Creative Living – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Creative Living, host Jane Clauss sits down with renowned floral artist and author Layla Robinson for an enchanting conversation about the art of dried flowers. Layla shares how she transforms foraged and homegrown blooms into vibrant works of art that last for years, bringing the beauty of nature indoors season after season. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or simply curious about refreshing your space with sustainable creativity, you'll pick up practical tips, inspiring stories, and heartfelt encouragement to try something new.   It's a colorful, uplifting episode that proves creativity can bloom forever… and so can your imagination.

Check out this timecode breakdown so you can skip ahead to the parts you're most intersted in... although honestly, every minute of this conversation is worth it! 

0:00:00 – 0:01:36 Setting the Creative Tone: An Invitation to Everyday Making
The episode opens with Jane Clauss sharing her philosophy of everyday creativity and how dedicating even one hour a day can enrich your life. She introduces renowned floral artist Layla Robinson, author of Everlasting Blooms, and sets the tone for a conversation focused on making creativity approachable for everyone, no matter their skill level or medium.

0:03:43 – 0:05:04 From Fresh to Forever: Layla's Creative Shift
Layla reflects on her early days running a fresh-flower business and how she discovered the beauty and practicality of dried florals. She explains why dried arrangements captured her heart offering longevity, emotional resonance, and the ability for her work to be appreciated long after it's made. This segment lays out the "why" behind her transition from fresh blooms to forever florals.

0:06:08 – 0:10:50 Inside the Process: Drying Techniques & Troubleshooting
Layla breaks down her detailed process for drying flowers while preserving their color and natural movement. She shares clear advice on when to harvest, how to create ideal drying conditions, and ways to avoid common pitfalls such as brittleness and mold. Practical tips for storing and organizing blooms at home or in a studio give listeners actionable steps to start experimenting.

0:12:37 – 0:16:02 Tools of the Trade: Simple Supplies & Sustainable Practices
Layla outlines the approachable toolkit needed for dried floral art using secateurs, wire cutters, floristry scissors, and simple wires showing how accessible this craft truly is. She also highlights her sustainability mindset, from organic growing to minimizing waste, and how dried arrangements can be reused or enjoyed for years, blending eco-friendly values with creative expression.

0:19:40 – 0:26:46 Inspiration Blooms: Versatility, Beginners' Tips & Creative Confidence
In this uplifting segment, Layla recommends starter-friendly florals like straw flowers, shares honest stories about learning through trial and error, and offers tips for sourcing materials even without a garden. She connects dried florals to broader creative disciplines, inspiring painters, textile artists, and makers of all kinds. Her insights encourage listeners to experiment freely and embrace the emotional connection that comes from working with nature.

"Once you've opened that door, it's like opening onto a magic world that is so vast and such good fun…it's just the most rewarding, beautiful thing to get into... Once you've got it, you've got it for a lifetime."  — Layla Robinson

Layla's new book is called Everlasting Blooms: 30 Floristry Projects to bring the  magic of dried flowers into your home. 

Think of embroidery as coloring with thread, playful, creative, and bursting with possibilities. In this episode of Creative Living, Emmy-winning host Jane Clauss sits down with fiber artist and entrepreneur Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ to explore the vibrant world of hand embroidery. Whether you are a seasoned maker or just curious about picking up a needle and thread, you will discover how this timeless craft can be modern, accessible, and full of personality. From Melissa's journey of turning a hobby into a thriving business, to beginner-friendly stitches and tips for upcycling your wardrobe, this episode is all about unlocking creativity and celebrating community through handmade art.

Listen to the entire conversation or jump ahead with the episode breakdown below.

[0:00:09 – 0:01:36] Introduction to Hand Embroidery and Guest Melissa Galbraith

In this opening segment, host Jane Clauss introduces the theme of the episode, hand embroidery, and welcomes guest Melissa Galbraith, a fiber artist and small business owner behind M Creative J. Jane sets the stage by discussing the creative possibilities of embroidery, its rich history, and how Melissa brings a modern twist to the craft. The conversation highlights Melissa's background, her brand's focus on bold, nature-inspired designs, and her role as an author and marketing expert. This section provides listeners with context about the guest and the creative journey they're about to explore.

