A Creative Approach Podcast

Have you ever thought of doing something creative that has never been done before? My guest today, author and archivist Caroline Preston, is the creator of a whole new genre of literature. Her books and stories are exciting and revealing, combining her passions of writing and storytelling in a new and creative way. Ironically, Caroline's mother kept scrapbooks and made collages, which were a significant part of Caroline's past. She went on to work as an archivist at a museum in Salem, Massachusetts, before embarking on her writing career.

Her latest book is the second of her "scrapbook novels." Following the Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, The War Bride's Scrapbook, is "a World War II love story, narrated through a new bride's dazzling array of vintage postcards, newspaper clippings, photographs, and more." In this novel, "Caroline Preston has once again pulled from her own extraordinary collection of vintage memorabilia, transporting us back to the lively, tumultuous 1940's and introducing us to an unforgettable, ambitious heroine who must learn to reconcile a wartime marriage with a newfound self-confidence." I hope you enjoy this conversation with a truly inspirational creative, Caroline Preston.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Caroline's roundabout path to being an author
• How scrapbooks tell the story of World War II
• The uncertainty of people's lives during the WWII era
• How women accepted their rules but were early codebreakers in emergent feminism, which is a theme in the book
• The advertising messages for women during the era
• The main character in the book, and what she leaves behind
• Understanding what people's lives were in history and how they influenced those that came after them
• Why people didn't think their stories were even important
• Piecing together clippings, headlines, manuals, and flyers to tell the story
• Caroline's new approach: scrapbook novels with real material and artifacts
• What "transformative use" means regarding permissions
• How the "scrapbook novel" idea came to Caroline
• Caroline's archival work in Salem, MA
• How women's lives are told in history through letters
• Putting it all together to tell a story
• With new technology, will our stories even be findable and retrievable in the future?
• Making everyday lives seem tangible
• How scrapbooks record momentous events and answer the When? And Why?
• The detachment of today's society from military life—unlike the WWII era
• Caroline's thoughts on creativity: "I thought I would just try to do this. I knew if it's interesting to me, then it will be interesting to others also."

Resources:

www.carolinepreston.com

The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh by Linda Colley

Caroline's books:

The War Bride's Scrapbook

Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

Gatsby's Girl

Lucy Crocker 2.0

Jackie by Josie

The natural world is filled with so much creative inspiration. Artists and designers often look to nature when deciding the shape and form of their creative works, but have you stopped to consider how we might mimic how the natural world functions? Biomimicry is the study of how nature is already solving some of the toughest problems facing mankind. These scientists, designers, and engineers are using creativity in a truly fascinating and innovative way. I know you are going to enjoy learning about this vast topic with my guest, Mark Dorfman.

Mark Dorfman is a Chemist working for Biomimicry 3.8, a consulting firm focused on making the planet more sustainable through innovative design and creative problem-solving. Mark understand that there is so much humans have to learn from the natural processes going on around us. We can then mimic the processes and methods nature employs to innovate and imagine a cleaner, more efficient, and definitely more beautiful world.

Today, we are talking about why innovation can be daunting, but why it is such an opportunity for humanity to grow. We will be pushing the limits, solving the world's problems, and seeing why failure can actually be fun! All of this and much more will be waiting for you in today's episode. I know you are really going to enjoy Mark's unique perspective on creativity!

More in this episode:

• How Biomimicry 3.8 is trying to shape the world through creative innovations.
• Using chemistry to solve pollution problems.
• Understanding color by studying some of the most beautiful organisms on the earth!
• We can look to the ecosystems to turn waste into byproducts that can be repurposed.
• Mark dreams of factories that improve the environment, rather than degrade them.
• Hear how the wings of a butterfly might change the way we make glitter!
• How Biomimicry 3.8 tackles the tough problems.
• Mark shares some of his favorite forms to study in nature.
• Why Mark first became interested in Biomimicry.
• We have the power to change the markets if we demand life-friendly substances.
• Hear all of Mark's thoughts on creative problem-solving.
• It is so fun to create!

