I’m Annica Anderson, the designer + maker behind Thistlewhite Designs. My husband and I live in Kansas City and LOVE IT. My background is in graphic design, and I’ve worked in the Kansas City area for a few years now. But after being laid off, I found myself with an excess of free time and a shortage of creative outlets. So, as I often do to satisfy my creative itches, I started crafting.

I made myself a felt flower wreath, hung it on my door, and posted a picture on Insta. Before I knew what was happening, I had so many of my friends and family commenting on the post telling me how much they loved it. So I posted again, saying it was available for purchase if anyone wanted one. I thought at best it would give me something to do (which I desperately needed), and maybe bring others joy to have a wreath of their own. After weeks’ worth of orders, and friends of friends reaching out, I thought I might just be on to something.

Thus, Thistlewhite was born. I’ve always loved making beautiful things for people I love, and it’s incredibly humbling to see the response from my community! I never would have made the leap if it weren’t for so many people - friends, family, even strangers - telling me I should just do my own thing. It's changed from this little project I started to keep myself sane into something so much bigger than myself. And even though it's just me, crafting away while I binge New Girl for the umpteenth time, it feels like something that belongs to the community. It feels like something much bigger than me that I get to be a steward of.