What is your artistic vision? The way you see the world is completely different than everyone else. And how incredible is that? As creative individuals, we have this great capacity to grow and heal through our art. This podcast celebrates the triumphs we as artists create, and I cannot think of a better person to celebrate with than today’s guest.
Tracey Clark is a photographer, first and foremost, but in reality, she is so much more than that! Tracey is an author, teacher, speaker, and founder of Shutter Sisters. I first learned about Tracey through her classes, but then soon discovered Shutter Sisters and was immediately on board with all that she does. Tracey lives and breathes the small moments of her life that she captures in so many fun ways. Whether you are a mom, a creative, or someone looking to add a little love to their life, you have a lot to learn from Tracey!
Tracey is all about creating safe spaces through her classes and with Shutter Sisters so that artists feel encouraged and empowered to share their vision. She challenges the idea that some people are not creative. Creative expression is more than photography and paintings. Listen today to hear us chat about what energizes Tracey, from her projects, her life’s story, and how photography is changing lives.
More in this episode:
Links:
Instagram @ShutterSisters
Today I am excited to bring to you a pioneer of online craft courses, and one of my personal scrapbooking and storytelling heroes. Stacy Julian is with me today, and we had ourselves a grand old time chatting about creativity, the boom of the online crafting community, and the kinds of projects that light a fire within us. If it were not for Stacy’s influence, this podcast might never have existed! She is one of my personal creative inspirations, and with that, I am delighted to introduce her to all of you.
When I think of Stacy, I think of color. Color and emotion are tied up together for Stacy, and that heart and vibrancy is present throughout everything she creates. Stacy is a published author, blogger, and presenter. Her passion for preserving family stories and histories has led her to develop systems for scrapbooking and organizing photos that have revolutionized the craft for so many.
Listen to this week’s episode to find out all about what Stacy has been up to lately, her new storytelling product launch, and the classes she will be teaching in the near future. I know you will enjoy her childhood stories that she has preserved so well. I hope it inspires you to follow your curiosity and learn a story or two of your own!
More in this episode:
Links:
Find Stacy Online!
@StacyJulian
@StoryByStacy
Creativity rarely happens on an island by yourself. The crafting community is filled to bursting with strength, support, and heart, which is just what we need to celebrate during a season of gratitude. My guest today is Eileen Hall, and she has certainly discovered all of those things and more. Eileen is a Paper Trail traveling adventurer who crafts her way across the country. Through her digital media, Eileen also teaches and shares her inspiration with followers from all over the world. What makes Eileen’s teaching even better is that she considers her “followers” her friends. She has learned how to lean into the crafting community, and as a result, she has created wonderful work that inspires so many.
Eileen isn’t just rambling about in her vintage trailer, Scotty; she is also creating die products for Sizzyx. Each die is designed and crafted with a team Eileen loves working with. These dies came about as a brilliant solution to a real crafting puzzle. Using both creativity and critical thinking, Eileen is determined to give you creative solutions to all of your problems.
I am so thankful to have been able to sit down and chat with Eileen today. Our conversation is filled with so much heart and compassion. If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, give this episode a listen, and make sure to check out all the ways you can be a part of Eileen’s creative community.
More in this episode:
Resources:
Eileen Hull Designs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eileenhulldesigns/
Do you have some kind creative outlet that you use, in order to express what's going on with you, and in your life? Did you know that creating art is really good for you, both emotionally and mentally? Today we are really excited to have Janaina Oliviera, of With2Worlds.Org as our guest on the show. Janaina uses Digital Art to tell her stories and she also teaches these skills online. She loves to share these skills with others because she really believes in using an artistic expression of our ideas, for maintaining good mental health, so listen in now, to find out more about Janaina and her creative approach to life.
