From My Kitchen Table with Jo Packham

Artist and author Kristina Henson joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the Instagram phenomenon known as the 100-Day Project. Kristina provides insight on how and why she hopped on the trend, where to find inspiration for each day and how you can take your own 100-day project to the next level! Kristina Henson is an artist, author and storyteller living in Central New York, surrounded by the Finger Lakes that provide endless inspiration for her artwork and writing. Her career in graphic design has provided her with the skills needed to design and self-publish her two books: One Hundred Birds Telling One Hundred Little Stories and Letters to Lily. In both books, she weaves her observations and imagination into art and stories that touch the human spirit; she makes you see the sunset, smell the flowers and hear the birds.

Co-founder and President of Craft Industry Alliance Abby Glassenberg joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the benefits of a membership organization and various aspects of building a successful business in the crafts industry, including email marketing campaigns, collaborations and finding a compatible retail marketplace. Abby is a sewing pattern designer, craft book author, teacher and writer. She has an undergraduate degree in history from Johns Hopkins and a master’s degree in education from Harvard. She taught middle school social studies in Mississippi through Teach For America and sixth grade in the Newton Public Schools before becoming a textile artist. Abby is the author of three sewing books and lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with her husband and three children. In this episode, Abby shares the ins and outs of Craft Industry Alliance, advice on where to begin with email newsletters, a bit more on her creative work today and more!

Artist, author and entrepreneur Jane Pollak joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on setting aside excuses and doing what you love NOW. An artist throughout her life, Jane took a detour for a couple of decades as a coach for creative entrepreneurs. But she reclaimed her role as an artist at the start of the pandemic when everything shut down and she had just learned a new craft — Penny Rug Pillow-making. She re-created herself at warp speed (though it felt like millennia to her), accomplishing in less than three years (and getting the attention of high-end interior designers) what took decades to build the first time around when her art form was Ukrainian Easter eggs. In this episode, Jane shares the fascinating story of her entrepreneurial and creative journey, including displaying her work at the White House and drawing the attention of a high-profile tech pioneer. She also provides insight into the importance of shutting out negativity and surrounding oneself with a team of supporters. Learn more about Jane Pollak: Website Instagram Facebook Read Jane's full Art of Business story from our 2023 Spring Issue of WHERE Women Create

Welcome to our new podcast series, The WORLD OF WOMEN CREATE! Inspired by the WOMEN CREATE magazines and community, the women featured in these intimate conversations are artists and makers, entrepreneurs, foodies and creators of the unusual and the exceptional. Their personal stories are filled with triumphs, perseverance, inspiration and a love of and commitment to the spirit of creativity. We invite you to join us to get to know these very special women — fellow creators, kindred spirits and friends — through our new podcast series: The WORLD OF WOMEN CREATE. Jennifer Boone joins editor and chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on creating women's circles. Jennifer is the creator of Deep Nourishment women's circles and Empowered Wellbeing groups for young women ages 18-25. In this episode, she'll be honing in on the background of her women's circles, plus how you can get started joining and creating your own circles. She has taught music and dance. She has also worked extensively as a newspaper reporter and editor. Jennifer is an avid collector and inventor of activities, games and practices that enhance growth, wellbeing, creativity, self-expression and play in work and life. She was born and raised in Missouri. She spent several decades in the San Francisco Bay Area. During the pandemic, Jennifer moved to North Georgia, where she loves spending time in nature. Her home away from home is a nearby national park with many miles of hiking trails. Jennifer is offering the Women Create community 20 percent off services through March 31, 2023. You can find out more about her offerings here: Deep Nourishment 2023 Monthly Women's Circle. Begins Feb. 28. Early bird price through Feb. 21. Women's Midwinter Retreat. Feb. 14-16. Early bird price through Feb. 7. Circle Starter. Launch your own customized women's circle. Join Jennifer's Email List!