[0:01:46 – 0:04:24] Hand Embroidery Basics: Stitches, Accessibility, and Getting Started
Melissa explains what hand embroidery is, likening it to "coloring with thread." She discusses the accessibility of the craft, emphasizing that beginners can start with just one or two basic stitches and still create beautiful work. The conversation covers the variety of stitches available, from simple ones like the satin stitch and French knot to more advanced techniques such as bullion knots and stump work. Melissa reassures listeners that embroidery is beginner-friendly and doesn't require mastery of all stitches, making it approachable for anyone interested in trying it.

[0:08:25 – 0:12:23] From Hobby to Business: Melissa's Entrepreneurial Journey
This segment delves into Melissa's transition from a corporate job to running her embroidery business full-time. She shares how her passion for embroidery grew into teaching workshops and eventually writing books. Melissa discusses the challenges of valuing fiber art, the decision to pivot from selling finished pieces to creating kits and teaching, and the satisfaction she finds in helping others learn. The conversation offers insights into the realities of turning a creative hobby into a sustainable business and the importance of adaptability and community support.

"I think it just means trying new things or trying things in general. You know, because you don't know until you try it if you like it or not," 
—Melissa Galbraith. MCreativeJ

[0:18:00 – 0:20:23] Upcycling, Tools, and Practical Tips for Embroidery on Clothing
Jane and Melissa discuss the trend of upcycling clothing with hand embroidery, including practical advice for beginners. Melissa explains the importance of choosing the right fabric, preferably non-stretchy materials like cotton or linen, for those just starting out. She also addresses the use of embroidery hoops, stabilizers, and the challenges of working on different types of garments, such as denim and shoes. This section is rich with actionable tips for listeners interested in personalizing their wardrobe or starting embroidery projects on various surfaces.

[0:28:44 – 0:30:37] Camp Craft Away: Community, Workshops, and Creative Exploration
Melissa introduces Camp Craftaway, an adult summer craft camp she co-hosts near Seattle. She describes the event as a space for creative professionals and enthusiasts to try new crafts, learn from local artists, and build community. The camp features hands-on workshops in a variety of disciplines, from broom making to stained glass, and has grown significantly over the years. This segment highlights the value of creative community, the importance of making time for exploration, and the opportunities available for listeners to get involved in similar events.

Thanks for listening to the show! If you have a creative living topic or guest suggestion, please let us know!  

Creativity is a powerful tool for healing, and the nonprofit Help Heal Veterans knows just how to harness it. In this episode, Jane chats with retired Navy Captain Joe McClain, CEO of Help Heal Veterans, and Dr. Keith Stuessi, a naval physician specializing in traumatic brain injuries. We dive into how their craft therapy programs are transforming the lives of injured veterans and active-duty military.

We discuss the "invisible wounds" of war—PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. Help Heal Veterans goes beyond traditional medicine, offering therapeutic craft kits that enhance motor skills, concentration, and community. These kits reconnect veterans with their families and provide a healthy alternative to substance abuse.

The results are astounding! Craft therapy benefits 75% of veterans with traumatic brain injuries and 97% of those dealing with chronic pain. Captain McClain and Dr. Stuessi share inspiring stories of how simple crafts can pave the way for healing and growth.

Here are some quick timecode reference points if you want to skip ahead: 

(2:00) Creativity, crafting, and healing for veterans with PTSD

- Retired Navy captain and medical expert discuss creative therapy for injured veterans.
- Jane interviews Captain Joe, a Navy veteran and CEO of Help Heal Veterans, about his experience with PTSD and TBI.
- Dr. Stuessi explains how traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting effects on the brain, including PTSD, depression, and concussions.

