2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Aleene’s, a company that radically changed the world of crafting. Behind this success is Aleene Jackson, a pioneering entrepreneur, creator, and visionary who defied obstacles and built an empire from scratch.
Aleene Jackson's story, her story is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream.
She didn't have a ready-made plan — she created it herself. She took risks, faced rejections, and refused to let negative odds define her. With creativity, resilience, and relentless determination, she launched a movement that forever transformed the world of crafting.
At a time when women were expected to follow, she led — turning her passion into an empire worth millions.
Where others saw obstacles, she saw opportunities. When crafts lacked a platform, she created one, bringing them to television, stores, and live events. Her boldness didn't just create a brand but redefined an entire industry, turning crafting into a nationwide movement in America during the1950s.
The First Steps and Her Vision
While planning her wedding, Aleene had an idea that would change everything. Inspired by her bouquet, she bought a flower shop in Arcadia in 1944. But she didn't stop at floral arrangements. Aleene sold floral arranging supplies, taught lessons at her home, and built a craft community — before the term “DIY” even existed. Her expertise grew in demand, and soon she was teaching all over Los Angeles.
During World War II, when fresh flowers were scarce, she invented new techniques, making “flowers” from fabric, paper, and whatever materials she could find. However, there was one problem she couldn’t overcome... the quality of available glue. None of the existing glues met her needs, so she created her own!
After many trials, Aleene developed a thick, viscous glue that held materials securely in place without slipping or peeling. Initially, she called it "Glue d'Aleene."
She incorporated her new creation into her classes, and her students quickly loved it. Soon, they affectionately called it "Aleene’s Tacky." Aleene thought the name "Aleene’s Tacky Glue" had better appeal — and so history was made. That was in 1950.
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Her Revolutionary Path and Television Breakthrough
The demand for her glue (Aleene's glue) kept growing as creators, artists, and craft lovers discovered its reliability and versatility. Instead of limiting herself to the local market, Aleene expanded her business, partnering with major retailers to make her products available across the U.S.
Recognized as the expert in crafting and seeing the rise of television as a powerful new medium, she realized she could share her knowledge with an even larger audience.
Her first appearance was on crafting TV shows, where she demonstrated various techniques using her glue. The response was huge — viewers loved her practical approach and warm, friendly presence. Thus, the legend was born — she became the first woman to bring DIY to television, paving the way for today’s crafting shows and YouTube and social media DIY channels. Before Martha Stewart and Pinterest, Aleene was the one teaching millions how to create, making crafting accessible and popular across America.
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Business Expansion
Aleene’s didn’t stop with the classic Tacky Glue. Over the years, the company launched dozen new types of glue, tailored for different uses, such as paper, leather and suede, felt and foam, fabric, jewellery, and even spray adhesives. At the same time, the company organized live crafting events, exhibitions, and workshops nationwide, further strengthening the creator community.
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Today, Aleene’s Tacky Glue remains one of the most popular and trusted crafting products worldwide, with millions of units sold annually. Though Aleene herself has passed away, her vision continues to live on through the company she built and the countless creators she inspired across generations.
From a small flower shop in 1944 to a global crafting empire, Aleene Jackson proved that creativity, passion, and courage can change the world.
Have a great Sunday, and see you next week!
Until then,
Artistic kisses!