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Jo Packham is joined by professional quilter-turned-weight-and-life-coach Dara Tomasson to discuss being weighed down physically and mentally by thoughts in our lives. Dara helps women get to the root of the problem so they can shed the extra weight and start really loving and feeling accomplished with their lives. In Dara's professional quilting life she published free motion quilting books and did custom quilting. Since being certified as a life and weight loss coach she liberating women to change their relationship with themselves and their bodies. Her method is called Love Yourself Thin. When you learn to accept yourself as you are and understand how you got there you will be able to change. "I teach women to feel comfortable getting to the root of their problems and solve them so food or people pleasing or procrastination or perfectionism isn’t such a problem." Dara has 5 kids from 10-19 and lives on Vancouver Island. She was an elementary school teacher for 10 years. She turned her passion for teaching to teaching quilting with a specialty in free-motion quilting. She created custom quilts for women far and wide, taught across Canada and the USA, and published 4 books, one of which is the 12 Step Perfection Recovery Program. When she isn't helping her clients have more fun in their lives you can find Dara quilting for fun on her long arm, cheering her kids on in basketball, and making the most of this wonderful one life we all have been given! Learn more about Dara: Love Yourself Thin – Podcast Instagram Join Dara's Weight-Loss Program

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Ki Nassauer, dubbed the “Martha Stewart of vintage” in media coverage from varied sources such as the Wall Street Journal, NBC’s “Today,” and HGTV, joins Jo Packham for a discussion on the ever-changing vintage scene and her journey as a vintage entrepreneur. She has gained a loyal and engaged audience, with nearly 220,000 followers on social media. Ki has crafted a career from vintage since 1999, scouring antiques shops, flea markets, salvage yards and the occasional street-side pile of castoffs for objects to create decor that is functional, beautiful and unique. One of Ki’s joys is connecting with a vast national network of vintage and antique aficionados — dealers, artisans and individuals who simply love vintage and repurposing. She was able to nurture and broaden that connection in her nine years as editor of Flea Market Style magazine. In 2006, Ki founded the vintage shopping extravaganza, Junk Bonanza, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Junk Bonanza showcases hand-picked wares from dealers nationwide and attracts 15,000 attendees. As the creator of Lived-In Style online magazine, Ki continues to share her passion for all things old and authentic while chronicling the beauty and utility of the vintage-inspired life. Ki is currently working on her new book for Ryland, Peters & Small / CICO, which will be available Spring 2023.Born and raised in Minnesota and now living in Los Angeles, Ki is a proud mother and friend to her two grown children, with whom she enjoys touring neighboring vineyards and chowing down at local restaurants. She is thrilled to be “Kiki” to three grandchildren. Learn more about Ki Nassauer: Lived-In Style online magazine Lived-In Style Instagram Lived-In Style Facebook Ki Nassauer Website

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Jo Packham invites Wendy Batten to discuss the art of balancing being a creative — and having a vision and dreams — with the reality of being a CEO and all the “unsexy and unfun parts” that come with that role. As a business coach and creative herself, she understands what it takes to turn a hobby and passion into a thriving business. Wendy Batten is on a mission to improve the lives of creative shop owners across the globe. Wendy works with established independent brick and mortars who have big hearts and passion for what they do and want to elevate their skills and reclaim their dreams, profits, and passion. She brings a collected mix of experience to the table, including decades of being in the self-employed trenches, learning the hard way how to run a business, she’s since sold 2 successful companies, franchised one, and co-founded a 3rd with her husband; has extensive leadership and customer experience and has worked with industry leaders as the primary educator and on their business teams. Along the way…she realized helping other see what’s possible for them and thrives in her role as their guide - giving them the tools, resources and map along with a big dose of cheerleading. She became the coach she wished she’d had. Learn more about Wendy Batten: Website Facebook Instagram Join The Retailer's Inner Circle - Wendy's popular monthly creative shop owners group

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Jo Packham and Kelly Rae Roberts join together to discuss elevating your artistic journey and taking what life brings you and running with it! Kelly Rae is an artist, author, guide, and former social worker. She is obsessed with possibility (a Possibilitarian!). She is passionate aboutcreating art that uplifts, encourages, and inspires. I also love helping women nourish their souls and unleash their joy through creativity and self-kindness. As a seasoned entrepreneur, one of Kelly Rae's favorite things to do is radiate possibility with other creative entrepreneurs, mentoring them toward all that is calling. Along the way, Kelly Rae has created several well-loved e-courses and retreats, sharing all that she has learned by crafting a creative life and running a profitable art business. Learn more about Kelly Rae: Instagram Website

