Creatives on Camera: Artists and Crafters Using Video to Teach, Sell and Inspire Online

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

In this episode, I sit down with Bea Byrne, a quilter, teacher, and the creative force behind the Quilt n Learn online summits and the largest online quilting event, Tour de Fabric. What started as a personal dream to attend a quilting-focused summit became a global event that’s now bringing together over seven thousand quilters and fiber artists every six months. Bea pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful online summit—from navigating imperfect tech stacks to building an ethical, teacher-centered business model. We talk about accessible education, affiliate marketing pitfalls, inclusive hiring, and how experimenting with new formats (even risky ones!) can unlock both creativity and growth. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own event, teaching online, or reaching a wider audience without compromising your values, then this episode is a must-listen.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

This episode is specifically for my fellow quilt teachers! I’m sharing the story behind the Global Quilt Connection, a grassroots effort started by myself and Sue Blyweiss that blossomed into one of the most effective platforms for quilt teachers to connect with the people who hire them. Born out of the early days of the pandemic, the Global Quilt Connection has grown into a vital bridge between teaching creatives and quilt guilds across the world. From "Meet the Teacher" Zoom events to our wildly popular All-Star Sampler Platters, I walk you through the tools, resources, and community we’ve built to help you show up with confidence and professionalism whether it is online or in person. If you’re a seasoned instructor or dreaming of becoming one, I hope this episode encourages you to take actionable steps to get your work seen and your classes booked.

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

A couple of weeks back, I introduced the On-Demand Platform Series, and I’m excited to bring that first interview to you today with Aaron Morin from Thinkific! Aaron Morin is the Senior Manager of Customer Education and Community at Thinkific, and he’s joining me to talk about all things course creation, community-building, and launching with heart. With over a decade in e-learning and firsthand experience with 100,000+ course launches, Aaron shares what works, what doesn’t, and how to get started (even if you’ve never taught online before). We cover how to move from in-person teaching to online offerings, avoid common pitfalls, and build a business that feels aligned with your values. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting to explore online teaching, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways!17

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Sondrasa of Art Quilts by Design to talk about the unexpected ways live streaming has shaped her creative business. We dove into how she built a community through platforms like Twitch and YouTube, the differences between pre-recorded and live content, and why she’s passionate about bringing people along for the ride. She shares some honest reflections about being an extroverted maker in a digital world, how live streaming feeds her creativity, and what it really takes (both technically and energetically) to show up consistently on camera. Whether you’re tech-curious or already video-savvy, you’ll walk away from this conversation inspired to connect more deeply with your audience in your way.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

If you’ve ever wasted twenty minutes searching for a video file or lost a day trying to remember where you put that draft PDF, this episode is going to be a game changer. I sat down with Adrienne Farrow, a former teacher turned Google Suite expert, to talk about how creative business owners can reduce digital clutter and get seriously streamlined using (free!) tools you probably already have. We talk about what she calls the “Google trifecta”: Drive, Gmail, and Calendar. Adrienne shares powerful tips on organizing your backend, color coding for visual thinkers, and even using Google Slides in unexpected ways to make interactive course content. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a team, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, clear systems, and a lot more headspace to create.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

Back when I started teaching online, a company approached me about using their platform and I took the offer because they were literally the first online course platform for quilters! Now, many years later, there are endless platforms for bringing your craft business online… so endless that it feels impossible to choose the one that’s best for your business. That feeling of overwhelm is no place to make good decisions from. So in this episode, I’m excited to introduce an upcoming series where I’m sitting down with representatives from some of the biggest teaching platforms and asking them direct questions about their product and how they differ from others on the market – all so you can make an informed and confident decision about the platform that you choose! 

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

Lacking confidence on camera? Want to utilize the support of AI but feel overwhelmed? If so, today's episode is going to feel empowering for you. I'm joined by Shirlee Engel, a former Canadian national TV reporter and founder of Camera Confident, where she teaches business owners how to show up on video with purpose and presence. In this conversation, we explore what it really means to be magnetic and authentic on camera and how you don't have to change who you are or become someone you're not to connect meaningfully with your audience. But what makes this episode especially valuable is where our conversation goes next, using AI tools in your business – we're talking about authentic messaging, guided by your own creative spark and supported by tools that help you do more with less time. So if you've been wondering how to create with less overwhelm and still feel like you, this episode is packed with ideas you can use right away.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

Today we are joined by an incredible guest who is at the forefront of supporting craft and creative entrepreneurs – Abby Glassenberg, the co-founder and president of the Craft Industry Alliance. In our conversation, she shares the mission of the Craft Industry Alliance and how they support creative entrepreneurs, educational resources like webinars and mastermind groups that can help you grow your business, and the value of networking at trade shows like H+H Americas, and how to connect even if you can't attend a trade show in person. This conversation is packed with insightful advice and valuable resources that will help you streamline your business, connect with industry professionals, and make smarter decisions as a creative entrepreneur. So whether you're a quilt teacher, pattern designer, or craft business owner, this episode is filled with practical takeaways that you won't want to miss. 

Just a heads up, this conversation was recorded live in front of members of the Academy for Virtual Teaching, which means our attendees had the chance to ask their own questions and get direct insights from Abby. If you'd love to be part of these interactive events, I invite you to join our free membership at academyforvirtualteaching.com. It also means we weren’t using studio microphones so the sound quality isn’t as great but the content was too good to miss.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges creative educators face when bringing their teaching online—how to create a course that is structured, engaging, and actually works for students. If you’ve ever struggled with organizing your lessons, figuring out how much content to include, or keeping students engaged from start to finish, then today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Shannon Boyer, an expert in curriculum development and online course creation, who helps creative educators take their knowledge and turn it into a well-structured, engaging, and effective learning experience. While I focus on helping you get comfortable with the tech side of online teaching, Shannon’s specialty is what happens inside the course—how to make sure your students not only learn, but love the experience and keep coming back for more.

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!

Fan Mail? Feedback? Suggestions?

I know that you are a creative, an artist, a quilter, a crafter, somebody who makes things and loves what you do so much that you can't help but teach. So what if you didn’t have to be limited by geography or other circumstances? What if you didn’t have to trade hours for dollars? Enter on demand courses! On-demand courses allow us to share our gifts with students worldwide while creating a more sustainable income model. In this episode of Creatives on Camera, I'll walk you through different course structures, how much interaction you might want to have with students, and the best ways to get started. Whether you're just thinking about it or ready to launch, I’ve got plenty of tips to help you along the way!

Tutorials, Systems, Templates, Understanding of which of your images go where!

You can find Canva Made Simple at https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com/courses/canva-made-simple

Let's Connect!

• Join The Academy for Virtual Teaching
• Instagram
• Facebook

>> Register for the FREE webinar: Make an Effective Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps! You will learn how to get conversions with authentic connections instead of pushy sales!