Links:

Mark Dorfman

Biomimicry 3.8

Creativity is allowed to grow and flourish in a community. We see it in just about every art or craft. Thanks to the internet, we are more connected to fellow crafters than ever before, and the results are stunning. Together, we can share stories, draw inspiration, and give perspective. The more connections we make, the deeper our wellspring of creativity seems to run. My guest today, Jill Sprott, knows that all too well. She is using her creativity to celebrate the diverse collection of artists that have joined together over scrapbooking and storytelling. Today, she is going to show us how the two go hand-in-hand.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Jill was encouraged by her mother and teachers to stretch her creative muscles. For a long time, Jill only expressed her creativity through writing. She found poetry and journaling to be the best medium to share her stories, but many times she found herself drawn to visual images as the best means of communication. After becoming an English teacher, Jill was introduced to Scrapbooking. Though at first she only thought of it as "pictures and stickers," Jill realized that a scrapbook might be an excellent storytelling device.

Just like poetry can give form to our most personal stories, scrapbooks offer the same kind of form and structure. It is a blank canvas and a chance to make your mark. For Jill, taking part of the online scrapbooking community opened the door to the rest of the world. Now, she is giving back by teaching online classes and sharing her creative inspiration through writing. I know you will enjoy hearing how Jill has married writing and scrapbooking. She has made some incredible pieces, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it. The creative community is a wonderful place to be, and I am so happy you are here with me.

More in this episode:

• Jill tells us all about the many things she is interested in.
• Learn where you can find Jill's scrapbooking endeavors.
• The online scrapbooking community is somewhat of a lifeline.
• Creativity is a kind of sanctuary from fear.
• Writing and visual art can go hand-in-hand.
• Jill was more reluctant to start scrapbooking, but she quickly found her niche.
• We want to celebrate the diversity in the community.
• Jill shares what it is like to grow up in Hawaii.
• Mothers and teachers can be the most inspiring cultivators of creativity.
• The various challenges of online v. in-person classes.

Links and Resources

Jill's blog: Word Play Word Work

Get It Scrapped: Debbie Hodge

What is your artistic vision? The way you see the world is completely different than everyone else. And how incredible is that? As creative individuals, we have this great capacity to grow and heal through our art. This podcast celebrates the triumphs we as artists create, and I cannot think of a better person to celebrate with than today's guest.

Tracey Clark is a photographer, first and foremost, but in reality, she is so much more than that! Tracey is an author, teacher, speaker, and founder of Shutter Sisters. I first learned about Tracey through her classes, but then soon discovered Shutter Sisters and was immediately on board with all that she does. Tracey lives and breathes the small moments of her life that she captures in so many fun ways. Whether you are a mom, a creative, or someone looking to add a little love to their life, you have a lot to learn from Tracey!

Tracey is all about creating safe spaces through her classes and with Shutter Sisters so that artists feel encouraged and empowered to share their vision. She challenges the idea that some people are not creative. Creative expression is more than photography and paintings. Listen today to hear us chat about what energizes Tracey, from her projects, her life's story, and how photography is changing lives.

More in this episode:

• All about Tracey's diverse interests that go beyond photography.
• Hear about Tracey's teaching history and philosophy.
• Tracey loves to share with people how to see the world a little differently.
• Photography is accessible to everyone.
• Phones or DSLR? Tracey makes a case for both!
• Learning the artists skills are essential for boosting photography.
• Every artist has their own vision and perspective.
• Comparison is the worst killer of creativity.
• Shutter Sisters was a way for artists to share photography free from comparison.
• The work we make to please ourselves are some of the best expression of our artistic vision.
• Tracey's dad had a camera around, so that meant she had so many family moments captured and saved.
• Motherhood and photography can go hand in hand.
• Hindsight is important for Tracey's work.
• Join in the community events to push creativity.
• An exciting announcement is coming in 2018.