(4:36) Mild traumatic brain injury in veterans, its effects, and programs to help heal
- Dr. Stuessi discusses the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on military personnel, including lingering effects and the relationship between TBI and mental health issues like PTSD.
- Dr. Stuessi explains how chemical changes occur inside the brain after TBI, with some shifts returning to normal and others resulting in long-term effects.
- Clinicians struggle to diagnose mild traumatic brain injuries due to lack of definitive tests.
- Dr. Stuessi shares personal experience with TBI and PTSD, highlighting stigma and lack of recognition in military culture.
- Programs like Help Heal Veterans offer support for veterans and families, addressing traumatic brain injury, PTSD, anxiety, and motor function challenges.

(11:40) Using creativity and crafts for therapeutic healing
- Captain Joe McClain explains how their organization creates crafts to help supplement clinical therapy for veterans and their families.
- Captain Joe McClain shares a story of a Marine with tears in his eyes, thanking them for a craft that helped him feel more creative and successful in therapy.
- Jane Clauss asks Dr. Stuessi about the benefits of creativity and craft kits in therapy.
- Dr. Stuessi explains how craft kits can stimulate multiple parts of the brain, providing a complementary alternative to traditional therapy.
- Dr. Stuessi highlights the positive impact of the organization's kits on veterans and active duty individuals, with stories of incredible results.
- Captain Joe McClain discusses the versatility of the organization's kits, which are used in various settings, including VA medical centers, and help with pain management, reconnecting with family, and more.

(19:00) Craft therapy for veterans with invisible wounds
- Jane Clauss and Dr. Stuessi discuss the integration of mindfulness and spirituality in Western medicine.
- The organization manufactures and distributes DIY craft kits to help veterans heal from invisible wounds of war, with 75% of materials upcycled.
- The organization relies on small individual donors, with some donating for over 40 years, and has a PHR program for remote veterans.
- Captain Joe McClain discusses how crafting can help people express themselves creatively and therapeutically.
- Dr. Stuessi discusses the potential for long-term cognitive and motor skill improvement through crafting.

(24:45) The effectiviness of art, music, and craft therapy for mental health improvement
- Dr. Stuessi shared a story of a stroke survivor who experienced significant improvement in fine motor skills after using a rehabilitation kit.
- Dr. Stuessi emphasized the importance of repetition in rehabilitation, citing the PHR program as an example of successful repetitive training.
- Dr. Stuessi emphasizes the importance of finding a therapeutic activity that suits an individual's needs and interests.
- Cross talk and community engagement are highlighted as beneficial aspects of art therapy and craft therapy.

(30:03) Using creative tools to help veterans heal from trauma and mental health issues
- Captain Joe McClain: "Our demand only goes up, triple if we advertise."
- Captain Joe McClain: "75% of TBI veterans said it helped, 97% for pain management."
- Captain Joe McClain: "One veteran credits Help Heal Veterans with reducing suicidal thoughts."
- Captain Joe McClain shared stories of how craft kits provided by the organization helped veterans cope with various challenges, including palliative care, caregiver support, and managing chronic pain.
- Veterans expressed gratitude for the kits, which gave them a sense of purpose and helped them deal with stressful situations, such as the opioid epidemic.

(36:20) Using creativity to help veterans heal
- Captain Joe McClain shares a story of a Marine who found relief with a therapy kit after struggling with deployment and family issues.
- Therapy kit helped Captain Joe McClain's friend connect with his children for the first time in months, bringing tears of joy to his eyes.
- Jane Clauss encourages creative professionals to donate their skills to help veterans.
- Creativity can help veterans heal, and sharing stories of healing can inspire others to take action.

(41:23) Creativity and its benefits for veterans and active duty military members
- Creativity is opening up the mind to new areas of the brain, even for those who have not been exposed to it.
- HealVets.org provides resources for creative therapy in veteran communities.

Want to support our veterans? Donate your time, talents, or resources to Help Heal Veterans. Their work is truly making a difference, harnessing creativity to heal the invisible wounds of war. 

If you are you ready to discover the magic of steam cleaning and how it can transform your home and enhance your DIY projects, this episode of Creative Living with Jane Clauss is for you. Tune in as we dive into the world of Laura Star USA and uncover the power of steam.

