The Carol Duvall Show

The Carol Duvall Show, hosted by the eponymous Carol Duvall, is a long-running crafting program that aired from 1994 to 2005, formally making it a stalwart of afternoon television for over a decade. The show originates from the Discovery Channel but was later moved to its sister network, Home & Garden Television (HGTV), as part of their daytime programming. The program is targeted at people who enjoy crafting and DIY activities or those who are in search of inspiring ideas for home décor, gift items, and more.

Carol Duvall, who earned the title "The First Lady of Crafting," is a charismatic host wielding a warm, inviting demeanor and an unmistakable passion for crafting. A significant part of the show's appeal is Duvall herself, who, with her years of crafting experience, was able to make even the most intricate projects seem feasible. Her friendly, down-to-earth style coupled with clear step-by-step instructions made the show accessible and enjoyable even to fledgling crafters.

The distinctive style of The Carol Duvall Show hinges not only on its host but its format too. Each episode typically delivers two to three projects, accompanied by comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions. The show straddles an impressive assortment of themes—from holiday-themed crafts to home décor, from kids' projects to intricate jewelry making, and everything in between. Paper crafts, decorative painting, polymer clay art, rubber stamping, and scrapbooking are just a few of the many techniques that the show explores.

Besides Duvall's own presentations, the show features several guest appearances by well-known craft experts who share their techniques and favorite projects. These guest segments highlight both the diversity and the sense of community within the crafting world. Often, viewers are also treated to tours of crafting trade shows, expos, and conventions, offering insight into the latest industry trends and materials.

One of the key aspects of The Carol Duvall Show is its hands-on approach. The show does not merely display completed work; instead, it takes its viewers on the project's journey from start to finish. Whether it's a simple picture frame that can be completed within the span of the episode, or more elaborate projects that span several episodes, viewers are provided with a list of necessary materials, clear instructions, and practical tips and tricks to ensure success.

Moreover, each episode also emphasizes Crafts, with a capital ‘C’. This means the projects explored are not just DIY hacks or quick fixes but are genuinely meant to stoke creativity and encourage the development of crafting skills among viewers. Over the course of the show, resources for supplies, tools, books, and other materials related to crafting were also made available to the audience, further enhancing the show's utility for dedicated crafters.

The Carol Duvall Show can also be credited for fostering a sense of community among craft enthusiasts. Through sharing ideas, techniques, and inspirations via television, the show allowed viewers to connect with the broader world of crafting. This element gave the show a unique edge and helped establish it not just as an entertaining program, but as a vital resource for hobbyists, professional crafters, and educators alike.

Despite being off-air since 2005, the influence of The Carol Duvall Show continues to reverberate within the crafting community. The show stands as an enduring testament to Carol Duvall's immense talent and her unique ability to inspire creativity. Its rich catalog of projects is still relevant today, making it an ideal addition to Discovery+, where a whole new audience can discover the joys of crafting.