What if your quilt could capture a century of emotions? In this spellbinding episode of Breaking the Blocks, we sit down with the talented quilter and artist, Lucy Engles, to discuss the metamorphosis of her artistic style and the personal journey behind it. Lucy reveals the importance of saying no to regain energy and headspace, and how the pandemic reshaped her creative and professional life. We also explore the intricate balance of maintaining a studio and the pressure that comes with growing a business, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the natural evolution of art over a decade.

The conversation takes an enlightening turn as we explore the intersection of art, social work, and therapy. Lucy shares her unique insights into how the skills needed for art align with those in social work, especially in challenging areas like mental health and substance misuse. Discover the profound impact of her "Vanishing Act" quilt, a powerful visual record of 100 days of emotions and societal events. Lucy’s experiences in art therapy and dance movement therapy highlight the therapeutic potential of creative expression, offering a compelling case for combining her art and social work degrees to benefit mental health.

We wrap up with an inspiring discussion on self-discovery and the courage required to follow one's artistic path. Lucy candidly shares her transition from a prolific quilter to embracing a slower, more intentional process, and her dreams of exhibiting her quilts in art spaces and collaborating with big brands like Adidas. The episode challenges traditional perceptions of quilting and underscores the importance of taking risks, as encapsulated in Lucy's motto, "just do it." Join us for an episode that promises to reshape your understanding of creativity, resilience, and the art of saying no.

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Why do some creatives break boundaries successfully while others struggle to find their spark? Join us as we sit down with the renowned improv quilter Nicholas Ball, also known for his stunning Instagram presence under @QuiltsfromtheAttic, who shares his unexpected journey from a disillusioned photographer to a celebrated textile artist. Nicholas recounts his transformation, painting a picture of a creative upbringing shaped by his grandmother and father, and how those early influences in knitting, embroidery, and woodworking steered him towards his current passion for quilting.

Discover how Nicholas navigated through family dynamics and found his artistic voice amidst contrasting interests with his sports-loving brother. We reminisce about the special bond he shared with his grandmother over sewing, gardening, and baking, which not only grounded his textile career but also inspired his first book. Nicholas offers a candid look at his creative evolution, discussing how a simple image of a leek led him to embrace improv quilting and how impactful events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have influenced his work.

Nicholas doesn't shy away from sharing the unseen struggles of maintaining a creative career, from the emotional challenges of balancing personal and professional life to the pressures of perfectionism. Learn about his adventures in Paris, his shift from photography to quilting, and the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with insights into Nicholas's creative process, the making of his latest book, "Use an Ornament," and the life lessons he's gathered along the way.

To follow Nicholas head over to Instagram @quiltsfromtheattic
To buy the book you can find it here:

https://luckyspool.com/products/use-ornament-the-history-and-exploration-of-the-improv-quilt?_pos=1&_sid=8d5a06494&_ss=r

Also on Amazon UK and USA

Nicholas will also be signing copies on the Bernina stand at the Festival of Quilts 2024.

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What happens when quilting becomes a lifeline for someone managing ADHD? Artist Kate Sandford joins us on Breaking the Blocks to share her transformative journey. She recounts her path from art college to embracing quilting, highlighting how this creative outlet helped her navigate the complexities of ADHD while raising young children. Listen as Kate reveals her early memories of making things and her passion for art, explaining how quilting offered a structured yet expressive way to channel her energy and creativity.

Returning to art after intense self-doubt and a recent ADHD diagnosis at 48, Kate offers an emotional and candid look at her struggles with feelings of inadequacy. She discusses the significant role of hormones, how her children's experiences with autism and ADHD influenced her self-understanding, and the importance of seeking help and support. The episode touches on the challenges of growing up as a creative child under pressure to conform and how these experiences shaped her approach to parenting and personal identity.

Kate also opens up about the therapeutic power of crafting in managing mental health, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-expression. From the excitement of attending a two-day masterclass to the mixed feelings of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life, she reflects on the continuous process of healing and self-discovery. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the transformative power of art, the necessity of understanding one's unique neurological wiring, and the value of finding supportive communities.

Follow Kate on @katemustsew on Instagram

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How do you keep your creative spirit alive while facing the challenges of a chronic illness? Emily Watts, an accomplished animator and passionate quilter, shares her personal journey, balancing her artistic passions with the realities of debilitating fatigue and vertigo. Growing up with a love for art, her parents once advised her to keep it as a hobby, but Emily defied that advice, transitioning from a corporate job to a thriving career in animation. Her story is a testament to overcoming both personal and professional hurdles, drawing strength from her creative endeavors.

