While She Naps With Abby Glassenberg

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about running an indie craft show with my guest Tricia Brancolini-Foley, the Executive Director of Handmade Arcade. Tricia believes in the power of making things by hand. She has been a maker and crafter her entire life. She started at Handmade Arcade in 2010 as a volunteer and in 2014, she spearheaded the organization’s transition from a volunteer-run LLC to an official 501(c)3 and became its Executive Director. Since then she’s grown its budget significantly and doubling the number of makers the organization serves. During COVID Tricia successfully guided Handmade Arcade through the process of creating a virtual craft fair, which we’ll talk about. Supporting and participating in the arts continues to be a central theme in all aspects of Tricia’s life. She is on the board of directors for the Brentwood Library, has volunteered for ten years as a Girl Scout leader, and is continuously creating new collaborations with artists, small busi

 On this episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building a career bringing people together through yarn with my guest Shelley Brander. After a successful career as a copywriter and broadcast producer, creating campaigns for brands like AT&T and Hard Rock, Shelley Brander followed her passion and started an improbable "side hustle"—she opened a local yarn store. She and her team of Loops Troops have since grown Loops into a global brand that's on the forefront of the modern maker movement, and includes LoopsLove.com, LoopsClub.com and Knit Stars, a global, online learning adventure. She's on a mission to Knit the World Together. Her second book, Move the Needle: Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur is a Wall Street Journal best-seller. She lives in Tulsa with her husband and at least three dogs, and has three very creative, grown children. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Esther’s Fabrics. Esther's Fabrics is located on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from Seattl

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building a business in scrapbooking and photography with my guest Azzari Jarrett. Azzari is a photographer and designer who is inspired by simple, everyday moments. You can usually find her chasing natural light with one too many (film) cameras. She enjoys a good morning run, a daily cup of coffee, and evenings on the beach. She lives with her husband and three daughters on the North Carolina Coast. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Creativebug.com. Stop the endless scroll through Netflix and start a new creative practice instead with Creativebug. Creativebug is an online streaming service with thousands of art and craft classes taught by industry-leading artists and makers. Learn to paint, knit, sew, bake and more -- all from the comfort of your own home.  From the avid finger-painter to the experienced sewist - all ages and skill levels are welcome to watch.  Use code CRAFT21 at checkout to get your first two months free

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business as a watercolor artist with my guest Anne Butera. Anne Butera is a self-taught artist who finds inspiration in the beauty of her garden and the magic of nature. She works primarily in watercolor but also loves challenging herself to try new things. She strives to seek out and celebrate life’s little joys and daily graces. Anne writes the blog My Giant Strawberry; teaches in person and online; and sells her art, designs and fabric on her website and elsewhere on the web. Anne’s paintings have been exhibited across the country and her art and writing have been published in magazines and in the book Botanica. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Verve Leadership.  Verve Leadership provides creativity-based coaching to individuals and organizations seeking to make greater impact in their work and have more fulfillment in their lives.  Verve Leadership is pleased to offer a 20% discount on select coaching packages

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a textile magazine with my guest Polly Leonard. Polly Leonard is the Founder of Selvedge, an internationally renowned textile magazine that was launched in 2003 and now has almost one hundred issues to its name. From its modest beginning on Polly’s kitchen table, the magazine revolutionized the way textiles are presented and quickly became the world’s leading textile publication. It now has a readership of over 75,000 and a dedicated international following. As well as a magazine, Polly has since launched an online artisan emporium, as well as The Selvedge World Fair and creative collaborations with the likes of Liberty, Anthropologie, The National Trust, and the V&A.   Polly has specialist knowledge in all aspects of textiles, with a particular interest in the role textiles have played in the evolution of humanity. Her own textile practice encompasses using weaving embroidery and basket making to produce sculptures

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a yarn shop, both online and brick-and-mortar, with my guest Kathy Elkins. Along with her husband Steve, Kathy is the owner of WEBS – America’s Yarn Store located in Northampton, MA.  WEBS was founded in 1974 by Steve’s mother and in 2002 Kathy & Steve assumed ownership.  Kathy holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. from Suffolk University.  She has extensive marketing experience in consumer products as well as prior committee and board experience on various community organizations.  Her most important role is that of being a mom to her two sons, Jackson & Jonathan. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Makerist. Makerist is your new favorite online craft destination and Europe’s largest online pattern marketplace, and now they’re expanding into the global market to bring their huge selection of PDF sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery patterns to crafters everywhere! 