Links:

http://traceyclark.com/

Instagram @ShutterSisters

Today I am excited to bring to you a pioneer of online craft courses, and one of my personal scrapbooking and storytelling heroes. Stacy Julian is with me today, and we had ourselves a grand old time chatting about creativity, the boom of the online crafting community, and the kinds of projects that light a fire within us. If it were not for Stacy's influence, this podcast might never have existed! She is one of my personal creative inspirations, and with that, I am delighted to introduce her to all of you.

When I think of Stacy, I think of color. Color and emotion are tied up together for Stacy, and that heart and vibrancy is present throughout everything she creates. Stacy is a published author, blogger, and presenter. Her passion for preserving family stories and histories has led her to develop systems for scrapbooking and organizing photos that have revolutionized the craft for so many.

Listen to this week's episode to find out all about what Stacy has been up to lately, her new storytelling product launch, and the classes she will be teaching in the near future. I know you will enjoy her childhood stories that she has preserved so well. I hope it inspires you to follow your curiosity and learn a story or two of your own!

More in this episode:

• Hear all about Stacy's journey from scrapbooking to an online creative.
• How Stacy became the founding editor of a magazine, the author of a book, and then the creator of an site that blew up overnight,
• Our shared love of Family History.
• Social Media can preserve some of your family history.
• Stacy grew up filled with opportunity for imagination.
• Stacy is synonymous with color.
• How Stacy's books can help you expand your stories through scrapbooks and albums.
• The most important guiding principles of connection.
• The best stories from Stacy's family history.
• How Stacy learned to write and edit on the job.

Links:

Find Stacy Online!

http://www.stacyjulian.com/

Instagram

@StacyJulian

@StoryByStacy

Creativity rarely happens on an island by yourself. The crafting community is filled to bursting with strength, support, and heart, which is just what we need to celebrate during a season of gratitude. My guest today is Eileen Hall, and she has certainly discovered all of those things and more. Eileen is a Paper Trail traveling adventurer who crafts her way across the country. Through her digital media, Eileen also teaches and shares her inspiration with followers from all over the world. What makes Eileen's teaching even better is that she considers her "followers" her friends. She has learned how to lean into the crafting community, and as a result, she has created wonderful work that inspires so many.

Eileen isn't just rambling about in her vintage trailer, Scotty; she is also creating die products for Sizzyx. Each die is designed and crafted with a team Eileen loves working with. These dies came about as a brilliant solution to a real crafting puzzle. Using both creativity and critical thinking, Eileen is determined to give you creative solutions to all of your problems.

I am so thankful to have been able to sit down and chat with Eileen today. Our conversation is filled with so much heart and compassion. If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, give this episode a listen, and make sure to check out all the ways you can be a part of Eileen's creative community.

More in this episode:

• Eileen shares all about the products she creates for crafters and artists like me.
• What exactly is a design team? How did it turn into a fan club?
• Scotty the Vintage trailer is full of adventures!
• How Eileen uses Facebook Live to connect with everyone on all her adventures.
• The other craft adventures that Eileen teaches to others.
• From health care to crafting! Eileen shares how crafting became such a huge part of her life.
• How Eileen got involved creating dies.
• Share designs, even though the sad truth is that people steal.
• Eileen is motivated by deadlines, but she is rarely short on ideas.
• Crafters are kindred spirits.
• How to get your hands on Eileen's designs.
• Last little thoughts on creativity.
• The beauty of community with Facebook Live.

Resources:

http://www.eileenhull.com/

Eileen Hull Designs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eileenhulldesigns/

Do you have some kind creative outlet that you use, in order to express what's going on with you, and in your life? Did you know that creating art is really good for you, both emotionally and mentally? Today we are really excited to have Janaina Oliviera, of With2Worlds.Org as our guest on the show. Janaina uses Digital Art to tell her stories and she also teaches these skills online. She loves to share these skills with others because she really believes in using an artistic expression of our ideas, for maintaining good mental health, so listen in now, to find out more about Janaina and her creative approach to life.