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Monica Michelle, the founder and CEO of BloomTV, joins Jo Packham to discuss "living bold" and letting your big ideas bloom into reality. Monica has a background in digital marketing and entrepreneurship, and has a special passion for bringing beauty to the planet. She is on a mission to help build connections between people, and to the planet, through innovative ideas and initiatives that combine technology with education. Learn more about Monica Michelle and BloomTV: Website Instagram Facebook

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Leslie Tucker Jenison joins Jo Packham on the mic. The two discuss Leslie's variety of different careers that finally led her down a path of being able to fully embrace a studio practice and her work with surface design on cloth. Leslie is an artist who makes contemporary quilts. Surface design using dye and paint are integral components of her work and photography frequently informs her designs, literally or by way of inspiration. She has been a guest on numerous television and online shows. Leslie’s work has been the recipient of numerous awards and featured in magazines and books. Her work has been shown internationally and is part of corporate and private collections and she is a fabric designer for WishWell, a division of Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Outside of her studio, Leslie loves to travel, cook, garden, and paint, and she has recently become a novice beekeeper Living in both San Antonio and a ranch in the southern foot of the Hill Country, she is a happy member of a rather eccentric family of artists and nerds. What could be better?! Learn more about Leslie Tucker Jenison: Website Instagram

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Jo Packham and Donna Watson discuss how to find your own true, deep, personal, unique artistic voice in your artwork and bring it to a more conscious level of focus, thinking, and creating. Donna Watson is a mixed media artist for 40 years. Her mediums include painting, collage, assemblage, textile and handmade books. Her paintings have been accepted into many juried international and national exhibitions and she has received numerous awards. Donna has extensive experience as a juror and workshop instructor all over the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Her artwork and studio have been published in magazines like American Artist, The Artist Magazine, and Where Women Create. Her art has also been published in numerous books including MASTERS COLLAGE. More recently, her paintings have been included in the book COLD WAX MEDIUM and her collages are included in the book FRAGMENTATION AND REPAIR. She has also published a number of her own books at Blurb.com. In addition to discussing her paintings and handmade books, in a later conversation, Donna shared a beautiful story on collaging for the first time that she'd like to share with you all: "I was painting with acrylics and a friend returned home from Japan and gave me some Japanese papers and bags and I was so excited to get anything from Japan because at that time I did not have much … that I collaged these papers right into my painting. It was the first time I had used collage ever." Learn more about Donna Watson: Website Instagram Facebook — Perry and Carlson Gallery - Mt. Vernon, WA Donna is the one and only featured artist at the Perry and Carlson Gallery. The theme of her show is The Beauty of Nothingness. The reception opening is August 6, 2-5pm PDT. — Handmade Book Club by Ali Manning Donna mentions this book club in her podcast: This is where Donna learned how to stitch the Coptic stitch and other types of handmade books.

In this episode of our podcast, FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Cathe Holden, a licensed designer working in the quilt and craft industries, joins Jo Packham to discuss her journey to designing fabric collections and gift items for Moda Fabrics, papercraft products for Spellbinders PaperArts, and craft stencils for iStencils.com. Cathe works and creates from her large and eclectic mercantile-style studio, which is featured in our Summer issue of WHERE Women Create. Listen now for insight from Cathe on not relying on traditional protocols when creating business partnerships — and more! Learn more about Cathe Holden: Stencils - iStencils Fabrics - Moda Fabrics Moda Fabrics is available at many independent quilt shops and online stores, FatQuarterShop.com, and Etsy Papercraft products - SpellbinderPaperArts Scrapbook.com Instagram: @catheholden

