Sam Reece’s “Sh*tty Craft Club” is not just about creating crafts; it’s a celebration of embracing imperfection and authenticity. In her entertaining and invigorating book, Reece combines memoir and essay collection elements to invite readers into her world of crafting with uninhibited energy. The community she’s built around this concept, both online and in real life, encourages individuals to revel in their creative imperfections and find joy in the process. But beyond crafting, it has played a significant role in Reece’s journey to discover her true self, embracing her queerness in the process.
Finding Joy in Imperfection
Reece’s craft projects are far from perfection, and that’s the charm. The book’s first project involves creating a trophy to celebrate even the most trivial achievements. It’s a reflection of Reece’s philosophy that every accomplishment, no matter how small, deserves recognition. This outlook resonates with many, as she humorously points out scenarios like chopping an onion or making it through the day as a lactose intolerant person, all worthy of celebration.
The Intersection of Crafting and Queerness
For Sam Reece, crafting and queerness are intertwined aspects of her identity that revolve around authenticity. Sh*tty crafts have allowed her to explore her personal definition of joy, self-expression through fashion and creativity, and the building of a supportive community. Embracing queerness and crafting authentically has been a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Reece sees it as an ongoing process of getting to know herself better every day.
Navigating Queerness Online
Building an online presence while navigating queerness has brought both highs and lows for Reece. On the positive side, she has connected with an incredible community of queer creative minds who support her journey. Authenticity allows her to explore whatever feels fun to her, witnessing her growth in real-time through her content. However, it hasn’t been without challenges. Reece sometimes felt pressured to conform to certain expectations of how a queer femme should be perceived, straying from authenticity in pursuit of perfection.
Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on her “flop era,” a time when she tried to hide her true self, Reece emphasizes the importance of self-expression and self-compassion. She acknowledges that authenticity is an ever-evolving process, and her journey to self-discovery has been marked by moments of self-acceptance and self-love.
Pop Culture and Queerness
In an unexpected twist, it was watching “The Bachelor” that helped Reece understand her queerness. This seemingly unrelated show played a significant role in her realization that she didn’t want to date cis, straight men anymore, ultimately leading her on a path of self-discovery.
As Sam Reece’s “Sh*tty Craft Club” continues to inspire individuals to embrace imperfection and authenticity, her journey of self-discovery serves as a reminder that queerness, like crafting, is a deeply personal and evolving experience.