Emily’s life is woven with the threads of digital animation and tactile quilting. Discover how she found solace in quilting through the Santa Monica Quilt Guild during her toughest times, and how the physical and community aspects of quilting complemented her digital work. Emily offers a candid look into the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition, the complexities of differentiating between symptoms, and the comfort she finds in her creative projects despite the limitations imposed by her health.

In our conversation, Emily also talks about the profound impact of her plant-themed quilt, a year-long project that became a symbol of perseverance and personal growth. Initially overlooked for its simplicity, the quilt resonated deeply with many due to its heartfelt backstory. Emily reflects on the value of simple connections, the universal experience of self-doubt, and the importance of patience and perseverance. This episode is an inspiring exploration of redefining identity, embracing change, and finding joy and meaning in art and adversity. Join us for an enriching discussion on the intersection of creativity and resilience.

You can follow here on @emilywattsquilts on Instagram

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What happens when bold, vibrant quilt designs meet a quiet, humble artist? On this episode of Breaking the Blocks, we welcome the extraordinary Sarah Hibbert. Her stunning creations feature whimsical elements like coffee cups and fried eggs, reminiscent of Andy Warhols flair. We discuss her unique artistic voice, shaped by her upbringing with a graphic designer father, and how she overcame shyness and creative blocks to express her true self through quilting.

Sarah opens up about her journey through the quilting community, where she battled imposter syndrome and found solace and acceptance. Quilting became her therapeutic refuge during difficult times, including miscarriages, and a way to connect with others. Learn about her ongoing hand quilting project, "Wild Blue," a meditative practice that serves as a personal journal of her life's experiences and emotions. Through Sarah’s story, we explore the powerful themes of healing, storytelling, and the strong sense of community within the quilting world.

In our heartfelt exploration of Sarah's artistic journey, we discuss her transition to working with linen, her unique use of color, and the deep influence of her graphic designer father. Listen to her touching anecdotes about incorporating her father's drawings into her quilts and the emotional process of letting go of such personal pieces. Sarah reflects on her achievements, the lessons learned through friendships and teaching, and her openness to future possibilities. This episode promises an inspiring and intimate look at an artist who has turned her creative blocks into stepping stones.

You can follow Sarah on @quiltscornerstone on Instagram and her book is titled: From Collage to Quilt

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Join us on a heartening journey with my friend and life coach Elliot Moscow as we traverse the transformative world of personal growth. Elliot, transitioning from the bustling set of Argos TV to the tranquil space of life coaching, shares with us his profound insights on shattering psychological barriers and fostering positive habits. Together, we reflect on the shared experiences that have shaped us and discuss embracing the rollercoaster of life's highs and lows with self-compassion, patience, and a touch of humor about the everyday struggles we all face.

Elliot imparts strategies to quieten the ego's chatter and amplify our truest voice. He underscores the significance of processing emotions fully, highlighting how hypnotherapy can facilitate this journey toward authenticity and genuine fulfillment. We draw back the curtain on the personal growth of a life coach, revealing the continuous work on self-development that parallels the challenges faced by clients.

Wrapping up our heartfelt exchange, we contemplate the importance of aligning our actions with our core values and the liberating effect this alignment brings to our lives and careers. I invite you to reach out with your reflections at [email protected], and if our explorations into the realms of self-discovery have struck a chord, consider sharing this episode with someone who might find equal inspiration in Elliot's wisdom and our candid conversation.

You can find elliot here:
@elliot_moscow_coaching
https://www.elliotmoscow.com/

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When the weight of the world seems to press upon our shoulders, where do we find the strength to rise above? This episode, featuring Mathew Boudreaux’s (known on Instagram as @mxdomestic) raw and poignant tale of confronting their own mental health struggles, past traumas, and the expansive journey towards self-acceptance on the autism spectrum, offers a glimpse into such resilience. Mathews narrative, intertwined with light-hearted moments of beauty and self-expression, paints a multifaceted picture of vulnerability and the indomitable human spirit.

Imagine a world where your craft speaks volumes, not only through the stitches you create but through the identity you embody. As a non-binary, autism spectrum quilter Mathew in this episode peels back the layers of personal growth and recounts the polarity of newfound fame against the sharpness of online hostility and the ache of family estrangement. It's a testament to the transformative power of aligning one's work with deeply held values, even in the face of resistance.