Prepare to be inspired as Kristen Wermers, the Vice President of Operations, and Emily Dunlap, the Business Development Manager at LauraStar USA, share their insider secrets on how this innovative technology can revolutionize your cleaning routine and take your sewing and quilting to new heights.

From sanitizing surfaces without harsh chemicals to achieving perfectly pressed seams, you won't want to miss a single moment of this steam-powered adventure. So, get ready to be intrigued as we explore the wonders of steam cleaning and creative living!

Here are some quick reference points in case you want to skip ahead!

[0:00:10] Jane Clauss introduces the topic of the podcast, which is exploring the magic of steam cleaning and how it can transform homes and enhance your creative living. And welcomes Kristen Wermers, the Vice President of Operations at LauraStar USA, and Emily Dunlap, the Business Development Manager at LauraStar USA.

 [0:03:11] Kristen explains how using steam for cleaning allows homeowners to clean their homes without introducing harsh chemicals, providing a more eco-friendly and healthier cleaning option.

[0:04:15] Kristen discusses how Laura Star's steam is highly effective at disinfecting and killing germs, bacteria, and allergens, making it a powerful cleaning tool.

[0:05:52] Jane asks about using a portable steam cleaner like the Izzy Plus to clean hard-to-reach surfaces like couches, mattresses, and other household textiles.

[0:07:24] Emily emphasizes the importance of regularly cleaning household textiles like couches and curtains with steam to maintain a clean and healthy home environment.

[0:09:45] Kristin suggests starting a summer cleaning routine by steaming bedding and linens to help remove dust mites and other allergens, creating a fresher living space.

[0:10:45] Emily discusses the precision and flat pressing achieved with a steamer like the Laura Star, making it a valuable tool for quilters and sewists, improving the overall quality of their projects.

[0:12:29] Emily explains how the Laura Star's steam and fan technology makes the pressing process easier and more enjoyable, reducing the time and effort required.

[0:14:48] Emily emphasizes the importance of flushing the steamer regularly to prevent condensation and ensure consistent, dry steam for optimal performance.

[0:17:43] Emily demonstrates how the Laura Star's steam and Teflon plate allow users to quickly and easily set fusible web and interfacing, saving time and effort.

[0:19:41] Emily shows how the Laura Star's steam can be used to remove wrinkles from quilt batting without pressing, a convenient and efficient solution.

[0:22:54] Emily discusses controlling the steam output to achieve the desired results on a variety of fabrics and materials, from delicate silks to durable vinyls.

[0:24:15] Emily explains how the Laura Star's Teflon plate can be used to safely press and manipulate vinyl, a common material in crafting and DIY projects.

[0:27:02] Emily highlights the portability and versatility of the Laura Star's steam cleaning products, making them suitable for use in a variety of settings, from the sewing room to the laundry room.

[0:29:19] Kristen provides information on proper maintenance and best practices for using the Laura Star's steam cleaning products to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.

[0:30:02] Jane asks Kristen about any quirky or fun cleaning rituals or habits, and Kristen shares her routine of vacuuming and then steaming her mattress to kill dust mites.

[0:30:19] Jane asks Emily Dunlap which celebrity she would invite to help with her next quilting project, and Emily chooses Taylor Swift, citing her need for a Laura Star iron for her concert outfits.

[0:30:58] Jane asks Kristen Wermers what her soundtrack is when she's in the flow of steaming and cleaning, and Kristen shares that she listens to Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, and Green Day.

[0:31:30] Jane asks both Kristen Wermers and Emily Dunlap what their reward is after completing a big cleaning session. 

[0:34:00] Kristen tells us how to find LauraStar on-line and on social media. Emily and Kristin give their parting words "Don't be afraid of the steam." to encourage everyone to use steam as a cleaning tool and in crafting!  

In this inspiring episode, Jane Clauss sits down with the multi-talented Mary Jo Hoffman, an acclaimed author, artist, and photographer. Together, they explore the profound connection between nature and creativity. Discover how practicing creativity daily can enhance your life, why simplicity is crucial in the creative process, and how personal experiences can fuel your artistic journey. Jane and Mary Jo delve into the art of nature photography, sharing tips on lighting, composition, and capturing captivating subjects. They also discuss the transformative power of stillness and selective attention in nurturing creativity, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation brimming with insights and practical advice to help you unlock your inner creativity.

