Today we’d like to introduce you to Graeme.
Hi Graeme, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Common Thread really started as a simple idea: people need more chances to slow down, be creative, and actually connect with each other. I was getting into tufting withmy friend Micah and anytime we brought other friends in on the experience, the room instantly felt lighter I found the friends I brought into it were laughing, talking, and building relationships through spending real time together. (Something I think I’d been missing in my adult life)
That’s when it clicked for me that this shouldn’t just be an occasional thing. So I found a space in downtown Xenia and started building a studio where anyone could try something new, make something with their hands, and have a genuinely good time doing it.
Today we host everything from date nights to birthday parties to team events, and the best part is seeing people who came in just to try something fun walk out feeling proud of what they made and a little more connected to the people around them.
At the end of the day, that’s what Common Thread is all about: creativity, community, and giving people a place to show up and feel like they belong
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has simply been getting the word out. Tufting is still new to a lot of people, and being an in-person, hands-on experience means we’re competing with a world that’s gotten really used to doing everything online.
There have been stretches where things move slower than we hoped, and it can feel like an uphill climb trying to introduce something different to the community. But honestly, that’s part of why we’re doing this in the first place. It’s not supposed to be easy — because creating real spaces where people can gather, talk, and make things together is becoming rare.
We believe places like Common Thread are needed now more than ever, so even when the growth is slower, the mission keeps us going
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Common Thread?
Common Thread is a hands-on rug tufting and fiber arts studio right here in downtown Xenia. We specialize in beginner-friendly tufting workshops where people can come in, try something new, and make their own custom rug, pillow, coasters, or planter cozy — no experience needed. We walk you through everything, and you leave with something you’re genuinely proud of.
What really sets us apart is the experience. We’re not just a craft studio; we’re a place built around connection. We’ve designed Common Thread to feel warm, creative, and inviting — the kind of place where people laugh together, meet new friends, and remember what it feels like to do something real with their hands.
We host a lot of birthday parties, date nights, girls’ nights, group events, and team-building sessions because tufting is simple, fun, and surprisingly therapeutic. People come in expecting a craft and leave feeling like they had an experience.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve created a space that pushes back against isolation. In a world where so much happens on screens, we offer something in-person, tactile, and community-building. Everything from our workshops to our layout to the vibe of the studio is designed to invite conversation, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
What I want readers to know is:
If you’ve never tried tufting, you absolutely can — it’s easier than it looks. If you’re looking for something fun, meaningful, or different to do with friends, family, or coworkers, we’d love to have you. And if you’re simply craving a space to slow down and reconnect, that’s exactly why Common Thread exists
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I honestly think in-person creative experiences are only going to get more popular over the next 5–10 years. We’re all online all the time — working, texting, scrolling — and people are getting tired of it. You can feel this shift where everyone’s craving something real again.
Studios like ours give people a break from the digital world. You get to make something with your hands, hang out with your friends, actually talk face-to-face, and walk out with something you’re proud of. You can’t get that feeling through a screen.
I think the future is going to be more about doing things together — hands-on workshops, unique experiences, places where you can show up, be yourself, and actually connect. That’s why spaces like Common Thread matter. It’s not just about tufting; it’s about giving people a place to be present and have a good time in real life. And I think we’re going to see a lot more of that
Pricing:
- Small Frame $78
- Medium Frame $95
- Large Frame $135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ctxenia.com
- Instagram: Common.thread.xenia