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Kenzie Elston joins Jo Packham for a second time, to discuss finding your voice as an artist, forming her own personal creative voice separate from her mom’s, who she works with at her parents' small design firm, Olika, advice for other artists, and much more! Kenzie Elston is a born creative who loves color, whimsy and all things floral. With a degree in graphic design, she works for her parents’ small design Kenzie has licensed art to a variety of companies. Outside of illustrating, Kenzie is a notorious collector of sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels and she lives for daily dance parties with her 2 young sons. Learn more about Kenzie Elston: Instagram Website

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Kenzie Elston joins Jo Packham for a second time, to discuss finding your voice as an artist, forming her own personal creative voice separate from her mom’s, who she works with at her parents' small design firm, Olika, advice for other artists, and much more! Kenzie Elston is a born creative who loves color, whimsy and all things floral. With a degree in graphic design, she works for her parents’ small design Kenzie has licensed art to a variety of companies. Outside of illustrating, Kenzie is a notorious collector of sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels and she lives for daily dance parties with her 2 young sons. Kenzie's Secret "I'm kind of a big scaredy-cat!" Learn more about Kenzie Elston: Instagram Website

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, Sammi Thomas, the Content and Marketing Associate for Women Create joins Jo Packham for a discussion on growing up with creative influences and translating those learned creative skills to the corporate world. As a young creative and professional, Sammi’s goal in her career, and life, is to always be implementing creativity. At Madavor Media, Sammi is the behind-the-scenes of our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts, produces our FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE podcast, manages and participates in our Maker Moments webinars, and much more. In her free time, Sammi frequents art museums, especially those in the Boston Area, enjoys fashion and thrifting, is a lover of the outdoors, including hiking, snowboarding, and camping, and most of all, enjoys time with family, friends, and her adorable dog, Jax. Sammi's Secret "I love pickles. Like I LOVE them." Resources Mentioned by Sammi The Dollar Eighty Strategy Commenting is one of the key tools to increase engagement on all the most popular social media platforms. Lucky for you, this means you can implement the Dollar Eighty Strategy across these platforms to really catapult your engagement. Dollar Eighty is supported on: Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Dribble, Facebook and LinkedIn. In order to get the most out of the strategy, it is imperative that all your social media profiles are optimized for the objective that you’re trying to achieve. Remember – It’s called Social Media for a reason! Access more information and sign-up to start using the Dollar Eighty Strategy here! More About Sammi ... Sammi is a huge advocate for community service … working with nonprofits such as Fresh Truck, Toys for Tots, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and more. One organization that she would like to bring more awareness is to Artists for Humanity (AFH). AFH provides under-resourced teens the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in art and design. AFH is built on the philosophy that engagement in the creative process is a powerful force for social change, and that creative entrepreneurship is a productive and life-changing opportunity for young people. Learn more: https://www.afhboston.org/ Please consider donating to or looking into the opportunities of this amazing organization. Or do some research to find an organization in your local area that supports providing opportunities for creativity to those who may not have creative influences and opportunities in their lives.

In this episode of FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE, longtime supporter of WOMEN CREATE Seth Apter joins Jo Packham for a second time to discuss developing collaborative projects with other artists, his experience teaching art, upcoming workshop opportunities and more! Seth carries a strong belief in the power of art to bring people together and strengthen our communities. Whether it is a one-day workshop at a craft store or a nine-day international cultural adventure – Seth’s events going forward will be filled with so much more than just technique and projects. He has also published two books of his own, The Pulse of Mixed Media and The Mixed-Media Artist. Seth's Secret “I wanted to share a professional secret, and give all the people listening "the scoop". I am in the process of developing a new Facebook group, modeled after a community that is about issues. Whether it's about plagiarism, how you price your work, and negativity on the internet, it's going to be a group of artists invited to be a part of a community that really gets at some deeper things.” Seth's Upcoming In-Person Workshops: JUNE - A Case of Curiosities A Case of Curiosities. "Twice a year I travel to the magical Mabel Luhan Dodge House in Taos, New Mexico to hold a retreat in collaboration with Roxanne Evans Stout. This June, beginning on the night of Sunday June 12th with a welcome reception and ending on Saturday morning June 18 with our final breakfast together, we finally reconvene after missing 5 straight retreats due to the Pandemic. Together Roxanne and I will lead you through 5 full days of creative workshops, incredible meals, and some very special events and adventures. You start with a case/container of your own choosing and during the week we work together to paint, collage, stitch, weave, connect, construct, book bind, build, sketch and write to create multiple projects that fill your case and fill your creative mind. Email me at shap97@gmail.com for specifics. Event is filled. Please contact me at shap97@gmail.com if you would like to be on the list to be among the first to hear about our 2023 dates." JULY - Found and Gathered Found and Gathered. "At the one and only Ephemera Paducah in Paducah, Kentucky - one of only nine UNESCO designated Creative Cities in the USA and home to the National Quilt Museum and annual Quilt Show - this is an all-new three-day workshop event that is so much more than just a class. We will gather together, both within the workshop space at Ephemera Paducah and at several surprise locations in the area, and spend time transforming materials into a series of what might loosely be called artist books. Some will be stitched and bound, some will be loose and some will simply be scraps floating in

