the physical spaces where crafters could gather, browse, and dream—spaces that owe their very crafting existence to the foundation my mother, Aleene, laid decades ago.
Among these, Joann stood as a titan, a go-to destination for sewers, quilters, and DIY enthusiasts like myself. I’ve walked those aisles countless times, hunting for the perfect fabric or restocking my craft supplies.
But as someone who’s spent a lifetime in this industry, I’ve seen the cracks forming for years.
The big box craft retailers gradually stopped investing in the heart of this industry: the people. They leaned heavily on endless sales cycles, filled shelves with generic home goods, and allowed the spark of inspiration that once defined these spaces to fade. The emphasis on education dwindled, the excitement waned, and the invitation to create became less and less apparent.
Now, as we face the reality of all 800 Joann stores closing their doors, I can’t help but wonder: Where will the next generation of crafters find their inspiration? Where will they experience the tactile joy of selecting fabrics or the thrill of discovering a new creative technique? The loss of these physical spaces represents more than just the closure of stores; it’s the disappearance of community hubs that have long nurtured creativity and connection.
The legacy of Aleene’s Creative Living
My mother understood that crafting isn’t just about selling supplies—it’s about teaching people what to do with them. When Aleene’s Creative Living television launched in 1985, it became a daily dose of inspiration for millions. The show aired for over 15 years, introducing new products, fresh techniques, and the thrill of making something with your own hands. She didn’t just sell glue; she sold possibility—and built a community of makers in the process. When the show went off the air in 2000 the craft industry lost a teacher, a cheerleader, and some of its soul—and now, with Joann’s doors closing, we continue to see the consequences.
A lifeline to wellness
Crafting is more than a hobby; it’s a lifeline to wellness, something Momma Aleene knew instinctively. There’s a magic in the tactile: the feel of fabric under your fingers, the rhythm of a needle threading through, the layering of papers and embellishments, the knitting needles clicking, painting with your favorite colors, and the quiet focus of gluing pieces together. Studies back this up—crafting reduces stress, boosts mood, and even sharpens cognitive skills. Momma Aleene’s Craftmakers Caravan didn’t just show off samples; it invited people to touch, to try, to make.
That hands-on connection is critical, and it’s slipping away as physical craft spaces vanish.
A call for crafting renaissance
I’m not here to just mourn, though. I’m here to sound a rallying cry. The craft industry Momma Aleene and I helped build isn’t dead—it’s dormant, waiting for a revival. Today, we have tools she could only dream of: social media, online tutorials, and digital platforms that can reach far more people than her TV show or the Caravan ever did. Picture this: a crafting renaissance where local maker spaces pop up in every town, echoing the mom-and-pop stores she inspired in the ’50s and ’60s.
The future of crafting
Imagine a future where beginners and pros alike can find local supplies and clear guidance—whether through workshops, digital classes, or a new platform that picks up where Aleene’s Creative Living left off. Community maker spaces can offer valuable enrichment classes, provide affordable space and equipment, and offer hands-on educational experiences. These spaces can foster collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Joann’s closure is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity. Let’s not let this be the end of crafting as we know it. Let’s make it the beginning of something better—a hands-on revival that heals as much as it creates. I’m stepping up to lead this crafting revival movement—who’s with me?
Tiffany Windsor, Daughter of Aleene of Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Contributor
Tiffany Windsor, founder of Cool2Craft, was born into an artistic family as the daughter of Aleene Jackson, America’s “Mother of Crafting.” She began her crafting journey early, appearing on her mother’s shows in the 1960s and later producing and hosting over 1,500 episodes of Aleene’s Creative Living, which became TNN’s top-rated daytime show.
Tiffany has authored numerous craft books and launched Cool2Craft on YouTube in 2010, featuring over 900 videos with millions of views. After a brief hiatus, she is now revitalizing the Cool2Craft community and leading the #craftingrevival movement.