Brazilian born Janaina, who started out, back in the day, as a Card Maker, is a Digital Scrapbooker and a Storyteller. She views herself as a Digital Artist because she's fascinated with all kinds of Digital Art and she really makes every effort to communicate and teach people some of the skills that she uses, in order to tell her stories. She has her blog, she has the classes that she teaches, where she shares her unique style of art and now she also writes a column for Scrapreneur.Com, about Digital Art. Listen in today, as Janaina speaks about the creativity in her life and she reflects on the topic of A Creative Approach.
Show highlights:
Links:
For Janaina's Online Column, go to: www.scrapreneur.com
You can also find Janaina at www.getitscrapped.com or www.debbiehodge.com
For Janaina's blog (and also to find her PDF list of apps), go to www.with2worlds.org
Today we are having a very first musician on the show! He is the delightful Canadian musician Forrest Eaglespeaker, founder of the band The North Sound and today he will be telling us about his storytelling, his music and the poetry of his lyrics, so listen in to find out more about Forrest and the wonderful music that he plays.
Forrest has been playing the guitar and singing in his band, The North Sound, for the last two and a half years. In January of this year, they released their debut album, The Valley and one of the songs from that album, Sunshine, became a number one hit on the Indigenous Music charts in Canada. Since then, things have been going well and they have released another EP, titled SKAB. With those two albums out in the Universe, they're hanging out to see what comes next. Listen in to find out more!
Show highlights:
Links:
Forrest's website: www.thenrthsnd.com
Forrest on Instagram: thenrthsnd
You can also find Forrest's music on Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes
What does it take to run a successful creative business? Crafters and Artists have a unique set of challenges to face once we decide to turn our hobbies and passions into something profitable. Of course, there’s the dreaded Imposter Syndrome. For some, it might be a challenge to monetize their creativity. Marketing to reach an audience can also be a struggle for many. It looks like we might need a Creative Approach to solving some common business problems. I cannot think of anyone more creative than Jennifer Priest, my guest today.
Jennifer’s love of the arts started with scrapbooking but has since bloomed into a love of all crafts. She’s been doing online business for many years, but she started out as a teacher. Jennifer never thought she’d quit her 9-5 job and pursue her creative passions as a career, but when she was let go, that decision was made for her. She hasn’t turned back since! Now, Jennifer helps other creative business owners and entrepreneurs strategize their efforts and reach their audiences through social media. Jennifer is going to share with us today how you can utilize online tools like Live Video to promote your business and put some of those fears at ease. You will leave this conversation ready to step out and take action!
Show Highlights:
Resources:
Check out Jennifer at all of her Online Homes!
https://www.smartcreativesocial.com/
Register for the Hashtag Pro course!
One of the best things about art and design is its playfulness. Have you ever stopped to see your latest project as a playground? Maybe you are like so many of us and you caught up in chronological order, the perfect edges, and the ideal composition? Take a breath, take a step back, and let my guest Anna Aspnes show you a thing or two about how to have fun with your work.
Anna is a self-proclaimed creator of Digital Artistry, a style that blends traditional paper craft and scrapbooking elements with the unlimited potential of digital art. Anna is passionate about capturing memories through storytelling with a point of view entirely her own. As an Army Wife always on the move and living so far away from her native England, Anna started using Digital Artistry as a way to capture memories her growing family. Over time, she developed templates and teaching modules to help you bring her flavor of Digital Artistry into your favorite stories. With just a little knowledge of Photoshop, Anna can help you take personal memories into a playful space where you can express yourself. I am excited to bring to you today her design process and emphasis on genuine creative passion. Allow yourself some Artplay today!
Show Highlights:
Anna's Bio:
Anna Aspnes creates DigitalART for people who want to create dynamic and effortless art.
Her passion is to help you commemorate and honor your life by helping you to flex your creative muscles in a way that is both unique and truly exhilarating.
Before she could walk, Anna spent endless hours at a coffee table intent on creating magic with a crayon in hand. Today, she shares this same magic at a different table by creating sophisticated contemporary DigitalART designed to be used by creatives and non-creatives alike.
