CREATOR'S CORNER - Justine Hovey

 Good morning, crafty friends!

I have a special treat today. I've watched this young lady on YouTube for several years. When I saw her recent accomplishment,  I knew I had to invite her to join us.

Justine Hovey is another artist I've featured who has worked her way up the ranks to create her own stamp line. She sells through Craft Stash.

Here's a bit about, Justine:

My name is Justine Hovey and I have been a cardmaker in the papercrafting industry for over 15 years. As a content creator, crafter and teacher, I love combining my passion for creating with my passion for teaching. Over the years I have been on many design teams and moved into creating papercrafting courses that solve all the common crafter needs. I love showing new techniques over on YouTube and creating beautiful cards using my favorite techniques: embossing and foiling. Additionally, I am one of the founders of the Paper Crafters Get Organized Summit and the Stress Free Cardmaking Summit. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog for walks, reading, travelling and spending time with my family.

Let's take a look inside Justine's studio:

Beautifully organized Scrapbox!

What got you started on the creative path?

My cousin showed me a scrapbook she was making when her baby was born and that sparked my interest in the papercrafting world. It was such an amazing moment to realize there are ways of being creative without possessing fine art skills. This was exactly what I was looking for.

How has your creativity evolved?

I started with scrapbooking and tried and learned every technique I could possibly find. Scrapbooks take a very long time to create though so cardmaking naturally took over and I eventually settled on a clean and simple style.

What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

I love how much I can learn. I love finding as many ways as possible to use supplies and challenging myself to create with what I have. My creativity has also been able to grow as a content creator in video editing, photography, graphic design, marketing and event planning. It’s been quite a journey!

What inspires you?

My supplies inspire me. I don’t search the internet often for ideas on what to make, I usually pick up a supply from my stash and take it from there.

When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition?

I think a business aspect has always been a part of the journey since I signed up really early to be a Close to my Heart consultant. I did this mainly for the discount because I didn’t have access to supplies in my hometown. I started blogging and making videos around 2013, design teams followed shortly, course creation and much more. I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with other crafters as well and trying to give them opportunities I wish I had when I first started.

What do you love most about your space and would you change anything?

My space at the moment isn’t ideal. Since home office took over, my space moved to the hallway and I got the Brand Box. I do love it but I don’t feel that my space is very personal like it used to be when I picked all my furniture, had inspirational decoration and used a lot of wall space. I love that everything has a place and if I could change anything, I would love to have a little bit more space. I love that the small space challenges me though, makes me really think about what I buy and forces me to clean up when I’m done.

What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

It’s important to get furniture and storage that fits your supplies! I’ve had about 7 craft spaces since I move a lot and I always pre-plan. What will go where, what will fit in which organizer. Things you use most should be closest to you. Make your space your own and personalize it. Add your artwork to the walls, invest in things that make it pretty and make your space unique and special to you.

What is your best organization tip?

It’s a pretty specific one but I love my ink refill storage. The issue with refills is you don’t need them often and they are often stored upright in a box so you can’t see the labels. I numbered the bottoms of my ink pads and I numbered the tops of the refill bottles with the same number as the matching ink pad. I can find them easily when I need them. 

What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business?

There are a lot of cardmaking and craft businesses out there but YOU are unique. What are you bringing to the table that’s different – a technique you’re an expert on? A way of explaining things? A bubbly personality? Whatever it is, hone in on that and stay true to it. I also spent years watching channels and bloggers that were larger than me and I tried to follow their journey. Turns out the majority of us are just experimenting and winging it and what you think makes them successful might not work for you. Enjoy the process, not the end goal. Stay consistent. Believe in yourself and your ability. And don’t be afraid to take courses and invest in yourself professionally.

Thank you for joining us in the studio today, Justine. Let's share how everyone can find you!

WEBSITE    YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM   

I'll be back tomorrow with a photo-loaded post and a video catch up! Be sure to join me on my YouTube Channel at 11:30 a.m. EST for a premiere video where we can chat!