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building an audience as a sewing blogger with my guest Alexis Bailey. Alexis is a DIY sewing blogger, sewist, and recently handsewist. She is passionate about sustainability, intentional making, and natural fibers. Entering the online sewing scene in 2017, Alexis has built a truly impressive audience in a short time and created a blossoming business out of her passion as well. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Makerist. Makerist is your new favorite online craft destination and Europe’s largest online pattern marketplace, and now they’re expanding into the global market to bring their huge selection of PDF sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery patterns to crafters everywhere!  Take 20% off your first purchase for any full-price patterns with the coupon code CA20. The coupon is applied at checkout. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a mem

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking with Anne Oliver of Lolli and Grace.   For Anne, drawing, painting, and crafts have been a part of her life since almost the very beginning. She spent several years out of college working at a small independent craft store (a dream job, for sure), then started her own business hand-painting clothing, custom murals and furniture. For her, color has all always been a source of inspiration, and years later serendipity led her to blend that love of color with embroidery, designing, and writing to offer hand embroidery patterns and kits for all levels of stitchers. She’s been featured in several publications, including Homespun magazine and the Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Crafts issue. To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building a knitting business with my guest Louis Boria. After going viral for knitting during his daily subway commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan late in 2017, 45-year-old Puerto Rican Knitwear Designer and Philanthropist Louis Boria, also known as Brooklyn Boy Knits, has turned his passion for fiber arts into a platform where he now works with the community. He uses his platform to break down gender norms and tackle issues related to diversity and inclusion within the fiber arts community. Throughout his journey from novice knitter to designer to Tedx speaker and influencer, he has focused on helping others. He believes that creativity can help heal wounds, both our own and society’s. Boria has collaborated with fiber artists, fiber industry leaders, community partners, and school districts to provide an interactive, engaging, and fun program that teaches young students to value differences. Be sure to check out Louis’ Tedx talk

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcas,t we're talking about running a brick-building a business in crochet with my guest, Twinkie Chan. Twinkie is a San-Francisco based crochet designer and instructor known for her colorful, food-themed accessories like cupcake scarves, hamburger mitts, and slushee cup purses. She has two published crochet books and currently has a crochet installation on view at Sweet Tooth Hotel in Dallas, TX. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Muezart, unique, natural, sustainable yarn & fibers. For makers who love to create. Muezart is a small yarn and fiber company that works closely with women partners in the villages of Meghalaya. Muezart's mission is to promote Eri silk, a unique, natural, and sustainable fiber known to have the world's smallest carbon footprint, to the makers of the world. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Str

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building a multi-faceted craft business with my guest Kathy Cano-Murillo. Kathy Cano-Murillo is an author, artist & founder of the award-winning brand, CraftyChica. She spreads the gospel of glitter – literally through her DIY projects and figuratively through her speeches, workshops, books, and essays. A former syndicated columnist for The Arizona Republic, she is now a full-time creativepreneur which has led to multiple Crafty Chica mass retail product lines, and collabs with Coca-Cola, HSN, HP, WordPress, Disney & many others. She has authored seven craft books, two novels, and recently, Forever Frida: A Celebration of the Life, Art, Loves, Words, and Style of Frida Kahlo. She has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed+ more. Kathy is Mexican-American, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, mom of two, a wife, and owner of three Chihuahuas. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Flowsmith. Flows

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a career as a textile artist and creativity coach with my guest Clara Nartey.   Clara's textile artwork has been widely exhibited in solo and group shows in museums across the United States. Her work is held in both private and corporate collections.   Clara is a self-taught artist who learned by stitching together a curriculum of workshops, art lessons, and several hours of studio practice. She’s an artist, an educator, and the creator of The Clara Nartey Blog – a Top 20 fiber art blog. She holds a bachelor’s in Computer Science/ Statistics and a master’s in Business Administration.   Clara is known for her heart-centered teaching and her ability to unlock people’s undiscovered creative potential which leaves her clients with confidence. Clara believes in equipping creative people with skills that go beyond techniques. She’s the creator of training programs like Clarity to Create, which teaches you to get into the r

Today on the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a life and career as an artist with my guest Courtney Cerruti.   Courtney is an artist, collaborator and Editor-In-Chief at Creativebug, an online arts and crafts education site. She's authored 5 books, one of which was released earlier this year and is called Make Art Where You Are and her new one, One Color a Day releases in September.  She's a new mom but still attempts to do something creative everyday and can be found on Instagram as @ccerruti +++++ This episode is sponsored by VM Wasek – financial system strategists for Shopify sellers. Veronica Wasek and her team at VM Wasek help Shopify sellers to set up, organize, and streamline their financial systems. Whether you’re looking for DIY, done with you, or done for you financials. To learn more about VM Wasek and how they can help you get control over your Shopify financial systems, visit vmwasek.com or download the free Shopify Bookkeeping Blueprint – the Shopify seller’s g