Listen to Jo Packham and Carrie Schmitt, WHO IS a full-time artist, author of THREE books, and runs an online shop with her paintings and products. JO AND CARRIE chat about THE IMPORTANCE OF listening to signs around you and surrendering to those creative forces/spirits. Carrie also talks about her upcoming project, painting her house pink ... yes, you heard correctly: PINK! You won't want to miss this emotional, encouraging, and ENGAGING episode. Carrie also has an online monthly subscription class called Flower Painting Club, and she is opening an art retreat space in her home called House of Miracles for people to come and stay with her to reconnect with and romance their creativity. Carrie's Secret "I really love communication with the unseen world and the non-human world. I love talking to the water." Learn more about Carrie Schmitt: Website Patreon Instagram Facebook

Listen to the latest FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE episode as Jo Packham and collector and designer, Jill Schwartz, chat about knowing your why and staying Consistent with that, and your brand identity over the long haul. Jill, the creator behind Elements by Jill Schwartz, discusses representing yourself and your brand at events and conferences, how to refresh your brand without letting go of your true self, how growing up creatively inspired her love of collecting, and much more! "I am a maximalist at heart and am so in love with all the little things that I collect. They are my treasures! I cannot help myself from falling in love with all the little bits and bobs of trims, vintage ribbons, sequins, metal stampings and semiprecious stones, tiny glass pieces, rhinestones, and vintage buttons and colors and…. that I use to create my work." Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Explore Jill Schwartz's unique, antiques-inspired jewelry line ... Elements! Jill's Secret "I'd say the secret is if you think that I sit there and plan out what I'm doing, whether it be a tradeshow, display, or jewelry ... I never put a pen to paper and plan it. What I do is gather the parts." Learn more about Jill Schwartz Website Instagram Facebook

Listen in to our latest FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE episode as Jenn Bakos, a full-time freelance photographer residing in the seacoast area of New Hampshire, joins Jo Packham on the mic. Jenn’s focus is food, product, small business, editorial, and lifestyle photography with a few weddings on the side, as well as being a longtime supporter and photographer for WOMEN CREATE. In this episode, Jenn provides background on her photography education, shares wonderful and funny shoot stories, and provides advice for those looking to begin, or improve their photography skills and career. Jenn's Secret "I have always been a nature geek. As a kid, I used to be really excited for rainy days. I'd spend hours in the stream in our backyard collecting newts and bugs and frogs." Learn more about Jenn Bakos: Instagram Website

Listen to Jo Packham and Mary Engelbreit, a virtuoso in the art community, discuss what it takes to make it to the top, how to continue to create new and exciting work, and Mary's partnerships with other artists, like Lori Siebert, who is a featured guest on this episode! Over 40 years ago, Mary Engelbreit launched her own company with a strong desire for creative freedom and a line of 12 greeting cards. The head of a highly successful business bearing her name, Mary is one of the country’s premier designers and artists. She is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style and design sensibility, modestly referred to as “eclectic traditional”. Mary’s signature art, imbued with spirited wit and warmth, appears on thousands of products, including greeting cards, books (design, gift, children’s, cooking, home, and art), calendars, stationery, fabric, crafts, kitchen accessories, dinnerware, and other home décor items. Learn more about Mary Engelbreit: Instagram Website Facebook