Creative Blessings!

~ Kelly

 

 

CREATOR'S CORNER - Tracy Easson

Good morning, crafty friends!

I have enjoyed sharing makes inspired by the products of today's guest!  I hope you'll take time to check out all of her links at the bottom of this post. 

Tracy Easson

I first met Tracy as part of our What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday group... aka WOYWW

I find her to be pleasant, inspiring and a beautiful person inside and out. 

Let's find out a bit more about Tracy:

I`m a self-taught artist, dreamer of dreams and believer of magic, who loves nothing more than bringing to life the whispers that drop out the end of my pencil or paintbrush, telling a story along the way.

My own brand of stamps "Just a girl and her Imagination" was born after the loss of my much-loved dad in June 2018.

At that time, I never thought I would pick up a pencil or a paintbrush again, BUT my dad who believed in me was having none of that and started sending me messages that came through loud and clear.

Out came the paper and pencils early one morning whilst I was at my mum's, were little characters started dropping out my pencil one after another, in 2019 my first stamp collection was born under my own brand.

Each one has a story to tell with words straight from my heart … to connect, to uplift, to inspire and to bring hope through creating and gifting.

Amongst my stamp collections you will find … my whimsical wee Clan of mice along with Whimsical girls, rainbows, miracles and hope … with lots of words to stamp, telling your own story along the way.

You`ll also see me creating soulful merchandise using my artwork from notebooks, calendars to mugs and totes along with my Soul Whispers Hand-painted Ceramics.

I also take on private commissions from time to time, creating original artwork … something that brings such joy to my heart and soul ... to have the trust to bring what they want to be is something I will be forever grateful for … to hear their joy on seeing what I`ve created … it`s the best feeling in the world!

1 – What got you started on the creative path?

From my earliest memory, sat on the floor in my Gran and Di`s living room playing with matchboxes and watching my Gran create necklaces from melon seeds was the start of my creative path. I was always happiest when I was creating, imagining something bringing it to be through my heart and hands.

2 – How has your creativity evolved?

As the years have passed I`ve found me, my own voice, my own style getting braver, trusting I am enough just the way I am sprinkled with whimsy, always listening to the whispers from within, no longer afraid to share who I am through my art.

3 – What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

That SOUL, TUMMY TINGLING feeling I get when I know I`m on the right path, when everything just clicks and flows, when I`m being TRUE to who I am, when I`m up into the wee hours painting, listening to my music, feeling my dad so close in that time … when I`m finished and I see what I`ve created … not quite believing that it was me that created it … an overwhelming sense of  such pure JOY, such PEACE and LOVE surround me … then I bound upstairs to waken up Alex { my husband } to share my JOY in what I`ve created … bless him, no matter the time, he reaches for his glasses to look and to listen to my excitement!

4 – What inspires you?

My Dad is my biggest inspiration … the world all around me … from the glorious sky above and the earth below … my happy music as I call it ... the awakening of my soul, the whispers that I hear that get louder and louder until I let them out through my pencil and brushes.

5 – When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition? 

The passing of my dad was and is behind the decision, we had a conversation the week before he went in for his operation … I was worried about my job, one of the things dad said was

 "What are you worried about, when one door closes another opens … you have a gift, you can do anything, believe in yourself".

The year following my dad's passing I was gifted so many signs from my dad, I was left with no doubts what I had to do … so with my BRAVE girl pants pulled right up I started on my new path, one step at a time … going forward in life, doing what I was born to do … create, uplift and inspire through my art.

6 – What do you love most about your space, and would you change anything?

I`ve went from working out in my shed in the garden, to upstairs in a room … to today … a desk in our living room right in front of a big window … I love it, it`s a space where I don`t feel cut out from the bustle of family, a spot where I can see the sky above and watch the clouds chasing, changing shape … a place to watch the birds come to feed and dance in the bird bath … to Mr and Mrs Squirrel who come and watch me from the shed roof … I`m sure they think I`m crazy as I wave hello!

