The CraftSanity Podcast

When Chiaki O’Brien rolls into Allegan County and sets up her SAORI weaving looms at the Michigan Fiber Festival this week, her students will learn right away that they are part of one of the happiest growing fiber art movements. I have not studied SAORI in any official capacity, but I ran to my loom after interviewing Chiaki about this contemporary Japanese hand weaving approach designed for ever...

Interview with Nancy McRay, who went from fiber artist to yarn shop owner and back again. Support CraftSanity at http://www.patreon.com/craftsanity

Letterpress artist Michelle Terry, of Runaway Press, demos making a print at Not Design Studio in Grand Rapids. More info on Runaway Press: -- https://www.etsy.com/market/runaway_press -- https://www.facebook.com/Runawayletterpress

This episode of CraftSanity features mini-interviews with Patricia “Trish” Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker, Twin Cities authors of “Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids.”

A summer camp romance and a $5,000 grant have given arts education a boost in West Michigan where a small business is providing opportunities for kids to express themselves creatively. This is what happens when cupid and a creative guy named Adam Weiler cross paths with a lovely lady on a basketball court.

After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back recording podcast interviews with artists and crafters. On episode #130, I’ll introduce you to California garden writer and fiber enthusiast Chris McLaughlin.

Author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen discuss their book, "Extra Yarn."

Interview with British knit designer Jean Moss.

Interview with Diane Morgan, a great cook, culinary instructor, restaurant consultant food writer and author of "Gifts Cooks Love."

Interview with cook, artist and cookbook author Yvette Van Boven.

Interview with Brett Bara, crafter, author, TV host and jello mold enthusiast.

Interview with Amiee Ray

Soft sculpture artist Abby Glassenberg is back to chat about her new book, “The Artful Bird: Feathered Friends to Sew and Make.” On this mini-episode of the podcast, we catch up on the latest exciting developments in her life including the birth of third child and the experience of becoming a published author.

On this episode of the podcast you'll hear from Anna Hrachovec, a 29-year-old Brooklyn-based artist who really knows how to bring her knitting to life.

We’re going to time warp just a tad on this episode of the podcast. We’re going back to a coat closet inside the Grand Rapids Public Art Museum (GRAM) where I interviewed artist Betsy Timmer this past fall about “Rag Rug,” the piece that she entered in ArtPrize, the international art competition held annually here in West Michigan.

After Chris de Longpre “retired” from a career in information technology she decided to make the most of her free time. She started knitting – a lot. And Chris, of Kentwood, Mich., wasn’t content to follow a pattern, so she kick up the degree of difficulty and started writing her own patterns. She kept designing and taking notes. Within months of her retirement, she launched a pattern business, ca...

This episode of CraftSanity was recorded before a live audience at the Creative Conference of Entrepreneurs in Seattle. My guest was the Megan Reardon, creator of the popular Not Martha blog she launched in 2001 as a place to keep track of her many crafty projects and lifestyle interests. Nine years later, Megan’s blog has received mentions from high traffic sites including Daily Candy, Fred Flare...

Sue Hausmann says sewing is a life skill. And after you listen to her story you’ll understand what she means. As a young mom, she sewed everything for her family from housewares to matching swim suits her family of six. She also sewed to earn extra money doing alterations out of her home. Years of practical sewing experience and a passion for the craft eventually lead Sue into the workforce where...

At long last I bring you a podcast interview with Lisa Price, a crafty printmaker and one of West Michigan’s most successful handmade businesswomen. Tune in for the story of how Lisa used job loss as a springboard to start artgoodies, the art business she operates out of her basement studio in Grand Rapids. Her business is the perfect blend of art and craft with a side of vintage flair. Her block...

On this episode of CraftSanity you’ll meet West Michigan fiber artist Beth Ann Williams, an accomplished quilter, teacher and author who never ceases to inspire the people around her. Tune in to hear the story of how Beth Ann turned to quilting after serious health problems forced her to edit her life plan. Beth Ann, of Grand Rapids, is very skilled when it comes to making art and helping others s...

On this episode of CraftSanity you’ll hear from Kristen Rask, owner of Schmancy, a Seattle shop featuring fun and quirky handmade toys. Just a few minutes into the interview you’ll probably begin to wonder when Kristen finds time to sleep because operating a cool shop is only one of her many creative projects. Kristen is also the creator of the wildly successful Plush You! show that features over...

Before the world recognized Wendy Mullin’s Built By Wendy clothing label, she was just a girl sewing her heart out hunched over a machine stacked up on milk crates. She cut her fabric on the floor of her cramped apartment and worked at record stores to pay the bills. And long before she started calling herself a designer, she had become one. On this episode of CraftSanity, Wendy shares the inspiri...

I made you all wait way too long for this episode, but I think it’s going to be worth it. My guest is a fabulous storyteller who shares a wealth of info that I hope will serve as an audio springboard for all of you dear listeners out there dreaming of launching your own handmade business. You can do it! You can do it! You CAN do it! Now that I’ve got you pumped up a little bit, grab a project and...

This week my guest is Minneapolis based designer Rebecca Yaker. I’ve been wanting to interview Rebecca since we met at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair a few years ago and she did not disappoint. This episode traces Rebecca’s unconventional creative path to becoming an independent designer, artist, handmade business owner and published author. In 2005, Rebecca left the corporate world to start Hazel a...

This week my podcast guest is Rashida Coleman-Hale, 33, of Atlanta, who writes the I Heart Linen blog. A busy mama and super talented designer, Rashida’s story is sure to inspire you run to your fabric stash for a quick patchwork project fix. We chatted about her creative journey to becoming a craft project designer and published author and the challenges she’s encountered along the way. Rashida h...