Listen to P. Marin (Rachel), and Jo Packham dive into the topic of finding hope during tough times, P. Marin's kidlit writing and illustrating process, and believing anything is possible! P. Marin is the author/illustrator of the acclaimed Pig and Chick Series. She’s an SCBWI honor award recipient and was recently featured in the Winter edition of Where Women Create. She lives in Huntington Beach, California with her husband and their son who she affectionately refers to as The Domestic Zookeeper. When not spending time with family and friends, you can find P. Marin in her studio With much going on in the world today, P. Marin no longer believes it’s only the little ones in need of hope. So, with her latest book, The Goal is Hope, she’s trading in her children’s book hat for one with a wider brim big enough to cover us all. P. Marin's Secret "There was a time in my life where all I ate was carrots. My parents for my high school graduation got me a mini-refrigerator and they filled it with 50 pounds of carrots!" Learn more about Rachel a.k.a P. Marin: Instagram Website

You can be born with the gift of creativity and artistic abilities, but you can also gain these skills through determination and enthusiasm. Listen to Marian Parsons, and Jo Packham chat about art and creativity as learned skills. Marian is the creative force behind the blog Miss Mustard Seed, a paint enthusiast, artist, encourager, bibliophile & lover of all things home. She is also the author of Feels Like Home, a home décor book released in October 2021. Marian lives in the Midwest with her husband, two boys, two cats, and a dog. She is the epitome of a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a spiderweb of creative endeavors including writing, photography, design, fine art, furniture refinishing and home décor. She has a habit of turning every hobby into a business, which can be simultaneously amazing and a problem, especially when it comes to creating a studio that accommodates all of her ideas. Marian's Secret "I played quite a lot of sports when I was younger. It wasn't because I was athletic or particularly drawn to sports, but my parents really encouraged me to try everything and see what I liked." Learn more about Marian Parsons a.k.a Miss Mustard Seed — Website Instagram Youtube

Listen to Lori Siebert, Kenzie Elston, and Jo Packham chat about all the ins and outs of what it is like working as a mother-daughter duo. In Lori's first podcast episode, she discussed her perspective of having a daughter who loves art just as much as she does. Now, Lori and Kenzie come together to share their story together. Kenzie Elston is a born creative who loves color, whimsy and all things floral. With a degree in graphic design, she works for her parents’ small design firm Olika, who licenses art to a variety of companies. Outside of illustrating, Kenzie is a notorious collector of sketchbooks, antique tchotchkes, and novels and she lives for daily dance parties with her 6 and 4-year-old sons. Kenzie's Secret "My husband had proposed to me on a hot air balloon, and while we were soaring through the sky, the guy flying the balloon started patting me on the head. My hair had caught on fire! The flames from the balloon jumped to my hair." Listen to Lori's full episode to hear her secret! Learn more about Kenzie Elston — Instagram: @snippetsofwhimsy Website: Lori Siebert & Co - Kenzie's Work Learn more about Lori Siebert — Instagram: @lorisiebert.studio Website: Lori Siebert & Co

In this episode of WOMEN CREATE’s FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE podcast, Jo Packham is joined by special guest Deanne Fitzpatrick, an artist renowned worldwide for her beautiful rugs and patterns. Learn everything from how Deanne first got into rug hooking to the ebb and flow of trends and techniques, what inspires her new collections, and more! Deanne's work is in the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and she is the author of seven books. She works from her studio in downtown Amherst, Nova Scotia where she writes and teaches on her website, hookingrugs.com, and creates beauty every day. Deanne's Secret: "Before I was a rug hooker, I had a little entrepreneurial adventure and I was a Lebanese cook at a farmers market!" More From Deanne — Instagram: @deannefitzpatrickhookingrugs Website: hookingrugs.com Meditations for Makers Deanne's New Book, Available NOW!