Would I change anything … at some point I`m sure I`m going to be back out in a garden room as I want to incorporate ceramics into my work, not something you want to do in your living room plus I can beeee messy … but for now I`m right where I want to be.

7 – What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

As my workspace is in our living room, I like it to be kept relatively tidy so lots of storage is a must as I don`t want everything on show {have I mentioned I can be messy}

Lots of natural light for me … when I worked upstairs or out in my shed the light was never very good … having my desk in front of a huge window is my idea of bliss!

Little baskets or bowls to hold little treasures, it`s good to look back on the days when inspiration has taken a holiday

 8 – What is your best organization tip?

When you`re lost in the process of creating it`s a good idea to have what you`re going to use to hand from the start… nothing worse than having to stop to go hunt something out.

9 – What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business?

If you wait until you think you`re ready … you`ll never be ready … there will always be something that you think you have to do first!

I started with 5 stamp sets under my own brand, I was asked to go on Hochanda TV … I didn`t think I was ready … who goes on with only 5 sets … me, I did knowing my Dad was working his magic from next door all I had to do was trust and believe!

Believe, trust, have faith and be brave would be my advice and go for it … we only get gifted one chance at life, if you have an feeling, an urge inside you, a whisper from within then take a chance … you might be surprised where you end up!

Thank you, Tracy, for being here and showing your passion and tips with us. Creative Blessings, my friend!

Remember to check back here tomorrow for my final creative video featuring Tracy Easson Illustrations stamps!

To check out Tracy's art and purchase your own items, click on any of the links below: 

BLOG   FACEBOOK   ETSY

INSTAGRAM  YOUTUBE   PINTEREST   

Creative Blessings!

~ Kelly

 

 

CREATOR'S CORNER - Ardyth

 Good morning, everyone!

I've been inspired by today's guest for a couple of years now.  I love how she offers a tip in each of her videos. She is also the reason I got inspired by the stencil wheel from Penguin Palace. Check out their videos on their YouTube Channel. 

Here's a bit about Ardyth:

Ardyth is a cardmaker from Toronto, Canada. She loves clean design and bold colours, and especially enjoys getting more from all her crafty supplies by using them in unexpected ways to create something completely different!

Let's step inside her studio before we learn more about Ardyth.

Notice all the essential tools at her finger tips and that natural light!

What got you started on the creative path?

I started card making at a Stampin’ Up! Party in 2006. I love the idea of a small project that makes me happy, and can be shared to bring happiness to someone else! 

How has your creativity evolved?

When I started, I wanted to try it all! Over time, I’ve figured out what my style is, and I’m more selective in what I buy. I notice that I’ve moved from cards that were primarily stamping/colouring to messier background techniques (stencil, gel plate etc) with die-cut sentiments. Maybe that will change again….

What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

I love that feeling I get when a project turns out even better than my expectations. I love that there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s new products or skills. And of course, I love all the crafty friends I’ve made through the years.

What inspires you?

I get my inspiration pretty much anywhere. I love to work with bold colours and geometrics, and while I love lots of white space, I’m pretty happy to use messy techniques as well.Rather than rushing to purchase new products, I love to 'get the look' of any inspiration, using products I already have. I developed a simple, 5-step LIMES method to help analyze an inspiration piece and then translate it into something completely unique. It's easy to remember, easy to use and easy to create something that is beautifully your own!

When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition?

For me the transition was very slow and organic. I was more focused on expanding my skills when I started my YouTube channel in 2017, and that’s grown to become a revenue generator, as well as a good resume, for anyone who is looking to work with me.

What do you love most about your space and would you change anything?

I’m lucky to have a small ‘extra’ bedroom as my craft space. Over the years it has changed as the products I needed to store changed (remember wooden stamps?!) or different functionality (I do all my card photography and YouTube video editing in it as well!) and I love how adaptable it has been with minimal changes in furnishing. The only thing I would change is better air conditioning in the summer!

