In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Amelia Knott, a registered psychotherapist and art therapist based in British Columbia. Amelia shares her rich journey from childhood art experiences to becoming a multifaceted professional encompassing art therapy, content creation, and authorship. Her first book, 'The Art of Thriving Online,' emphasizes navigating the digital space using creativity as a tool for well-being. Amelia discusses her creative process, the importance of focusing on the experience rather than the outcome, and how she incorporates unconventional materials into her work. She also elaborates on art therapy sessions, highlighting the intermodal shift and the importance of process over product. Amelia's insights examine balancing structure and spontaneity in personal and professional creative endeavors.

Find Amelia:
Her website: Art Therapy in Real Life
On Instagram: @art_therapy_irl
Amelia's Book: The Art of Thriving Online (Amelia's Book)

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Amelia's Creative Journey

02:41 Family Influence and Early Art Experiences

04:32 Art Therapy and Professional Path

05:03 Creative Process and Evolution

11:39 Balancing Art and Therapy

14:25 Creative Space and Environment

17:33 Morning Pages and Overcoming Creative Blocks

22:40 of Structure and Community

23:58 Collaboration in Art and Life

26:31 Finding Inspiration Beyond Nature

30:00 The Role of Art Therapy

35:39 Navigating Creative Blocks

40:28 The Art of Thriving Online

44:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Charles Cameron, a modern quilter and engineer based in North Carolina. Charles shares how he balances his analytical day job with his vibrant quilting practice. Cameron's quilts, featuring bright colors and modern designs, have been showcased at QuiltCon and have won awards, including the first-place ribbon for his Sudoku quilt in 2022. He talks about his creative process, which blends structure and spontaneity, and how his design wall and PowerPoint help him visualize and iterate on ideas. Charles also discusses the influences from his childhood, how collaboration in quilting bees has impacted his work and his use of unconventional tools like painter's tape. He reflects on the evolving nature of the modern quilt movement and how the quilting community continues to inspire him. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the joy of quilting.

Find Charles on Instagram: Charles@FeltLikeSweets

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Charles Cameron

01:30 Charles Cameron's Quilting Journey

04:17 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity in Quilting

06:54 The Bee Project and Creative Collaboration

17:18 Designing Quilts with PowerPoint

20:47 Quilting Beginnings and Early Inspirations

21:02 Creating Unique Quilts for My Daughters

23:10 Involving Family in Quilting

23:43 Sources of Inspiration

26:30 Handling Creative Blocks

27:17 Designing and Pivoting Projects

29:57 Personal Quilting Philosophy

31:17 Unconventional Tools and Techniques

32:52 Long-Term Projects and Iterations

35:13 The Modern Quilt Movement

40:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, Ellyn and Catherine sit down with award-winning fiber and mixed media artist Mel Beach. Mel shares insights into her creative journey, which began in her childhood without cable TV and involvement in activities like Girl Scouts and 4-H. This early exposure led Mel to a lifelong passion for crafting and problem-solving, particularly through fiber arts. She discusses her innovative approach of using dice to inspire her 100-day project. Mel delves into how she balances structure with spontaneity in her work, often finding inspiration in the world around her. She also talks about her unique method of reusing materials, such as upcycling quilt sandwiches into quilted hearts, for the 'I Found a Quilted Heart' project.

Additionally, Mel highlights the importance of community in her creative process, appreciating both learning with other artists and undertaking solo adventures.

Find Mel Online!

Website / Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter Sign-Up

Mentioned During the Podcast

• FabMo: https://www.fabmo.org/
• Project Quilting
• I Found a Quilted Heart Project

People who inspire Mel

• Jennifer Wilkin Penick
• Willa Wanders
• The Show Up Society with Tammie Bennett

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, Ellyn and Catherine welcome mixed media artist Dori Patrick, who shares her inspiring creative journey. Dori, hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, owned a collaborative art studio and storefront called the Dreaming Bear for 12 years. It was filled with creative workshops, parties, and community outreach projects. After closing Dreaming Bear, Dori transitioned to working from a home studio, where she rediscovered her personal creative process and style. She discusses her upbringing in a creative family, the need to express herself through making things, and her belief that everyone can be creative in their own way. Dori describes how she navigates creative blocks, gets inspiration from everyday life, and organizes her space for optimal productivity. She also reflects on the importance of community and her evolving role from teaching others to focusing on her artwork. As Dori prepares for art shows and continues to explore new ways to inspire and connect with fellow creatives, she shares valuable insights into staying motivated and true to one's artistic voice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:48 Dori Patrick's Creative Journey
07:40 Finding and Honoring Your Creative Voice
11:27 Navigating Creative Blocks
13:53 Working on Multiple Projects
21:46 Studio Space and Organization
25:53 Opening the Dreaming Bear
27:21 Community Outreach and Events
29:57 Challenges and Closing the Store
33:47 Transition to a New Season
36:55 Finding Inspiration and Creativity
43:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Check out Dori's Work and follow her!

• Dori’s Website
• Dori on Instagram
• Dori on Facebook
• Dori’s Etsy Shop

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, hosts Ellyn and Catherine interview Amanda Dunbar, oil painter, printmaker, and PhD candidate in art history. Amanda shares insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and learning from failures. She discusses how her journey in art evolved, including her foray into fiber arts during her pregnancy and the impact of the pandemic on her work. Amanda explains how she balances multiple projects, often working on several at once, including commissioned pieces. She provides valuable advice on overcoming creative blocks and self-doubt, stressing the significance of revisiting initial inspirations. Amanda also touches on the influence of her creative family background and how she hopes to inspire creativity in her children. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of a creative life, offering inspiration and practical tips for artists at all stages of their journey.

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Dunbar

00:41 Defining Creativity

01:29 Amanda's Creative Process

03:23 Navigating Creative Blocks

07:11 Working on Commissions

10:17 Balancing Multiple Projects

14:40 Influence of Family and Upbringing

17:50 Creating with Kids

20:08 Amanda's Creative Spaces

22:10 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

27:27 Overcoming Self-Doubt

28:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode, Dusty Allendorf shares personal experiences on how she has grown to be more assertive over time. Highlighting her personal development and creative journey, Dusty discusses how overcoming these challenges have positively impacted her life. We also he discusses innovation in her quilting integrating laser cutting and hand dyed fabrics.

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this introductory episode of Creative Crossroads, Catherine and Ellyn introduce themselves and their vision for the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds as lifelong creators, their passion for community-building, and their unique perspectives on creativity. The episode lays the foundation for future discussions with talented artists and explores how creativity impacts both the individual and the community. Join Catherine and Ellyn as they invite you into a vibrant community of makers and share insights that will inspire your own creative journey.

00:00 Welcome to Creative Crossroads

00:33 Meet Your Hosts: Catherine and Ellyn

00:43 Ellyn's Creative Journey

01:47 Building Creative Communities

03:17 Catherine's Creative Background

03:39 The Intersection of Creativity and Research

04:39 Vision for the Podcast

06:14 Encouraging Listener Creativity

07:35 Conclusion and Future Episodes