Be sure to listen to the entire interview to full understand the placefulness you can find on your own creative journey.  Easily check out the highligths with these quick reference points: 

0:00-5:00

Mary Jo shares her love of nature from a young age and discusses creativity of capturing beauty from nothing using her imagination. 

Mary Jo reflects on leaving her career in aerospace engineering allowing her to rediscover her creative side through photography. She explains how she was motivated to create her blog Stillblog.net and how she committed to photographing nature daily for 12 years.

Jane Clauss and Mary Jo discuss how being in nature calms the mind and body, highlighting nature's importance for creativity. 

5:55-10:55

Mary Jo explains how to keep creativity simple by committing to a daily practice and not breaking the chain. Keeping creativity simple is her secret to success. 

They talk about the selection process of photos for Mary Jo's book, 'STILL: The Art of Noticing' and she reflects deeply on how requiring her attention to find a new subject every day became a form of mindfulness meditation. She discovered nuanced insights about her places and the term "placefulness" to describe this transformed relationship.

10:56-15:56

Mary Jo advocates that simplicity is key to unlocking creativity. She discusses how committing to not breaking her daily chain, without worrying about results or quality, allowed profound things to unfold over time.

16:19-21:18

Learn about the transformation Mary Jo experienced through her daily practice and how you can do the same with your creativity. 

25:00-33:28

Mary Jo talks about how her engineering background contributes to her photography style and how the subjects that interest her most are those showcasing engineering precision or mathematical patterns found in nature.

Jane and Mary Jo discuss how a daily photography practice trained Mary Jo's eye to see composition and notice details, leading to her emphasis on learning to "see" as key to the creative process.

33:29-38:28

Mary Jo offers the tip of "spotlighting" to improve noticing skills, such as focusing just on the color blue during a walk to see with new perspective.

Learn how committing to simple daily goals can help overcome the inner critic by shutting off critical thoughts.

 43:07-45:01

Jane and Mary Jo share their closing thoughts on creativity being innate in all people. Mary Jo believes creativity just needs an outlet, and shares her daily joy in discovery through continuing her project.

We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation. Thanks for listening. 

From Craft Room Chaos to Creative Calm: Organizing Tips and Tricks to transform a messy makers space. 

It's time to clean up your craft room clutter once and for all! Tune in to our latest episode of Creative Living as we tackle the daunting task of organizing a messy makerspace. Professional organizer, Andrea Brundage, joins Jane Clauss to share her expert tips for decluttering, setting up functional storage systems, and establishing routines to stay organized long-term. Learn strategies for overcoming emotional attachments to supplies and discover simple ways to start transforming one small area at a time. We'll also discuss how to host crafting events with friends to use up excess materials. Clear your calendar - you won't want to miss this jam-packed session full of inspiration and practical advice for crafters, artists, and anyone with a chaotic creative space. It's time to turn your craft room chaos into calm!

3:00 - 4:24 - Organizing challenges in creative spaces. Andrea identifies intermingled crafts and clutter as a common issue.

4:24 - 6:05 - Organizing by project. Andrea recommends organizing craft supplies based on specific projects, not just dumping everything together.

6:05 - 7:44 - Decluttering and maximizing storage. Jane and Andrea discuss decluttering unused items and using storage solutions like clear bins and labels.

7:44 - 9:09 - Organizing for "more is more" creatives. Andrea provide solutions for those who prefer having more supplies but want them organized.

9:09 - 10:53 - Maintaining organization. Andrea emphasizes establishing habits and systems for putting supplies back to keep spaces organized long-term.

10:53 - 12:00 - Finding a balance. Jane discusses the challenge of balancing busy lives with time spent crafting and keeping spaces organized.

12:56-13:35 - Declutter craft room spaces by going through supplies and donating, selling, or repurposing unused items. Focus first on craft mediums no longer enjoyed.