Anna Aspnes offers digital art elements, mentorship, and education support through more than a decade of experience in modern memory keeping and DigitalART creation. As a pioneer in this industry, she breaks the rules and provides a unique approach to story-telling.
Anna is British native living in Colorado with her husband, 2 children, and dogs, enjoying the outdoors whenever possible.
Resources:
A Creative Approach Podcast on Facebook:
Anna’s Website
https://www.annaaspnesdesigns.com/
Find Anna’s designs at Oscraps
https://www.oscraps.com/shop/home.php
Thanks to our Patreon Members for their support of the show!
Public health is a topic many of us aren’t sufficiently informed on, and should be. We aren’t aware of the work that’s going on behind the scenes, or the benefits we’re missing out on due to the lack of attentiveness to the world around us. Dr. Mary Guinan has written a book on the subject, traveled the world for vaccination work, and helped women recover rights that should be basic human rights. Tune into this episode of a Creative Approach podcast, with your host, Karen Poirier-Brode, in order to become more informed on women’s vigor and public health.
Show Highlights:
Resources:
Adventures of a female Medical Detective by Mary Guinan
Many of us are oblivious to the underlying history and culture in everything. We fail to notice the details and technicalities within our everyday life. In a “Creative Approach Podcast”, we will explore the anthropology of many different cultures and how it correlates with us today. Professor William Doonan is a professor at Sacramento City College, Archaeologist, Cruise line speaker, and published novelist. Over his travels and personal explorations, he has acquired immense knowledge on subjects involving civilization and cultural awareness, which he uses as inspiration for his own novels and others. Tune into this episode, with your host Karen Poirier-Brode, in order to be enlightened on the culture around you.
Show highlights:
Links:
Do you believe that travel makes your life richer and inspires your creativity? Well, I certainly do and today, I'm going to tell my travel story. I think that if you take every opportunity to explore as far and as often as your time and money allow, you will truly improve your life. Please visit the Facebook page of A Creative Approach Podcast and the Patreon page on the Podcast website, www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com to access the photos. Listen in now, to hear the first part of my story.
Show highlights:
We dined at La Barca, an Italian Restaurant which became our favorite restaurant of our entire vacation.
Are you someone who really likes to tell stories? Are you analytical and would you like to leave a legacy and your history behind one day? If so, you're going to love today's show, with Debbie Hodge. Debbie is a really steadfast pal to Karen and she's also Karen's boss in her Scrapbook work. Karen contributes to Debbie's site, Get It Scrapped, although she actually reports there to her assistant and team mate, Amy Kingsford. The focus of Get It Scrapped is on teaching both Layout Design and Storytelling on the Scrapbook Page, which is done either visually, or with words. Listen in to find out more about Debbie and the really inspiring work that she does.
Karen is really excited to have Debbie on the show today, as they really go back quite a way. She's fun to tease, laughs often and really values her family. Her scrapbook pages really are a true reflection of her life as a wife, mother, daughter and extended family member. She is also a superlative teacher, with a real ability to analyze and summarize a topic and then present it in such a way that it really switches all your lights on! Debbie leads a number of people to successful online teaching, through her other online class site, Teach What You Do. Listen in now, as we share Debbie Hodge and her creative approach.
Show highlights:
Links:
Debbie's websites: www.debbiehodge.com
Karen's website: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com
What is your creativity quotient in YOUR chosen career? Have you ever thought about it? Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that only certain careers allow for creativity, but, in reality, there is room for a creative approach almost everywhere! My guest today shares how she finds creativity in her work as a physician, and how women through generations have been creative in their endeavors to make a difference in the field of medicine.
Dr. Eliza Chin is a past president and current Executive Director of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). I’ve known her for several years and have been privileged to work on projects with her. She is an active physician, author, and leader with many skills and ideas. Her interests include mentoring young women in medicine, geriatric medicine, women’s health, medical humanities, women’s leadership, and the history of women in medicine. Join me to learn more about Eliza’s creative approach!