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business in knitting with my guest Gaye Glasspie. Gaye Glasspie a.k.a GGmadeit better known as GG is a 50-something-year-old who fell in love with knitting late in life - in just the last 9 or 10 years.  She is self-taught via YouTube and some wonderfully friendly yarn stores and she is obsessed with all things orange. GG discovered knitting during a very challenging time in her life -knitting is her ride or die, her BFF, her kind of therapy. Knitting has also become a beautiful bridge into a world of wonderful people and a way to universally connect with others. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Alive with Purpose. Alive with Purpose provides beautiful, high-quality hand-dyed yarns for a cause: a portion of all sales proceeds benefits mental health supporting organizations in Minnesota. While the name doesn’t necessarily “scream” yarn, your purchase will effectively reaffirm that all persons, regardless of diagn

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about building a business in ceramics with my guest Emily Reinhardt.   Emily Reinhardt created The Object Enthusiast in 2011 right after graduating from Kansas State University. The greatest gift of all was the mentorship and guidance of professors and teachers in the ceramics department at Kansas State, and without these mentors, The Object Enthusiast would not have been born. Emily focuses primarily on creating functional objects that elevate the everyday while also branching off into some sculptural and conceptual pieces. Over the last year, the focus has shifted from mass production to a slower pace of creation - making sure each piece is brought to life with love and intention.   +++++   This episode is sponsored by Schacht Spindle Company.   Schacht Spindle Company has been manufacturing hand weaving looms and spinning wheels in Boulder, Colorado since 1969. Schacht products are beautifully crafted tools designed with the c

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business in bag making with my guest Ellie Lum. Ellie Lum is an accomplished creative entrepreneur, artist, and skill-building educator based out of Portland, Oregon. Ellie’s passion lies at the intersection of education, art, creative business, and environmental justice. Along with her passion for creating, she is deeply committed to sharing her skills with those who want to learn. As a business owner of 20 years in a craftsman-based business, R.E. Load Bags, she has honed her skills as a leader and teacher instructing those who worked with her how to master the craft of industrial sewing as well as small business management. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Ecoliteracy, where she studied adult hands-on learning theory in garden education. For the past few years, she’s been teaching sewing and mentoring folks on their creative business ventures through her DIY Workshop and handmade goods brand, Klum House

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business in cross stitch with my guests Lizzy and Spencer Bean. Lizzy and Spencer are the founders and owners of Stitch People, which began in 2013. They both share a great love of entrepreneurship, dog rescue (they have 3 shelter dogs!), and performing which they share as their "capital "D" Dream." They got their start on the stage, but now Lizzy more frequently performs on-screen, and Spencer has become a talented voiceover artist. Stitch People has been their source of hard work and joy for the past 7 years and they are absolutely stunned by the amazing creations of the incredibly talented and supportive Stitch People Community. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft profe

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business in rug hooking with my guest Amy Oxford. Amy Oxford is the owner of The Oxford Company in Cornwall Vermont. She’s been making punch needle style hooked rugs since 1982 when she worked as an at-home rug hooker for McAdoo Rugs, a cottage industry in North Bennington, Vermont. She worked as a traveling rug hooking instructor for 26 years and also started a teacher certification program. After developing carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, Amy worked with an engineer to develop her own ergonomic rug making tool, The Oxford Punch Needle, which is now celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2013, Amy settled down and started her own school, The Oxford Rug Hooking School, in Cornwall in a 200-year-old farmhouse. Her work includes everything from dollhouse rugs to a room-sized rug and a stair runner. She’s the author of six books on rug hooking including her latest, Punch Needle Rug Hooking - Your Complete Resource to

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a business crocheting dolls with my guest Allison Hoffman. Allison Hoffman has been crocheting and designing fun amigurumi for over a decade, has written five crochet books, and lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and three sons. She spends her workdays crocheting weird stuff, writing down how she did it, and you can find out all about it at her website, craftyiscool.com. Her two newest books are “Crochet 'The Golden Girls'” and “‘Friends' Crochet”, both to be released Fall of 2020. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Timeless Treasures. Timeless Treasures is recognized for its unique novelty prints, bringing fun and playful designs to life. You can browse Timeless Treasures diverse collections, novelties, batiks, patterns, and large library of free projects on ttfabrics.com and follow us on Instagram @TimelessTreasuresFabrics. Look for Timeless Treasures next time you visit your favorite fabric store. +++++ To get

Today on the show we’re talking about building a quilting business with my guest Amy Smart. Amy has loved sewing as long as she can remember. She started quilting in earnest after the birth of her first baby 21 years ago, craving a creative outlet and something that 'stayed done' at the end of the day. While enjoying quilting as a hobby, she feels so lucky to have dovetailed this interest into a strong business. She's experienced multiple aspects of the quilting industry, including working in a local quilt shop for 10 years, starting a blog - Diary of a Quilter - in 2008, teaching locally and at large events like the Fat Quarterly retreat, QuiltCon, and Riley Blake's Garden of Quilts, writing and selling her own quilt patterns, publishing a book, and eventually designing fabric collections for Riley Blake Designs. It has been an exciting ride - full of unexpected opportunities and lots of lessons learned along the way. +++++ Janelle Hardy is the creator and teacher of transformational memoir-writing course