Wendy Crafts

Artistry and mental health are deeply connected, and few artists embody that truth as gracefully as Ana Bianchi. In this episode, Wendy sits down with Ana to explore how creativity becomes both refuge and revelation. From her lifelong artistic journey to her pandemic-born practice of "color harvesting," Ana shares how paying attention to color, pattern, texture, and quiet moments can anchor us emo...

Nebraska artist Ashley Spitsnogle invites us inside the rush and calm of live painting—how she prepares for a three-hour "performance," finds flow in front of hundreds of people, and reconnects to purpose after heartbreak. Ashley shares the Florence, Italy moment that convinced her to pursue art, why she writes a "why" before every piece, and the community stories behind her most meaningful works—...

Wendy shares a deeply personal story of her West Highland White Terrier, Barley. She recounts how Barley joined her family during the "pretty dark days" of her husband Matt's prescription pain medication addiction. Wendy reveals her struggle to care for herself amid the chaos, and how Barley became her "constant loyalty," a unique alpha that helped her survive. She discusses how writing and crafti...

Scrapbooking for mental health isn't just a trend—it's a lifeline. In this heartfelt conversation, Beth Kingston (Kingston Crafts; longtime HSN craft expert) joins Wendy to explore how creativity, connection, and simple printed photos can help us process hard seasons, reduce doom-scrolling, and feel truly seen. Beth shares candid stories from years as a military spouse, why she opens her studio to...

Discover the powerful collaboration between sisters Heather Kell and Holly Rohring on their new mental health journal. Learn how their unique backgrounds in design and counseling shaped this vital tool, offering a gentle yet effective way to process emotions and find support. This episode unpacks their journey, from childhood creativity to addressing mental health stigma, and reveals how their jou...

When national craft chains are struggling, local, independently owned stores like The Scrapbook Haven are thriving by focusing on community. In this episode, store managers Brandy Lewis and Gena Christofferson share how they've cultivated a space where people feel like family. They discuss why crafters of all skill levels, including men, are drawn to the store and its weekend "crops," and how this...

Mary Lenaburg shares her powerful story of finding purpose amidst immense suffering. She reveals how her 22-year journey of caring for a profoundly disabled child, navigating a marriage on the brink of collapse, and overcoming personal struggles was transformed through faith, therapy, and creative pursuits. Mary discusses the concept of "redemptive suffering" and how to transition from pain into a...

In a digital world, the Creative Kindness Foundation proves the power of a tangible connection. Megan Stahlecker, from the Arizona-based non-profit, shares how their organization collects handmade cards from crafters to distribute to millions of people in need of cheer and support. This act of creative giving not only brings joy to recipients but also provides healing and purpose for the crafters...

When Tiffany Wachtler lost her mother, she discovered the power of creative compassion and the importance of having a community that "loves you a little louder". This experience inspired her to create The Kindness Concierge, a service that helps people show up for loved ones in difficult seasons. She shares how laughter, music, and simple, thoughtful gestures become powerful tools for healing. Thi...

Joining us is artist and designer Lisa Congdon as she reveals the vital role of community in fostering a thriving creative life. Discover her journey into sobriety, a transformative decision that brought profound clarity and reshaped her approach to work and well-being. Lisa shares how finding her "creative allies" and establishing firm boundaries, including "loud quitting" obligations, has cultiv...

Discover how the deeply personal art of tattooing can be a powerful source of healing and self-expression. Joining us is Wendy's own tattoo artist, Topher Charnley, to explore the adventurous journey of an artist whose creative life bloomed from family interactions, upbringing, and even a mental health diagnosis. Topher reveals how his art has manifested over the years and the profound impact this...

What if creativity was your best friend? In this episode, we meet Liz Carter, the visionary behind Unwilted. Liz, with a background in fresh florals, discovered a profound need for creativity amidst life's trials. Her journey took an extraordinary turn, transforming her love for fleeting blooms into exquisite, everlasting paper flowers.   Liz shares how life's hardships became catalysts for healin...

Ever wonder if you truly have control over your happiness? In this enlightening episode, speaker and consultant Buck Davis reveals a compelling truth: nearly 50% of your happiness is within your daily control. This is a thought-provoking conversation that challenges common beliefs about well-being and offers actionable strategies for cultivating a more joyful life.   Buck, who confidently calls hi...

What if your deepest personal journey could become a source of global inspiration? In this episode, we uncover how Claudia Ramos, a graphic designer and artist was able to bring her vibrant creations to a worldwide audience.    We explore how she was able to weave a tapestry from her heritage, family, and the raw beauty of her life's adventures; even the tear-stained ones. Discover how Claudia's s...

When life throws its heaviest blows, creativity can be the unexpected hand that lifts you. Discover how crochet became more than just a hobby for Elise Speed; it became a lifeline. In her darkest hours, a forgotten childhood skill (crochet) emerged as a powerful form of therapy and resilience.    Hear about how this unexpected hobby became a saving grace, a path to healing, and a source of strengt...

Behind the sparkle and success, crafting icon Anna Griffin reveals a lifelong battle with self-worth. In this raw and honest conversation, Anna peels back the layers, sharing how childhood challenges shaped her creative journey and became both solace and escape.    In this episode, discover the pivotal moments of resilience, from navigating business pivots to enduring personal loss, and how crafti...

What truly fuels crafting icon Anna Griffin's creativity? It's not just about the beautiful card making and paper crafting supplies she creates. Discover the heart behind the brand in this inspiring episode.  You'll learn why the vibrant community Anna has intentionally cultivated through initiatives like the heartwarming Fan Mail Friday and her immersive virtual crafting events, Create, has ignit...

Creativity has the power to heal. Welcome to the Wendy Crafts podcast, a space dedicated to exploring the powerful intersection of creativity and healing. Join Wendy Townley as she engages in heartfelt conversations with fellow creatives, diving into how their artistic passions serve as a means of navigating life's challenges, finding solace, and even facilitating profound healing for themselves a...