Self-taught crochet artist surprises Marine dad with ‘meaningful gift’ for Father’s Day

Eleven-year-old Charlotte Smith learned how to crochet a single chain from her great-grandmother. Now a proficient self-taught crochet artist, Charlotte recently surprised her dad, Marine Master Sergeant Andrew Smith, with a special gift to celebrate Father’s Day — as well as a milestone in his career.

“The most meaningful gift I have ever made was the American flag blanket for my dad,” said Charlotte. “He has served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years this year and although he isn’t retiring just yet, I wanted him to know how proud I am of him. Seeing his reaction when he opened it is something I will never forget.”

Andrew praised his daughter’s dedication to her craft, saying, “What makes me most proud is seeing her gain confidence in herself and realize what she is capable of accomplishing when she sets her mind to something.”

“I’ve received awards, plaques, and other gifts throughout my career, but nothing compares to something my daughter made with her own hands,” he went on. “What made it so special wasn’t just the blanket itself, it was knowing she had been planning the surprise for months and wanted to find a way to tell me how proud she was.”

Tween creator

With plenty of tutorials, practicing and setting personal goals to learn new crochet techniques, Charlotte said she learns something new with each project, and finds inspiration in challenges and new ideas.

“Sometimes I have a light bulb moment and want to see if I can bring it to life with yarn. I love making things that people can use, like blankets, bags, and wearables,” she said.

The artist and “tween creator” is also an entrepreneur with her own Etsy shop, which sells fidgets, keychains and glasses holders. However, crochet for Charlotte goes beyond business and making gifts.

“Art is a way for me to express myself,” Charlotte explained. “Sometimes it is hard to find the right words, but I can say a lot through the things I create. Crochet helps me slow down, be creative, and share kindness with other people.”

According to her father, Charlotte has always been creative.

“Ever since she was young, whether it was drawing, crafting, or crochet she has always been happiest when she was making something,” Andrew said. “As she has grown, her interests have changed, but her desire to create always remained the same.”

He added that watching her discover crochet has been “one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

“Like any new skill, it started with challenges and frustration, but she never gave up. Seeing her grow from learning the basics to creating blankets, bags, and other projects has been incredible,” he said.

‘Don’t be afraid to make mistakes’

As a military child, Charlotte understands both the excitement of moving to new places and meeting new people as well as the sadness that comes with eventually leaving.

When asked about her favorite aspect of being a military child, she said “getting to live in different places and have adventures I never would have had otherwise. I’ve been able to see new parts of the country, meet new people, and make memories that I’ll always carry with me.”

The hardest part? The goodbyes.

“Just when you get comfortable somewhere, it is time to move again. Leaving your favorite places and people you care about is never easy.”

With PCS season upon us, some military children may be wanting a new hobby to occupy their time as they settle into a new home. For anyone searching for their own creative outlet, Charlotte offered this sage advice:

“Try different things and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You don’t have to be perfect right away. Whether it is crochet, drawing, painting, writing, music, or something else, find something that makes you happy and keep going.”

“You might surprise yourself with what you can do.”

You can keep up with Charlotte on Instagram @ColorBetweenChapters.