What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

This is a hard one for me - I’ve been in my room for so long and it’s evolved slowly over the years - most of what I have is ‘leftover’ furniture from other areas of the house, with a desk, and a couple of extra pieces specifically purchased for a crafty space.

* Know what you’ve got, and what you use most.

* Keep containers/furniture flexible when you can, so that they can serve multiple uses and last as trends change. 

* Invest in the basic tools that you’ll use for years - ‘trendy’ tools like stencils, stamps and dies will come and go, but trimmers, stamp positioners, die cutting machines are things you only want to have to purchase once so quality is key.

What is your best organization tip?

Know what works for you - some of us like things to be visible, some like them put away and out of sight, some don’t need to be organized at all, they just ‘know’ where everything is.

I’m someone who likes to have a place for everything, but I also like it to be visible, so I have lots of open shelves and cubbies. If I can’t see it, I’ll forget to use it. But if it’s not put away, I start to feel claustrophobic and not at all creative.

What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business?

Be yourself in this industry, you are the brand you’re trying to sell and if you’re authentic, you’ll find your customers.

Don’t be afraid to invest in the learning you need to do it well - there are so many resources available to coach you in designing and producing a product or service, marketing and delivering those products, and also the back-end - including the financial part of running a business. Finding help can reduce frustration and shorten the time to success!

Great tips and advice, Ardyth. Thank you so much for joining me this month. It's been a pleasure sharing your talent with my followers. 

Hey folks, be sure to check out Ardyth's links down below and LIKE/ FOLLOW. 

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   YouTube   IG   

FREE RESOURCES

Creative Blessings!

~Kelly

WOYWW # 738 & A Reminder!

 Hi everyone!

Welcome to my world this week.  Not so much a desk though I do have a surprise in a moment.

I failed to come in and let you know I'm taking the rest of this month off.  I will be back in full form on Monday August 7th. 

I took the time off to do a serious office dig out. While I don't have everything where I want the items belong. I do have everything sorted and in various areas around the parameter of the room. I've also sorted through the 'piles' in the corner of the living room. 

MY brother-in-law and sister-in-law will be here tomorrow and spending the weekend. My biggest issue was clearing off the work table and the sofa. The worktable has to be moved back and room for my SIL (Rhonda) to create. She likes the peace she has here to work on items for her Stampin' Up! business. Her house is an almost stream of kids/ grandkids in her house as well as her special needs daughter. She gets peace and quiet here to really get into a project and stay in the flow.

The other big thing was the sofa. It's a sofa bed and they need somewhere to sleep LOL. 

On the up-side, the studio will now be more workable for ME so I can get items in the Etsy shop. 

Here is what the desk looked like before I started: 

(Keep in mind, my work desk is 8' x 4' - 4' is with both side leaves up. Only one is shown in the picture:

Here's my work desk this morning:

Just a few items left to put away, drop the ironing platform (direct front) then I can move the desk back out of the way. Most items on that platform are coffee dyed/ related items I just need to file. 

Remember -

Ardyth will be our guest in the Creator's Corner tomorrow. She is sharing lots of pictures of her studio and her thoughts on being a professional creative. I hope you'll join us!

That's it for my desk (and story) this week. Who's Miss Julia and why am I here?  When you are done visiting me in the Ozarks, please hop on over to Stamping Ground for all the details. Miss Julia has a long list of other studios you can peek into. No standing on an up-turned milk pail to look in the window. We open the doors wide and welcome you.  Please leave your number and you'll be among the first on my list.

 Creative Blessings!

~ Kelly

CREATOR'S CORNER - Ceri Griffiths aka Ceri The Crafter

 Good morning, crafty friends!

We've had an awesome month being inspired by Ceri Griffiths. Today we get to learn a bit more about him and take a gander inside his creative space. Let's get started!