15:13-16:09 - Set up organizational systems for craft supplies based on specific projects, not just dumping everything into one space. Use clear bins, cubbies, or other storage with labels to identify contents.

22:28-23:00 - When cleaning and organizing, start with small, manageable tasks of 10-20 minutes that can be completed in one sitting. Set a timer to avoid getting distracted.

25:35-26:09 - Develop habits and routines to maintain organization over time, such as always returning supplies to their designated spaces. Cleaning should not be a one-time effort.

33:08-33:35 - Consider hosting crafting events to use up excess supplies by sharing them with others.

28:32-29:39- Refer to Andrea Brundage's book "Simplify Your Life" for her four questions on decluttering and her strategies for organizing one's space and life.

Dive into the sticky and fascinating world of hot glue with our latest podcast episode, featuring insights straight from the adhesive aficionados at Surebonder—pioneers who've been making our crafting dreams hold together for decades.

In this episode, we trace the stringy trails of hot glue all the way back to its inception, appreciating the leaps and bounds made in glue technology. For crafters and makers at every level, this is your chance to understand not just the 'how,' but the 'why' behind the glue that keeps our creations together.

But we don't stop at history. Prepare to have your glue guns at the ready as we explore a treasure trove of applications, from embellishing paper crafts with the perfect bead of glue to stringing together stunning jewelry pieces. We're sharing pro tips on selecting the ideal glue gun and glue type, considering the materials and scale of your projects. Plus, we delve into the world of cordless glue guns and glue skillets, revealing how these tools can turbocharge your efficiency and spark a burst of creativity.

We're all about the nitty-gritty—expect to scribble down notes on Surebonder's specialty glues and how they promise to change your fabric-affixing game. And for those delicate tasks? We've got you covered with techniques that promise a smooth glide over thin papers, eliminating the crinkles and blobs that haunt your crafting dreams.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting to dip your toes into the glittery pool of DIY, this episode is your invitation to broaden your horizons. Surebonder's commitment to innovation suggests that the glue revolution is just getting started, and we're here to give you a front-row seat.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to stick with us as we bond over hot glue. By the end of this podcast, you'll be bubbling over with sticky inspirations to elevate your crafting game to dazzling new heights!

Here are some of the highlights: 

2:56 - 3:34  We learn the story of Surebonder's origins unfolds as Brad Kamins, the founder's grandson, reminisces about its 1968 inception, detailing the company's evolution into a hot glue manufacturing powerhouse.

6:25 - 6:38  We meet Stephanie Daniel, SureBonder's marketing guru, she shares a personal anecdote revealing her journey from hobbyist to team member, driven by her passion for their hot glue products.

8:09 - 9:40  The versatility of hot glue is showcased by Stephanie, emphasizing its applications in crafting, especially the need for precision when applying it to delicate materials like paper.

10:28 - 11:03 Jane Clauss explores Surebonder's innovative crafting solutions with a spotlight on their specialty jewelry and fabric glues.

11:35 - 12:45 Stephanie guides crafters on techniques for a flawless hot glue application on thin papers, advocating for fine tip glue guns and controlled trigger pressure to prevent bubbling.

18:27 - 20:09 Brad introduces the glue pot/skillet and shares a pro tip for minimizing stringiness by stirring the glue occasionally to maintain its consistency.

22:34 - 23:21 Learn about the innovative use of Teflon stir sticks, which help manage the flow of hot glue from a pot, ensuring a clean crafting experience.

25:20 - 26:16 Brad gives the virtues of cordless glue guns, celebrating the convenience and freedom they offer for unencumbered crafting.

32:13 - 33:37 Get a glimpse into the future with Surebonder reveals hints at forthcoming innovations such as high-wattage cordless glue guns, expanding the creative toolkit offered to crafters.

33:37 - 34:01 The conversation wraps up with a reminder to follow Surebonder on social media for the latest product updates and mentions that their diverse range of products is readily available at craft and hardware stores, as well as online.

Get crafty with the experts - tune in as we melt down the magic of hot glue! Host Jane Clauss chats with Surebonder about the evolution of this versatile adhesive. Discover pro tips and innovations that will take your projects to a new sticky level.