Listen to Jo Packham and artist, writer and founder of Curly Girl Design, Inc., Leigh Standley discuss celebrating a big milestone, 20 years in business in the next year. Additionally, Leigh dives into the topic of longevity and creativity in business for the long haul. In its nearly twenty years in business, Curly Girl Design and Leigh’s line of clever and colorful greeting cards and giftware have changed the way we connect with each other with cards and gifts. Harnessing the power of language and humor to help people feel seen and understood, Leigh’s work has set trends in the industry, been distributed worldwide and most recently earned her the prestigious “Writer of the Year” LOUIE award from the Greet Card Association. After 20 years in Boston, Leigh now lives in the mid-west with her husband and twin 8-year-olds. She believes firmly in the power of creativity and community to unlock our truest selves and is proudly “Living imperfectly with great delight.” Leigh’s Secret: “I’m a bit of a talented animal noisemaker.” Links: www.curlygirldesign.com IG: @curlygirldesign or @leigh.standley — *Leigh shared a story of a conversation with business owner Jason Fried of Basecamp.

Listen to Jo Packham and author & artist Sabrina Ward Harrison as they discuss the importance of living a creative life. Sabrina dives into her motto of, "Our lives are just a handmade journey. Trust that the story is unfolding as it should," discussing her chosen path and how it has shaped her personal and professional life. Additionally, learn about Sabrina's love of books and her book writing process. Sabrina's Secret: "One detail is that I surprisingly love riding on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. When I met Sean, my husband, I was never someone who rode or took a second thought to guys on Harley's. But, seeing him leaning against his Harley, walking out and seeing him, it opened a whole new world to me." Bring Your Book to Life: A FREE 3 part workshop with Sabrina Ward Harrison https://www.truelivingexperience.info/dreamit Liberate Course 2022: The registration page will go live February 11th https://www.truelivingexperience.info/liberate-sign-up-2022 Instagram: @sabrinawardharrison Sabrina's Recommendations: Wonderful, soul-nurturing conversation with John O'Donohue https://onbeing.org/programs/john-odonohue-the-inner-landscape-of-beauty-aug2017/

Lori Siebert began her design business in 1987, just 3 years after graduating with a degree in graphic design. With her husband Steve, as her business partner, she spent the first 20 years focused on branding, packaging, and print materials for clients like Target, Nickelodeon, and Bath & Body Works. Her studio also spent a few years doing environmental graphics for the city of Ciniccinatti and for Universal Studios in Florida. About 14 years ago, her design firm switched focus to art licensing. Lori and her designers create art, pattern, and product concepts for licensing with a variety of manufacturers. These designs have been featured on ceramics, wall decor, stationery, rugs, pillows ... all kinds of gifts, and home decor products. Today, Steve and Lori's daughter, Kenzie, works as a designer with them. Lori is looking forward to supporting Kenzie in licensing while she concentrates on her loves ... painting and making and hosting art retreats in gorgeous locations. Listen in to Lori Siebert and Jo chat about the many chapters and learnings from Lori’s 35 year career as a graphic designer, artist, product developer and retreat host. Lori shares her thoughts on having an agent, being a chameleon vs. having a signature look, and tips to building long-lasting client partnerships. She also talks about all of the exciting things that are part of her next chapter… including working with her talented daughter, Kenzie Elston and being a featured artist on Bloom TV Network! Lori’s Secret: "Well, I have a funny one, and a dream one. The funny one is that I can play the spoons, and have been known to play them at a couple of retreats. The other secret is that I really wish I studied fashion design because I would love to make my own clothing with my own fabric." Learn about Lori's Retreats Here: Portland, Oregon (March 16-18, 2022) Richwood on the River, Kentucky (May 9-12, 2022 / October 17-20, 2022) France (September 5-8, 2022) — Visit Lori’s website, Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest!