Brazilian born Janaina, who started out, back in the day, as a Card Maker, is a Digital Scrapbooker and a Storyteller. She views herself as a Digital Artist because she's fascinated with all kinds of Digital Art and she really makes every effort to communicate and teach people some of the skills that she uses, in order to tell her stories. She has her blog, she has the classes that she teaches, where she shares her unique style of art and now she also writes a column for Scrapreneur.Com, about Digital Art. Listen in today, as Janaina speaks about the creativity in her life and she reflects on the topic of A Creative Approach.

Show highlights:

• The Design work that Janaina does for others.
• Janaina's favorite Apps.
• You can download a PDF list, with a guide to all the apps that Janaina uses and what they do.
• Janaina has a Facebook Group called 2wards Digital Education. She goes live on Thursdays, so sign up!
• Janaina has a document, posted in her Facebook Group, about the apps that are for Androids, and the ones that are for iPhones.
• What 'artsy' means to Janaina.
• The therapeutic value of creating art mindfully.
• Janaina's recently completed studies, where she combined her creativity in art with her approach to solving problems.
• The reason behind the particular route that Janaina has taken, with her schooling.
• How Janaina got started with her Scrapbooking.
• Janaina's early life and how she got onto that path that she's on, currently.
• What it really takes, to become an artist and create great art.
• The importance of learning to use the things that you learn.
• Being fearless and having the courage to put your own twist on things, regardless of what others may think.
• Why Janaina really loves the work of Byron Katie.
• Some questions you could ask yourself, to discover your hidden creativity.
• How Janaina uses regular pictures of her life, to create her art.
• The different looks that Janaina creates, using different Digital Products.
• Why Janaina stopped doing Paper Scrapbooking.
• There is really something for everyone, in Digital Art.
• Hidden Journalling, with Digital.

Links:

For Janaina's Online Column, go to: www.scrapreneur.com

You can also find Janaina at www.getitscrapped.com or www.debbiehodge.com

For Janaina's blog (and also to find her PDF list of apps), go to www.with2worlds.org

Today we are having a very first musician on the show! He is the delightful Canadian musician Forrest Eaglespeaker, founder of the band The North Sound and today he will be telling us about his storytelling, his music and the poetry of his lyrics, so listen in to find out more about Forrest and the wonderful music that he plays.

Forrest has been playing the guitar and singing in his band, The North Sound, for the last two and a half years. In January of this year, they released their debut album, The Valley and one of the songs from that album, Sunshine, became a number one hit on the Indigenous Music charts in Canada. Since then, things have been going well and they have released another EP, titled SKAB. With those two albums out in the Universe, they're hanging out to see what comes next. Listen in to find out more!

Show highlights:

• Forrest talks about Earthsongs, an American Indigenous Music station based in Alaska and L.A., who ran a feature on Forrest's band.
• The current, modern, underground scene, with a vast amount musicians who happen to be indigenous, making tons of amazing music.
• The struggle for underground, indigenous musicians to get their music to reach the forefront.
• The goal of the Indigenous Music stations.
• Why it's so difficult for Forrest to characterize his really melodic, alternative, music.
• The biggest part of the music for Forrest- the storytelling.
• Where The North Sound is at right now.
• The really great group of musicians that Forrest has been playing with, in Calgary, over the last two years.
• How Forrest started out with his music.
• The influence of Forrest's indigenous identity on his music.
• The difficulties that Forrest used to experience, around his cultural identity.
• The influence of Hip Hop on Forrest and his music.
• What creativity means to Forrest.
• Forrest's creative vision for the future.

Links:

Forrest's website: www.thenrthsnd.com

Forrest on Instagram: thenrthsnd

You can also find Forrest's music on Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes

What does it take to run a successful creative business? Crafters and Artists have a unique set of challenges to face once we decide to turn our hobbies and passions into something profitable. Of course, there's the dreaded Imposter Syndrome. For some, it might be a challenge to monetize their creativity. Marketing to reach an audience can also be a struggle for many. It looks like we might need a Creative Approach to solving some common business problems. I cannot think of anyone more creative than Jennifer Priest, my guest today.