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Resources:
This Side of Doctoring: Reflections from Women in Medicine by Eliza Chin
Has anyone ever tried to limit your creativity? Have you been criticized for "jumping from one thing to another"? My guest today is proof that varied interests and endeavors can enrich and enhance your innate creativity. Don't be afraid to let your creative efforts flow in different directions!
Margot Potter is three notches too loud, five notches too sparkly, and is aging disgracefully. She’s either a Renaissance woman or a “Jill of All Trades,” depending on which day you ask her. She’s a woman of diverse interests and talents who is a jewelry-maker and designer, author, actor, singer and has entertained in bands, in theater, and on television. Her colorful personality goes far beyond her bright pink hair! It’s always a delight to speak with Margot and hear her lively, intelligent, and occasionally provocative opinions. Join me to hear more about Margot and her creative life!
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Resources:
www.cocktailscupcakescrafts.com
www.icanmakestampedmetaljewelry.com
Find Margot on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter: Margot Potter
Find Margot on Snapchat: the margot potter
Find Margot Potter’s books on Amazon
Art, in whatever form it may take, is all about telling a story. What story do you have to share? What are the passions and interests that make you who you are? How can you share your own personal point of view with the rest of the world? Christy Stickler might know a thing or two about that.
Christy is a homeschooling mom who used to Co-Host the Digi-Scrap Geek Podcast. These days, she lends her considerable talent to so many fabulous online scrapbooking and art journaling resources. From designing page layouts at Get It Scrapped to showing off her own skills at her blog, Christy hopes to inspire and teach others to use the elements of design to tell beautiful stories. This week, Christy shares her personal story, full of so many unexpected and wonderful hidden gems of personality and inspiration.
Also in this episode:
Links
Enjoy Christy’s work at one of these fine places:
Oscraps
http://ozone.oscraps.com/author/christy/
Sustainable Souls
http://thesustainablesoulsproject.blogspot.com/
Get it Scrapped Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/getitscrapped.debbiehodge/
Simple Scrapper
http://www.simplescrapper.com/
Christy’s Blog
Do you have clothes in your closet that you don't wear‘? Do all of your clothes fit your Personality? This is what Chantera Gunn is here for! In the episode of A Creative Approach Podcast, Chantera is going to talk to us about herself and what she does for a living. How do you know if what you are wearing “goes” or what do you do when you can't stop buying clothes but don‘t wear most of the ones that you already own‘? These are the questions that Chantera has the answer to!
What you'll hear in this episode:
RESOUFCESI
Chantera Gunn
Do you get a lot of joy from your experience of crafting? If so, you're really going to love today's episode, with Ursula Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Bug. Ursula firmly believes in the joyfulness to be found in crafting, from the delight of making something to the pleasure derived from receiving a beautifully crafted, handmade gift. Listen in to find out more about Ursula and her joyfully creative approach to life.
Creative Bug, which will be turning five on the 15th of May, is the award winning DIY Art and Craft Instruction site, with over a thousand videos, for all skill levels. Before Creative Bug, Ursula had a successful career as an Art Editor. She was also an award-winning Magazine Publisher, for what is known by some to be the UK's favorite Knitting Magazine. Ursula was the Vice President of all the US operations through one of the United Kingdom's largest publishing houses. Listen in today and find how Ursula helps artists to spread more joy every time she grows the audience of Creative Bug.
Today, Ursula talks to Karen about:
Link:
Creative Bug Website: www.creativebug.com
Today's Big Ass Guest is Mark Montano- he's at the top of Karen's list when it comes to having a creative approach! She's been a great fan of his, since seeing him on Trading Spaces and she has many of his books and watches lots of his Facebook Live videos. Listen in and find out more about Mark, what he does and how he really inspires people.
Mark is a Designer, a Television Host and the Best Selling Author of the really popular Big Ass Craft Book Series, which are the best-selling craft books in the United States. He also works as a Creative Consultant for DecoArt and as a Creative Director for Eclectic Products. Listen in today and find out about Mark's wonderfully creative approach to life.
