Hello, my Friends!
My name is Barbara Zimmermann—but please, call me Barb. I’m the owner and founder of One Crafty Gal Designs.
I wear many hats: designer, artist, crafter, wife, mom, grandma, and yes—still working full-time as a data analyst while pursuing my Master of Fine Arts degree. Creativity has always been my passion, and this is where I share that journey with you.
Here’s my story.
My Design Journe
My journey into the world of crafting and creativity began back in high school, sparked by a home economics class that introduced me to the joy of making things with my hands. From that moment on, I was hooked — crafting became a lifelong passion.
Although I earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, my career path led me into the technical side of things, working in programming and data roles. These experiences broadened my skill set, but the pull of creativity never left me.
As a busy mom of three, working full-time and earning a Master’s in Business Administration, I set aside my artistic passions for many years to focus on raising my children and supporting my family. Once my kids grew older, I felt the need to reconnect with that creative spark I had put on hold.
About five years ago, I gave myself permission to return to the creative world. I began exploring new art forms, tools, and mediums, and it became a turning point in my life. With an empty nest, I saw this as a chance to return to what I’ve always loved: crafting, designing, and creating.
And Here We Are
Not long after, I experienced the loss of my mother, which gave me clarity about how short life is and how important it is to honor what matters most. I wanted to share my work with others and help people rediscover their own creativity.
That decision led me to the Design Suite program, where I learned the formal foundations behind the creative work I had always enjoyed. Inspired by that experience, I made the choice to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Design.
Going back to school at this stage of my life has been one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. Today, I’m building a business that brings my designs to life and allows me to combine technical skills with creative passion. Most importantly, I’m committed to encouraging others to embrace their creativity and explore new possibilities.
My mission is simple: help you create with confidence. Through thoughtful, accessible designs, from art and surface patterns to crafting files and creative resources. I support everyday creatives, hobbyists, and small business owners in reconnecting with their creativity, finding joy in the making process, and weaving art back into the rhythm of their daily lives.
My vision is to grow One Crafty Gal Designs into a multi-platform creative brand offering art, illustrations, patterns, crafting resources, fabric collections, and licensed products designed for the everyday creative, from hobbyists and crafters to small business owners and fellow artists. I’m building a sustainable business that supports my retirement while inspiring others to reconnect with their creativity and follow their artistic dreams.
At One Crafty Gal Designs, I create artwork and design resources that serve a wide range of creative needs, from everyday makers to fellow artists and growing businesses.
For makers and crafters, I offer digital downloads such as SVGs, stickers, printables, seamless patterns, and wallpapers designed to spark creativity and make crafting feel fun, accessible, and joyful.
For art lovers and creative individuals, I design custom illustrations and commissioned pieces, including colored pencil pet portraits, that celebrate personal stories and bring meaningful ideas to life.
For brands and businesses, I provide freelance design services and licensing opportunities, offering original surface patterns and artwork that help products, collections, and marketing stand out in the marketplace.
At the heart of it all, my work is about helping people, whether individuals or companies, connect with creativity in ways that add joy, inspiration, and beauty to their everyday lives.
At One Crafty Gal Designs, my philosophy is rooted in compassion, integrity, creativity, and growth. I believe in leading with compassion, for myself, my customers, and my community, while staying true to my values with integrity in every design and interaction. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, driving me to explore, experiment, and share resources that inspire others. And through growth both personal and professional, I aim to keep evolving, learning, and building a business that not only sustains me but empowers others to embrace their own creative journeys.
If these values resonate with you, I’d love for you to join my creative community. Sign up for my newsletter to get inspiration, updates, and access to the Freebie Library. It’s packed with exclusive designs and resources to spark your creativity.
