“Crafting is what I do to clear my mind and have some time to myself.” – Teresa Williams
✦ Meet Teresa ✦
Some people discover their creativity through a lifelong passion, while others find it woven into the quiet moments of everyday life. For Teresa, creativity isn’t limited to one craft or one season of life. It appears in the evenings after a long day of teaching, in projects shared with family, in traditions passed down through generations, and the simple joy of creating something just because it makes her happy. It’s less about creating something perfect and more about creating something meaningful.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Teresa not only as my stepmom, but as someone who has always enjoyed making things with her hands. One of my favorite traditions growing up was our tie-dye days. We’d gather outside with buckets of dye, rubber bands, and piles of T-shirts, blankets, and whatever else we could find. It wasn’t about making them perfect—it was about spending time together and seeing what each creation would become. I still have many of the things we made, and every time I come across them I’m reminded that creativity has a wonderful way of preserving memories.
Over the years, I’ve watched that same creative spirit show up in so many different ways. Whether she’s crocheting, making dream catchers, or creating corsages, Teresa has always enjoyed turning simple materials into something meaningful. She reminds me that creativity doesn’t have to be loud to leave a lasting impression.
Behind the Creativity is a monthly spotlight series that explores the many ways creativity takes shape in everyday life. Through thoughtful questionnaires, I invite artists, makers, educators, entrepreneurs, and creators from all walks of life to share their experiences, inspirations, challenges, and creative journeys. My hope is to celebrate the countless forms creativity can take while reminding others that creativity isn’t reserved for galleries or studios. It lives in classrooms, kitchens, workshops, gardens, living rooms, and anywhere people create with purpose.
For Teresa, creativity is woven into everyday life. It’s how she unwinds after teaching, remembers her grandfather through the art of making dream catchers, creates memorable experiences for her students, and fills ordinary evenings with projects that simply bring her joy.
✦ Everyday Creativity ✦
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what your days generally look like?
I am a high school science teacher who has recently become empty nested. I work hard, come home to do my chores, then relax in the evenings of work nights. On weekends, we work on things around the house and do our hobbies.
Where does creative expression show up in your daily life, even in small ways?
Crafting is what I do to clear my mind and have some time to myself. In the evenings, I often crochet, do diamond art, or whatever sounds good at the moment. I have a gazillion projects going at any given time, so it all depends on my mood.
Do you prefer creating in short bursts or longer stretches of time?
With everything I do for the kids, around the house, and for my job I can really only create in short bursts when I have a little down time. I would love to start planning longer stretches of doing things. I also have to consider the carpal tunnel that has developed in the last two years. It doesn’t allow me to crochet for long periods of time, or to even hold on to writing utensils or paint brushes for too long.
✦ Creative Projects & Inspiration ✦
What types of projects do you most enjoy working on?
If I am looking for something to distract my mind, crocheting larger items or diamond art are my go-tos. When I am looking to be productive and truly create something, I lean more towards dream catchers and corsages.
What is your go-to creative fuel—music, silence, coffee, snacks or something else?
Music. Music is my creative fuel for everything. BUT, I enjoy having the tv on as background noise for when I am diamond arting or crocheting. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks while I do diamond art. Keeps my mind and my hands busy.
I will also never say no to coffee or a Monster. Monster is my life juice.
If you could spend a whole day making anything, what would it be?
A cat tree. I want to make my own, really awesome cat tree.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made or a project that feels especially meaningful to you?
I learned how to make dream catchers from my grandpa when I was growing up. It’s a skill that he was able to teach me, so when I do the authentic dream catchers, it reminds me of our time when we were younger. I have in the last few years taken a creative spin on them, and have started doing bohemian style with crochet doilies for the webs or macrame style dream catchers.
✦ Lessons Learned Through Creativity ✦
What would you say to someone who feels like they “don’t know what they’re doing” creatively?
Does it matter? Half of what we learn is from our mistakes. So just DO something to get you started. Don’t like what you tried? Try something else. You will find something that brings you joy.
What’s something you enjoy creating that most people might not expect?
I can make some pretty awesome pinatas. I started making them when my kiddos were younger because we couldn’t find any in the theme that they wanted. So I made them and they turned out great, so I started selling them.
Have you ever tried something creative that didn’t go as planned and what did you learn from it?
Always. I learned that it’s ok for me to have multiple projects going so when one makes me angry or I need a break from it, I can do something else for a while. It’s not good to be mad at the craft you are doing. It’s better to revisit it.
Do you have a favorite “throwback” project or piece that still inspires you today?
I have a throwback teacher that inspired me. She was my high school art AND spanish teacher. She encouraged me in a painting project that went to a regional competition. It was a black and white acrylic painting of Taquamanon Falls from Michigan. I accidentally dribbled blue paint on it and was very upset about it because it was a black and white painting. She had me step away from it for a couple of days and work on other projects then return to it with a fresh mind. That really taught me to not give up on projects, but sometimes a break is needed instead.
✦ Looking Ahead ✦
Is there a creative goal you set for yourself that you haven’t tried yet but hope to?
I want to make a temperature blanket!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your creative journey?
I feel that my creativity bleeds into my career. I have had the ability to create labs for my high schoolers that they find very entertaining and I always enjoy the labs that I have created myself. My favorite is the Halloween lab I created called “Witch’s Brew”. Kids I have taught still talk about it years after they took my class. I was able to put a chemistry twist and a biology twist to it, so I can use the lab for either class.
✦ Closing Reflection ✦
Reading through Teresa’s responses reminded me that creativity isn’t always about the finished project. Sometimes it’s about clearing your mind, making time for yourself, and simply enjoying the process. Other times, it’s about creating something meaningful for someone else.
One thing that really stood out to me while reading Teresa’s responses was how naturally creativity fits into her life. It isn’t something she schedules or forces—it simply becomes part of whatever she needs in that moment. Sometimes it’s a way to unwind after a long day. Sometimes it’s a challenge to tackle. Sometimes it’s a way to create something meaningful for someone else simply because it brings a smile to their face.
I think that’s what I admire most about Teresa’s creativity. She doesn’t create for recognition or perfection—she creates because it brings her joy. And through that joy, she’s found countless ways to brighten the lives of the people around her.
Maybe that’s the beautiful thing about creativity. It doesn’t have to be loud or extraordinary to matter. Sometimes the quiet projects, the family traditions, and the moments we create simply because they make us happy leave the biggest impression of all.
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