Today, Mark talks to Karen about:
Links:
Mark's website and blog: www.markmontano.com
Mark on Youtube: Mark Montano
Mark on Facebook: Mark Montano
or
Google 'make your mark' and he'll pop up!
Resource:
Books: The Big Ass Book Of Crafts by Mark Montano
And all his other books are available from Amazon
If you're a creative person with a desire to give something back to your community, you will really enjoy today's show, with Karen's bubbly and inspiring guest and long time friend, Elena Lai Etcheverry. Elena is the founder and Executive Director of Charity Wings.org, a Non-Profit Organization and DIY Make-A-Space in Southern California. Listen in today to find out about this wonderful, charitable non-profit, where you can really get creatively involved and also make a difference.
Charity Wings is a huge, open studio, where you can come along and bring your imagination and a desire to create pretty much anything. All the supplies are there for you- the space, the tools, the assistance and the inspiration. Elena and her team want to make sure that everyone has a place to use their creative expression and to have a creative outlet. They have programs for other Non-Profits as well, where they offer either free or very low-cost classes for people with mental disabilities, wounded warriors, cancer support groups and various children's and adult groups. Everyone has a place at the centre.
There is a small fee of $20 per month for you to become a member of Charity Wings. This fee supports the programs and allows Charity Wings Art Center to keep running, so even if you aren't able to go there and use the space as often as you would like to, or if you live elsewhere, your contribution will still be making it possible for other, often less fortunate individuals to do so. If you are a member and you'd like to use the space, you can do it for only $5 per day. Listen in to find out more about Charity Wings and to find out how you can get involved.
Today, Elena talks to Karen about:
Links:
Charity Wings Website: www.charitywings.org – follow the link to 'shop' for the mini hats
Facebook: Charity Wings Art Center
Youtube: Charity Wings
Instagram: Charity Wings
Creativity comes in many forms, and even though many choose a career that isn't particularly creative, you can find ways to leverage your creativity in that career. Other times, the creative soul isn't being fed and that mandates a change in career. That's exactly what happened to today's guest. Keiko Elizabeth went through a mid-career transformation and she's here to share her journey with us!
Keiko Elizabeth grew up having career aspirations to be a Doctor and eventually studied Biology. Later she became a middle school teacher and was able to change the lives of children. Then, later in life, Keiko did the unexpected and became an actress.
Listen as Keiko shares the following with Karen:
Connect with Keiko:
Do you know how many people are out there, who are really talented, yet just don't realize it at all? The guest on today's show, Lynn Evans, used to be that way, until someone pointed it out to her. Listen in today to find out what happened and how that motivated her to really tap in to her creativity.
Lynn, who is a natural storyteller and a teacher, is an author, a podcaster, she's involved with television and she's a CPA. She's written a book called “Power of the Purse”, as well as having written columns for newspapers and blogs for many years. When she first began writing, she wrote a personal finance column for a regional business journal. With that, she realized that she had found a specific rhythm in the process of writing, which allowed her to express herself without having to put much mind to the task, until it was completed. Later, when she was asked to write a book, she found yet another, new level of creativity coming to the fore. Join Karen and Lynn today to find out more about Lynn's creative approach to life.
Today, Lynn talks to Karen about:
Links:
Lynn's websites: www.lynnsevans.com
and www.powerofthepursepodcast.com
Lynn's Podcast: The Power of the Purse Podcast
Welcome to another episode of A Creative Approach Podcast! My special guest for today is Dr. Kathryn Ko. Kathryn grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and went to medical school at the University of Hawaii. She absolutely fell in love with the brain and central nervous system and wanted to pursue it. She moved to New York and did a residency and a neurosurgery. Kathryn got into art also and has combined her two loves by getting a degree in representational painting with a medical emphasis.
What you'll hear in this episode:
If you're inspired by wacky people who live multi- faceted, creative lives, listen in to today's show, as Karen interviews her guest, Tiffany Price and explores her creative approach, to the world of 'craft-lebrities' and acting.
