“What the Craft?!” Brings a Creative Spark to Bellevue
“What the Craft?!” Brings a Creative Spark to Bellevue
When Bellevue’s longtime Joann Fabrics store announced its closing, most crafters mourned the loss of a creative staple. But for Cassandra Noble and her mother, Carol Thorne, it opened the door to something new — their own dream project.
“Joann’s closing and our friend opening her own business really inspired us,” said Cassandra. “We were so excited to help our friend as she opened Honey’s Yummies Pet Treats in Council Bluffs. I said to my mom, ‘If someone was going to open a craft business, now would be the time to do it.’ And so we did!”
Together, the mother-daughter duo opened What the Craft?! in Bellevue’s Twin Creek Shopping Center — a warm workspace and craft shop designed to make creativity accessible, social, and fun.
“It’s cozy, with furniture you’d expect to see at home,” Cassandra said. “We want people to feel comfortable — to make what they want, with no judgment.”
The shop offers a mix of structured lessons, planned crafting sessions, and open crafting time, giving customers the freedom to learn or simply create at their own pace. Crafting areas are stocked with everything from paint and googly eyes to cardstock, fabric, and glue sticks.
“Our lessons include crochet, sewing, cardmaking, and scrapbooking,” Cassandra explained. “So far, painting and kids’ projects have been the most popular.”
Even the shop’s playful name has a story behind it. “Our original name, Your Craft Room, wasn’t available,” Cassandra laughed. “Being a bit of a sweary mom, I threw out What the Craft?! — and it stuck.”
As lifelong crafters, Carol and Cassandra are passionate about sharing the skills that once defined generations of makers. “My mom made my clothes and blankets when I was young, just like her mother and grandmother did,” Cassandra said. “Consumerism killed the need — now it’s about the desire to craft and the artistry.”
The duo has found strong community support since opening, from family to fellow artisans. Cassandra’s husband and two young sons have become part of the team, with her six-year-old even inspiring one of the shop’s first themed events: a glow-in-the-dark family craft night.
“My favorite thing has been watching my boys jump in and help,” Cassandra said. “Our first Family Night — Glow Party — was my 6-year-old’s idea. It was so fun!”
Carol focuses on the technical teaching side — sewing, crocheting, and paper crafts — while Cassandra brings what she calls “a bit of quirk, praise, emotional support, and drive.” Together, they’ve built a place that celebrates creativity in every form.
“Crafting is a passion that’s easy to share,” Cassandra said. “It often takes focus with your hands, which leaves your brain and mouth free to connect with others. That’s where our craft community really comes alive.”
Looking ahead, the pair plans to grow their offerings based on community interest. Quilting classes and new specialty events are on the horizon, along with hopes of forming craft clubs.
“Our main goal is to build a strong, supportive crafting community,” Cassandra said. “I would love to see craft clubs blowing it up in our shop!”
ABOUT WHAT THE CRAFT?!
Owners: Carol Thorne and Cassandra Noble
Address: 4005 Twin Creek Drive #103, Bellevue, NE 68123
Phone: (402) 690-8628 or (402) 690-2434
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575222975878
Hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday: 4–8 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4–8 p.m.
Thursday: 4–8 p.m.
Friday: 4–8 p.m. (Open Crafting)
Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