Join us on this journey of discovery and authenticity as we stitch together a narrative of creative fulfillment and self-love that defies societal expectations. We muse over the joy found in grounding moments, the strength in setting boundaries, and the importance of not losing oneself to commercialization. As we weave through these stories, we celebrate the individuals who have chosen the path of authenticity, crafting not just art, but lives infused with intention and truth. This episode is an ode to those who dare to redefine joy and self-worth on their own terms.

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When the threads of life unravel, where do we find the strength to sew them back together? I, Rachel Pierman, along with former cancer nurse and fiber artist Carl Brown, unravel the complexities entwined in loss, healing, and the therapeutic embrace of creativity. In a candid conversation, we stitch together the silent power of presence in grief, the sanctuary found in the rhythm of needle and thread, and the unexpected joy that creativity can usher into a life shadowed by sorrow.

The raw edges of our souls often mirror the chaotic underside of a quilt; both conceal stories that are felt more than seen. My own journey through the agony of my father's passing finds its echo in Carl's transition from the rigors of healthcare to the solace of quilting. Together, we share insights on navigating the intricate patterns of grief and discover how the act of creating can serve as a gentle balm, offering through the colors and contours of fabric what words sometimes cannot. The beauty lies not only in the art we produce but also in the ways we give back and grow. Carl and I explore the rich fulfilment that comes from teaching, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the aspirations that drive us forward into the realms of fiber art. Listeners are invited to wrap themselves in the warmth of our stories, reminded that within the stitches of our shared humanity, we find connection, purpose, and the courage to begin anew.

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When Timothy Foss wields his graphite to sketch, it’s more than art—it's a tranquil haven for his restless mind. Our latest episode unfurls an intimate journey, with Tim revealing how his craft not only brings order to his ADHD thoughts but connects him profoundly with nature's intricate designs. Get enveloped in our discussion that spans the significance of names, the nostalgia of childhood's artistic sparks, and the serene quest to capture the world's elusive beauty. You'll be inspired by the belief that creativity can emerge at any stage of life and the vital encouragement we owe to the budding artists among us.

As Tim recounts his unexpected detour from the scholarly halls of divinity towards the vibrant universe of art, you'll discover that privilege isn't a weight but a call to action, especially as we've been reminded of the essence of community and connection in recent times. We navigate through the serendipitous twists in his career, contemplating why some paths seem to align effortlessly, while others face relentless hurdles. Laughter and curiosity emerge as therapeutic guides through life's labyrinth, teaching us resilience and the art of joy even amidst adversity.

Parenting, with its profound transformation of self, weaves through this episode as a powerful narrative. Delve into how balancing the call of art with the demands of raising children remodels our fears into strengths, and constraints into springs of innovation. The ADHD mind, with its whirlwind of thoughts and energy, is demystified, offering a portal to understanding how to channel it into creative fulfillment. So tune in, and let's traverse this journey of art, laughter, life's rhythms, and the incredible resilience we can nurture from embracing every facet of our story alongside the introspective Timothy Foss.

Oh, and Tim is indeed teaching a class via Zoom with us on our CraftyMonkies platform! Check it out www.craftymonkies.com come and learn with him in May.

You can follow him on Insta @timothyfoss

Follow us @breakingtheblocks @craftymonkies
www.breakingtheblocks.com 
www.craftymonkies.com 
www.rachelpierman.com

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In this episode, I chat with the vibrant artist Cindy Grisdela.  From the halls of Capitol Hill to the heart of the art world, Cindy's career is a patchwork of bold choices and vibrant creativity. Her tales of traversing all 63 U.S. National Parks and her deep-rooted American heritage are not just stories; they're a testament to a life lived fully and an inspiration that flows from the great outdoors into the very fabric of her art.

Eavesdrop on our intimate conversation as Cindy reveals how saying 'yes' can be the thread that stitches together an extraordinary life. With an opportunistic zest, she ventures into new realms like working with CraftyMonkies and the world of podcasting. But it's not just about seizing chances; Cindy also shares her strategy for facing criticism with a tough skin formed from her Capitol Hill reporting days. It's about finding balance, embracing vulnerability, and crafting authenticity both in life and on the Instagram grid.

Finally, we traverse the creative landscape where Cindy has boldly shifted from traditional to contemporary quilting, losing some followers but gaining an authentic voice. Her evolution is a quilted metaphor for the importance of pursuing one's artistic path with heart and courage. This episode is an invitation to weave your creative potential into the fabric of your life, inspired by the stories and connections within the quilting community. Join us for some tales that just might spark your creative journey.

Follow us @breakingtheblocks @craftymonkies
www.breakingtheblocks.com www.craftymonkies.com www.rachelpierman.com

For more information about Cindy you can find her here: @cindygrisdelaquilts

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