Tiffany, who lives in the Los Angeles area, is a comedic actress turned girl boss, having recently started out as a business woman and owner of The Perky Nerd- a Comic Book Shop that sells cold brew coffee and hosts lots of events. Tiffany also pursues her career endeavors as an actress, writer, and producer of web series, like Craft Ladies and recently found herself in the role of new mom, to little Jack. Listen in to the show today, as Tiffany shares her creative approach to acting, business... and being a nerd.
Today, Tiffany talks to Karen about:
Links:
Tiffany's website: www.theperkynerd.com
Tiffany on Twitter: @tiffanyaprice
Tiffany on Instagram: @tiffanyaprice
Do people with passion inspire you? And do you enjoy learning from the creative ideas of interesting artists? If this is so for you, listen in to today's show and find out more about Ken Oliver and what he does. You will also enjoy hearing about the quaint historic, riverside town that he is truly fortunate to call his home.
Ken is an artist, marketer and a traveler from the picturesque town of Newburgh, in Indiana. He helps companies to develop craft products, which are then brought to the crafts and arts industry. Join Ken today, as he talks to Karen about his work and travels and also about his town, one of the oldest River Ports in the USA. Newburgh is recognized as an important historical site- the town was settled in 1803, even before Indiana became a state!
Today, Ken talks to Karen about:
Links:
Ken on Facebook: Ken Oliver or Ken Oliver Crafts
Ken on Instagram: Ken Oliver Crafts (or Creative Team)
Ken's blog: Ken's World In Progress
Are you looking to start a career in knitting design? Would you like to take a peek behind the curtain in the working life of an editor of a knitting magazine? Then join Karen Poirier-Brode on this week's episode of “A Creative Approach Podcast” as she explores the working world of dynamic and versatile Kara Gott Warner.
Kara, a native New Yorker, who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, is the editor of Creative Knitting magazine and the host of Power Purls Podcast. She started designing knitting patterns in 2002. After training as a technical illustrator, she worked for numerous craft book publishers, such as Random House, Lark Books, Sterling Publishing and F&W.
In 2008, she joined Annie's Publishing as a knitting book editor and then in 2010, she began with Creative Knitting Magazine and Annie's Knitting Publications. Her designs have been published widely in many magazines, including Creative Knitting, Vogue Knitting, Family Circle, Easy Knitting and Interweave. Listen to Kara talking passionately about her creative approach to her work. You won't want to miss this exciting episode about making creativity your career!
Join Karen and Kara as they discuss:
Links:
Power Purls website: www.powerpurlspodcast.com
Kara's website: www.karagottwarner.com
Kara on Twitter: karaknits
Kara on instagram: karaknits
Are you willing to be of service to others? Would you love to make a difference to the lives of less fortunate individuals, but aren't sure how? Let Dr. Padmini Murthy activate your conscience and inspire you, as she talks to Karen Poirier-Brode about her experiences while working with the poorest of the poor, on this week's episode of “A Creative Approach Podcast”.
Dr. Murthy (Mini) is a professor and the Global Health Director of New York Medical College. She has been practicing medicine and public health for the past 28 years in various countries, dealing with issues such as little, or no access to clean water or sanitary pads. She's an author, lecturer, and teacher, who serves as the Medical Woman's International Association's NGO representative to the United Nations. She has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Blackwell Medal, from the American Medical Women's Association. Listen to her talk passionately about her creative approach to world health, women's health and how we can all “do a little that can amount to a lot.”
Join Karen as she talks to Mini about:
Links:
Karen's website: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com
Mini's email : minimurthy@gmail.com
Mini on Linkedin: Padmini Murthy
Mini's twitter handle: @minimurthy1234
Mini's Books: Women's Global Health and Human Rights (Published by Jones and
Bartlett Publishers) Available on Amazon
Mini's Musings (Poetry, published in 2012)