Before we get to Ceri's bio, let me share his email signature line with you. The accolades are very impressive:

Artist & Crafter

International Teacher, Demonstrator, Judge, 

Show Host & TV Personality

Freelance Television Demonstrator

ICES 2021 Hall Of Fame inductee

Award Winning Author

Award Winning Silicon Mould Designer

OSSAS Medal of Honor

ICES Approved Tutor

If you don't know, the ICES stands for International Cake Exploration Société

Ceri Griffiths is truly gifted.

Bio:

All through my life creativity has played a major role and when the pandemic took

my cake decorating business away from me and we were all forced to stay at home I turned to my art skills to once again build a career for myself. 

A few years later now finds me with a thriving Youtube channel, occasional appearances on shopping channels demonstrating craft products, I designing stencils and foam stamps for an

American company (P.M. Artist Studio). I’m now far happier than I’ve ever been,

I’ve truly been blessed to find a new home amongst the creative souls and artists of the world. Hard work definitely pays off

Thank you for joining us today, Ceri. This is truly a pleasure.

1 – What got you started on the creative path?

As far back as I can remember I've been creative and inventive. I come from a family

who had very little money when I was growing up so I had to be able to alter found

items and existing items to adapt them to my creative needs. I was also a very sickly

child therefore I spent a lot of time indoors or in bed, the perfect place to enjoy arts

and crafts.

2 – How has your creativity evolved?

I think its better to ask how my style has evolved and that is purely based on the

artists and influencers that have touched my life. I am so glad that the internet has

given us as Artists the ability to reach around the world to inspire, support and

nurture our varying art forms. Style is an ever evolving creature and I'm enjoying that

journey.

3 – What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

Creativity has helped me deal with my demons, my art endeavours have been my safe

place when the rigours for life close in upon me. There are many things I enjoy about

my artistic life but most of all I think its the generous, caring and inspiring members

of the various artistic community’s. A creative life can be a very lonely life and

knowing others are treading the same pathway eases the anxiety when you share your

emotional expression in the form of art with the rest of the world.

4 – What inspires you?

The sheer joy of life and nature, I love to learn and experience new mediums and art

forms. I personally feel if you’re a creative soul then you will view any form of art as

achievable and experimental.

5 – When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition?

For many years my business has been the art of cake decoration and design however

when covid struck the planet it also wiped out that side of my life and my business

failed. I’d alway been creative through arts and crafts, design had also played a major

part of my life so it was a natural progression to reinvent my business to incorporate

my love of artistic creativity. The kind words and support of other artists helped me

boast my confidence to the level where I was willing to expose my artistic soul to the

world. I believe it was the right move at the right time and now I enjoy a life where I

believe I’m the truest version of myself that I've ever been.

6 – What do you love most about your space and would you change anything?

I love my creative space because it is a reflection of myself, it is a space that is my

safe haven away from judgment, I don't go to work I go to play. I think the only thing

I’d like to change about my work space is to have a sink with running water within it,

a minor adaption and defiantly a luxury item. I’m very blessed to be able to have a

dedicated space that I can work in and I never take it for granted.

7 – What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

1. Be willing to allow your space to change, your creative space is a living place

that will adapt to your requirements.

2. Take note of your habits, the tools and supplies you normally reach for and have

them stored close to you.

3. If possible always work with natural light, its better for your eyes and the true

representation of colours will help your creations look the way you imagined

them.

8 – What is your best organization tip?

Know where your supplies are supposed to be stored and return them to that place at

the end of each project so you can find them again.

9 – What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business?

If you wish to turn your craft into a business be very realistic about the costs

involved, including your time, the impact on your family but most of all a business is

supposed to make a profit, if its not earning you money then it’s still a hobby.

Great information, Ceri! Thank you for the tips and showing us around your studio. 

You can reach Ceri by clicking any of the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE   ETSY   

CREATOR'S CORNER - Tiffany Solorio

 Good morning, crafty friends!

I am super excited for today's guest. Tiffany Solorio is my go-to creator when I want to play with my Lindy's Magicals. 

Before we go any further - I want to remind you of the Card Maker Summit THIS WEEKEND! If you've not signed up yet, please use Tiffany's Link HERE and come join the fun. Need more info about Card Maker Summit - Check out THIS VIDEO from Tiffany.