Jennifer's love of the arts started with scrapbooking but has since bloomed into a love of all crafts. She's been doing online business for many years, but she started out as a teacher. Jennifer never thought she'd quit her 9-5 job and pursue her creative passions as a career, but when she was let go, that decision was made for her. She hasn't turned back since! Now, Jennifer helps other creative business owners and entrepreneurs strategize their efforts and reach their audiences through social media. Jennifer is going to share with us today how you can utilize online tools like Live Video to promote your business and put some of those fears at ease. You will leave this conversation ready to step out and take action!

Show Highlights:

• Jennifer shares how she has collected crafts over the years.
• Translating creative approaches into an industry like marketing.
• Problems many people have in promoting creativity.
• Jennifer shares her upcoming teaching course #Pro.
• Coming from a creative family influenced Jennifer's pursuit of a creative career.
• Being fired allowed Jennifer to have a Creative Entrepreneurial career.
• Efficiency and organization on your best friends.
• Learn the #1 Way to Be Organized.
• The huge social benefits of joining into the crafting community.
• Jennifer loves private coaching and consulting!
• Our suggestions for Social Media Role Models.
• Going Live is easy and profitable.

Resources:

Check out Jennifer at all of her Online Homes!

https://www.smartcreativesocial.com/

https://www.smartfundiy.com/

Register for the Hashtag Pro course!

One of the best things about art and design is its playfulness. Have you ever stopped to see your latest project as a playground? Maybe you are like so many of us and you caught up in chronological order, the perfect edges, and the ideal composition? Take a breath, take a step back, and let my guest Anna Aspnes show you a thing or two about how to have fun with your work.

Anna is a self-proclaimed creator of Digital Artistry, a style that blends traditional paper craft and scrapbooking elements with the unlimited potential of digital art. Anna is passionate about capturing memories through storytelling with a point of view entirely her own. As an Army Wife always on the move and living so far away from her native England, Anna started using Digital Artistry as a way to capture memories her growing family. Over time, she developed templates and teaching modules to help you bring her flavor of Digital Artistry into your favorite stories. With just a little knowledge of Photoshop, Anna can help you take personal memories into a playful space where you can express yourself. I am excited to bring to you today her design process and emphasis on genuine creative passion. Allow yourself some Artplay today!

Show Highlights:

• Anna shares her design process with me.
• How Anna's Digital Artistry has transformed over time.
• Teaching others how to master the concepts of Digital Artistry, including Photoshop.
• Anna is an advocate for Artplay; no perfectionism here.
• A bit of photography advice.
• The unsung power of capturing memories in a scrapbook.
• Fighting the sense of obligation by choosing projects that bring you joy.
• How Anna's Military upbringing and marriage shaped her career in artistry.

Anna's Bio:

Anna Aspnes creates DigitalART for people who want to create dynamic and effortless art.

Her passion is to help you commemorate and honor your life by helping you to flex your creative muscles in a way that is both unique and truly exhilarating.

Before she could walk, Anna spent endless hours at a coffee table intent on creating magic with a crayon in hand. Today, she shares this same magic at a different table by creating sophisticated contemporary DigitalART designed to be used by creatives and non-creatives alike.

Anna Aspnes offers digital art elements, mentorship, and education support through more than a decade of experience in modern memory keeping and DigitalART creation. As a pioneer in this industry, she breaks the rules and provides a unique approach to story-telling.

Anna is British native living in Colorado with her husband, 2 children, and dogs, enjoying the outdoors whenever possible.

Resources:

A Creative Approach Podcast on Facebook:

Anna's Website

https://www.annaaspnesdesigns.com/

Find Anna's designs at Oscraps

https://www.oscraps.com/shop/home.php

Thanks to our Patreon Members for their support of the show!