Join domestic diva Jane Clauss as she chats with industry trend expert, Dawn Evans, from the International Housewares Association to get insights into the latest home and housewares trends They talk about 9 key trend "portfolios" that are being showcased at the Inspired Home Show, including trends focused on entertaining, eco-friendly materials, ease of use, color palettes, outdoor living, nature inspiration, geometric shapes, and wellness. With these insights you can transform your living space into a trendsetting haven!

Throughout the show, Dawn emphasizes how trends are influenced by consumers and the latest trends, shining a light on how our very own preferences and personalities sculpt the marketplace. She spotlights breakthrough innovations that blend elegance with utility, curating experiences that transcend the barriers between indoors and out.

Dawn also notes the importance of global events in shifting design philosophies and the continued desire to create meaningful gatherings and celebrations at home through inspiring new products and technologies.

Skip ahead to the Trends that interest you the most!

1. The Great Entertainers (0:14:59)- Focuses on trends for home entertaining and hosting, including personalized serving-ware and gift-giving.

2. Material Evidence (0:17:13)- Showcases eco-friendly products that merge natural materials with new technologies like aluminum cans turned into pots.

3. All About Ease (0:19:02)- Covers products that make life easier by saving time and effort through convenience and multifunctional designs.

4. Pantone Color Wash (0:20:31)- Highlights the Pantone color palettes and how manufacturers create products inspired by the colors of the year.

5. Fine Lines (0:22:49)- Trends featuring fine, barely-there materials and the merging of beauty and utility in products like countertop espresso machines.

6. The Great Outdoors (0:24:43)- Includes grills, pizza ovens, and products that bring the experience of entertaining indoors outdoors.

7. Second Nature (0:26:09)- Inspired by nature through materials, colors, and themes like underwater motifs and evolving charcuterie boards.

8. The Shape of Things to Come (0:29:06)- Focuses on geometric patterns, rounded shapes, and gold in predicting future home decor trends.

 Thanks for listening. For more Creative Living inspiration just head to JaneClauss.com. 

On this episode of Creative Living, Jane Clauss is chatting with the queen of stitches and stories and the amazingly talented costume designer Amanda Tadaro. She's rocked the theater world with her 100+ productions and has tons to share about costume design magic. We took a little trip down memory lane to where it all started: with a young Amanda perched next to her mom, totally mesmerized by the sewing machine's dance. It wasn't long before she caught the costume bug in high school drama club and—spoiler alert—she never looked back.

For all you dreamers wanting to make a splash in the design world, Amanda's got you. She's all about getting your hands thread-deep in experience She's even got some killer tips for the up-and-comers—hint: volunteer to get those skills!

We also got the scoop on how she spun her career into something new when the world went topsy-turvy. So, hit play to soak up Amanda's savvy on sewing education and sneak a peek at the wizardry that goes into dressing up characters not just for the stage, but for the soul.  Don't miss out on the gems of wisdom Amanda dropped during our chat.  

So, tune in for a dose of inspiration and let's keep our creativity cranking!  Ready, set, let's get inspired!

Here are some of the highlights:

3:52 – Amanda talks about embracing the flops and shifts in your creativity. Lead why you should be open to changes, new paths, and experimentation.

11:00 - Dive into how Amanda draws inspiration from the past, studying historical eras and characters for her costume designs.

12:00 - Peek into Amanda's method for crafting costumes that echo a character's essence, including chats with directors, actors, and mood board magic.

16:00 - Discover the role of costumes in transforming actors into their characters and boosting their performances.

23:00 - Hear about Amanda's dazzling stint on Dancing with the Stars and the contest that spotlighted her designs.

25:00 – Amanda talks about the technical feats and oops moment of Squidward's four-legged costume in the Spongebob musical.

27:00 - Amanda's career swivel during the pandemic: from mask-making to mastering Adobe Illustrator and snagging a fabric licensing deal.

31:00 – Jane and Amanda look at sustainable practices in costume design, like recycling materials, allowing for alterations, and treasure hunting at thrift stores.