Okay.. let's get to know Tiffany:

I am a mom of 2 and I love creating. I started back in 2008 (ish) when I went to a Stampin' Up! meeting. I was hooked from the beginning. Even though my style has changed my love for learning new techniques and helping others to create has not changed. 

Here is one of the shots of Tiffany's inspiring space:

Thank you for joining us in the studio today, Tiffany. I can't wait to share your talent with my readers!

1 – What got you started on the creative path?

 I was invited to a Stampin' Up! party by a mom in a mommy and me playgroup I was in. I was hooked right a way!

2 – How has your creativity evolved?

It has taken so many turns. I fell in love with stamping. I made cards at first and then dabbled in a little scrapbooking. I then quickly found my love for mixed media and altered projects. After many years of creating 3d projects and more in depth projects I came back to card making, 

3 – What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

I am going to get a little vulnerable, which I don’t often do. When I was young I always felt artistic or the urge to be creative. But I was never able to draw or paint “correctly” and I always got bad grades in art class. In high school I remember the teacher telling me I wasn’t trying hard enough and I would almost fail each year but I stuck with it because I loved expressing myself through art. I also loved cooking and was actually pretty good at it and I thought maybe that is the “art form” I was supposed to pursue. I almost went to culinary school but life took me a different way. In 2008 I found paper crafting and over the years I obsessed in learning new techniques. People would often call me an artist but I felt so uncomfortable when people would call my projects art. Or tell me I am a good artist. It wasn’t until this year 2023 that I finally embraced the fact that I am an artist. 

4 – What inspires you?

I am inspired by so much every day! A color can inspire a project or the sunset can make me want to get in my room to create. 

5 – When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition?

It was kind of by accident or maybe a natural progression. I have been creating YouTube video since 2008. Back then there was no money in it at all. I was always on some sort of design team but they didn’t pay. Just offered free products. It wasn’t until 2020 I took a course on how to build a better YouTube channel and my whole mindset shifted because I started implementing these things and I could see the potential. I started getting paid sponsorships and was asked to join summits and teach classes. 

6 – What do you love most about your space and would you change anything?

Recently I purged a lot of stuff out of my room and no matter what drawer I open or bin I dig in everything inspires me in my room. I think that is the thing I love most. For too many years I was so unorganized and I felt overwhelmed. I don’t have that feeling anymore. I would only want to somehow add a little hangout area for my kids. They often sit in my room with me but there is no couch or anything. 

7 – What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

Don’t compare your space to other peoples

Make it functional but also have things out that inspire you. 

Keep your most used supplies closest to you

8 – What is your best organization tip?

I think the thing I stress the most is before you organize you have to purge. Not just a few items but have an honest conversation with yourself about what you haven’t used and won’t use in the future. 

9 – What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business? 

Have multiple revenue streams and always learn how you can do better, whether that is with marketing, YouTube videos or other things. 

As you may have realized from these Creator's Corner interviews, getting to our 'Dream Studio' is much like finding Planner Peace. There is a process we must travel to find what works for us. Dream Studio is NOT about size but how we work with the what we have.

Tiffany gives us a tour of her dream studio in this vide:

I hope you've enjoyed this visit with Tiffany Solorio. Remember to check out the Card Maker Summit details coming up this weekend. This event is FREE (however, you can purchase lifetime access)

Here are some ways you can connect with Tiffany:

WEBSTIE   YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM   REDBUBBLE

Creative Blessings!

~ Kelly

CREATOR'S CORNER - Gayle Agostinelli

Good morning, friends!

If you work in mixed media or make junk journals, then you are probably familiar with today's guest. 

Gayle Agostinelli

Gayle is one of the most creative ladies that I follow on YouTube. I think one of her favorite things to work with are 'make aheads'. These are basic items you can make up ahead of time to either just pop into a journal as needed or, with a little extra embellishments, can be tailor-made to a specific project.  Let's hear from Gayle!