Join designer Wendy Dunning as she and Jo talk about what goes on behind the scenes of the WOMEN CREATE magazines. Learn what we look for in the images we use in the articles: the best specs and sizes for print, tips to get the best lighting, what compositions work best in the magazine, and more! Wendy's secret: I’m a huge nerd from way back. I knitted my own Dr. Who scarf when I was in high school, probably my first foray into the world of cosplay. Some options for learning more about photography and lighting: Check your library’s online resources. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is free through many libraries. Universal Class is also available through the library. Craftsy.com has a number of classes for purchase, either monthly or per class. Do a search on YouTube, especially for product photography or interior photography.

Wendy Dunning of WD DesignWorks is a publications designer with 25 years of experience. Over that time, she has designed hundreds of books, mostly for North Light Books, formerly an imprint of F+W Media. She has also designed issues of Watercolor Artist, Pastel Journal and, of course, the magazines of WOMEN CREATE. In her podcast, she shares the knowledge and the secrets that you need when submitting your story to WOMEN CREATE in order for her to design the most beautiful, most inspiring story possible. Your story that includes, not only the words but, the photographs and the passion that you want to share with all of those who read and love these magazines as much you and Wendy do. Wendy's Secret: "I’m a huge nerd. I made a Doctor Who scarf (knitted from leftover skeins of yarn) and wore it to high school. It was probably my first cosplay, before it really became a thing."

Michele Muska's approach to working with a variety of brands and designers is similar to how she lives her life. Surrounding herself with people she finds interesting, kind, and passionate about what they do is something she looks for in others and strives for personally. Understanding what it means to be an artist has certainly given Michele insight into how other designers may feel vulnerable about reaching out to collaborate with larger brands. Her position as the Director of Content for Oliso has given her the opportunity to welcome many different types of designers and influencers to be part of the Oliso community as well as other communities … and her own community. She hopes what she shares with you in her podcast will be of some help.

Listen to Jo Packham and mixed media artist Seth Apter as they discuss topics ranging from the importance of developing and maintaining community to navigating the tricky balance between creativity and commerce. Seth tells the story of how a single, serendipitous meeting upended his life and redirected him into the world of art and shares how his prior career as a Psychologist has found its way into his current life as a creative. Visit Seth's website, Instagram & Facebook for more!

Listen to Jo Packham and mixed media artist Seth Apter as they discuss topics ranging from the importance of developing and maintaining community to navigating the tricky balance between creativity and commerce. Seth tells the story of how a single, serendipitous meeting upended his life and redirected him into the world of art and shares how his prior career as a Psychologist has found its way into his current life as a creative. Visit Seth's website, Instagram & Facebook for more!

Miriam Schulman, a graduate of Dartmouth College and M.I.T., will share her knowledge on how to paint portraits with watercolors, expand your business of painting portraits, expand your business into new but related areas, and love all that you do while you are doing it. Miriam is an inspiration and an immediate friend and confident! It is an honor to introduce you to her and her to you! After listening to the podcast: If you're interested in learning how to paint in watercolors or want to expand into portraits, you can download Miriam's free watercolor supply list:schulmanart.com/supplies

In today’s FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE you will meet one of the few who work endlessly behind the scenes at WOMEN CREATE. I must say that I have a very small team but when someone is the best at what they do and they are even more passionate than they are skilled there is inspiration created, published, and posted every day. Let me introduce you to Jodi Schmidt, owner of OUT OF BOUNDS CREATIVE who will share with you her process for selecting great content, for laying out the magazine pages, designing our newsletters, and her simple wisdom about successfully posting on Instagram.

Welcome to my very first podcast where I share the behind the scenes of our new website - WOMENCREATE.COM - which includes the why of my podcast, my videos, THROUGH THE LENS, the ART OF BUSINESS, the issues of WHAT & WHERE … and YOU. The WHY AND HOW I WANT YOU TO BE INVOLVED. The why and how we can build a community. The why and how of being better and stronger together.

Shared by Jo Packham, Sharon Payne Bolton and Linda Potter, this is the story of a single call that led to a day filled with the support and inspiration of eight women who came together when I needed their help to create our first FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE video for WOMEN CREATE.com. This story brings words to life and life to words. It is about how what we choose changes us, who we love transforms us, how we create reshapes us, and what we do remakes us.