34:00 – Learn insight onto how the tech revolution is impacting costume design, and the innovations that are offering new robust sewing machines, light-up fabrics, and pattern projecting with gadgets like Ditto.

37:19 – Amanda gives tips for aspiring designers is to network, volunteer in costume shops, and don't be afraid to get out there. She says, sketch and mood board away, even if you're not the next Da Vinci. Portfolios are your golden ticket.

38:47 - The power of friendship and networking in the costume and theater helps to unlock doors to new gigs. Collaborations and referrals can lead to new opportunities.

40:00 - Amanda's insights on sewing education and the key to stitching up confidence.

42:45 – Why you should build confidence in your sewing skills through practice. Start amping up your sewing game with relentless practice. Zippers got you down? Sew 'em till you own 'em! 

44:01 – Amanda leaves us with her words of wisdom, don't shy away from cold calls or emails to pitch your skills. The worst you'll hear is a 'no', but the best could be your next big break!

Huge high-fives to costume designer, Amanda Tadaro. She's this incredible force in the costume design world, and she's got stories for days about the magic of theater and fashion. Amanda's been in the game for ages and has been crafting character looks for over 100 shows!  Thankfully, she dished out some solid gold tips for anyone itching to get into the biz. Amanda's big on diving right in—volunteer at a costume shop, get your hands on fabric, and just start playing around.

So, here's a shoutout to Amanda for spreading her wisdom and stoking that creative fire in all of us. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep chasing those creative sparks!

The Art and Business of Being Creative: Balancing Passion and Practicality to Fuel your Creative Career

Jane Clauss takes a deeper dive into creativity not only as a hobby but how to turn it into a successful business. She chats with Sean Low, the founder of The Business of Being Creative, to help creatives navigate and succeed in the business of being creative. 

Check out these featured highlights from the conversation:

2:17 – 5:10 Creativity defined.

Sean defined creativity as "getting lost in the sauce" - embracing not knowing and discovery through the creative process. He emphasizes maintaining artistic integrity while creating work for clients and finding the balance between your vision and their needs.

5:00 -11:00 Creativity, artistry, and business for creative professionals.

Sean shares how he found his path in consulting creatives through helping Preston Bailey and learning from Vincent Wolf. This exposed him to different creative processes and now he can help you with your creative business.

11:02 - 15:31 Prioritizing joy in the creative business.

Sean emphasizes that prioritizing joy in the creative business is learning how it can be your compass. Sean give tips on how to understand your needs and how to price your work properly to avoid that creative burnout.

15:00 – 17:00 Common mistakes creatives make in business.

Sean talks about the difference between being too greedy and self sustaining. Don't how you could get crushed if you're not careful. 

And then, Sean gives us common mistakes people make when starting a creative business; are you a butterfly or a catepillar?

17:20 - 20:31 Starting a creative business.

Sean talks about knowing when it's time to take a side hustle to a full-time job by using positive client feedback and feeling confident in your process. Sean shares his insight on the importance of validation in the design process.

20:01 - 21:52 Defining creative business culture and DNA.

Sean explains how to discover and define your unique business DNA and explains that by knowing your authentic DNA you can better establish a clear business culture. By feeling confident in your DNA you can use that as a way to stand out in a crowd of competition.

25:00 - 31:00 Creativity, business, and self-expression.

Sean supports the idea od redefining the norm while staying flexible - he uses a slinky toy as an example. Sean talks thru the stages of the creative process.

32:00 - 37:00 Wrapping it all up in a smart creative bow! 

Sean shares that his main goal when mentoring clients is for them to be able to think "what would Sean do?" when facing business challenges.

Sean Low is a master when it comes to mentoring creative businesses. He provides invaluable insights into balancing creativity, artistry and business. Sean emphasizes embracing uncertainty and curiosity in the creative process, while also understanding your needs and value as a creative to sustain a joyful business practice over the long run. You'll be left with thought-provoking perspectives to contemplate as you evolve your own creative path.

Sean's parting message, "Be better tomorrow than you are today and get paid for it."