In 2016, my business transitioned from a bricks and mortar vintage shop, CinnamonT, to an online Etsy shop, CinnamonT.  I began my YouTube channel at the same time to share mixed media and junk journal making videos.  My guiding principal with my YouTube was to share kindness as well as creativity.

Gayle has such a sweet voice, highlighting her 'kindness'. 

Here's one shot of Gayle's studio:

Welcome, Gayle!

1 – What got you started on the creative path?

I’ve always created for as long as I can remember.  I did the usual kid art, drawing , cutting snowflakes and making clothes for my Barbies.  My parents always praised and showcased my creations.  I loved having their approval of what I was making!

2 – How has your creativity evolved?

I did decoupage and wood burning as a teenager.  Then crocheting and quilt making as a young adult.  I made my kids’ clothes as they were growing up.  I tried scrapbooking my kid’s photos, but it was too precise for me and I gave it up.  After the kids left home, I began jewelry making and mixed media art.  When I first saw junk journals on YouTube, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it (remembering my failed attempt at scrapbooking), but what I found was I could incorporate every craft I ever done into the making of journals.  I love it!

3 – What do you enjoy most about your creative path?

I’d have to say I enjoy the incredible community of creatives that I’ve discovered through my YouTube channel.  They are my friends and my crafting buddies!  I didn’t realize when I first started my channel how incredibly important they would become in my life.

4 – What inspires you? 

That’s a tough one as SO many things inspire me!  The world around me inspires me.  Nature inspires me.  Funny story…I used the restroom at my hairdresser’s and the wallpaper was incredible hues of purple and grey.  I went straight home and took out my gelli plate to make some prints with the color combination in the wallpaper!  There is inspiration everywhere, if we are open to seeing it!

5 – When did you move from hobby to business and what initiated the transition?

As mentioned in my bio, 2016 was the year I went online.  I retired from my career in 2016.  When space and time open in your life, there is room for something wonderful to come in.  For me, it was time to devote to my art full time.  When my husband looked at all the mixed media canvases and journals I was making and said in dismay, “are we going to have these all over the house?”, I decided I’d better open an Etsy shop and sell my work!

6 – What do you love most about your space and would you change anything?

I just rearranged my craft room to have my journal making area under a window and have the space to pull everything I need during a video close to me.  Best thing I’ve ever done!  I also have a separate filming area for mixed media.  I love having the two areas to film!  I can leave the mixed media area all painty and messy without the possibility of ruining one of my journals.  My craft room is my happy place and, yes, I love it!

7 – What 3 things do you feel are important when planning a space?

1.      A place for everything and everything in it’s place.  I can’t create with chaos around me.

2.     Having what you need as close at hand as possible.

3.     Having good storage containers such as project boxes, project cart, bins, shelves, rolling carts, etc.  With good storage options, keeping like with like is so much easier.

8 – What is your best organization tip?

Tidy up often.  I tidy my work space at the end of every crafting session.  And I do a major tidy and sort after I complete a project.  I love to start every day’s work with a clean slate of a tidy work space!  I also put things away as I’m working, so my work space doesn’t get out of control.

9 – What is your best tip for anyone wanting to turn their craft into a business?

Work hard and be yourself.  It takes time and effort to create a successful business of any kind.  If you begin an online business, give it time to grow and don’t give up because it doesn’t happen overnight.  Engage in others’ online presence to support and learn from them.  Put your good energy out in the world and good things will come back to you.

Thank you, Gayle, for joining me in Creator's Corner today. You are always a pleasure. 

For a complete walk-through of Gayle's studio and her methods for organization, check out this pair of videos: 

Part One - the tour:

Part Two - at arm's length (within reach):

You can catch up with Gayle by clicking on any of the links below:

WEBSITE   ETSY   PATREON   YouTube  FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM

MERCH SHOP 

Please remember to check out those links and subscribe to her channels. You'll love the content!

Creative Blessings!

~ Kelly