Make Bath Bombs with Craft + Light

After earning second place for a latch-hook creation in a school science fair, life-long crafter Shelley Williams fell hard for handmade projects and never looked back. 

Driven by the desire to help others tap into their creativity, Shelley started a summer arts program at her neighborhood park when she was in college. Years later, when she was unable to find the right venue to teach soap making, the born-to-be educator knew that it was time to open her own art studio. 

Shelley started Craft + Light in Long Beach, CA in 2019, hoping to create a hub where everyone, regardless of age could discover their creativity. Passionate about building a community around creative hobbies like pottery and candle-making, Shelley’s biggest thrill comes from watching her students have fun while learning new skills. 

The first thing I ever made…

A needlepoint. I really enjoyed it so I remember it well.

I’m on a mission to…

Show everyone that they are creative. I also believe everyone shines their light when they create. I believe that when given the opportunity to simply relax, think, and create, people discover themselves and do their best work. I wanted to create an atmosphere – in person and online – where creativity could flourish and people could rest from the day.

When I come up with a new creative project I…

Write it down! I have many ideas so I write them down and I look at my list to see what’s most doable and in alignment with my goals for the studio.

Teaching others has taught me…

That I love to teach. It’s such a pleasure!

The holiday season smells like…

Cinnamon and vanilla.

This year I’m grateful for…

I’m grateful for my family, who always had a load of encouragement for me. My wonderful clients, who spread the word about the studio and who turned it into a community space, showered me with kindness!