Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by writer, singer-songwriter, teacher, and coach Marisa Handler. Marisa is the author of Loyal to the Sky, which won a Nautilus Gold Award for world-changing books and her essays, fiction, and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. Her music is also streamed across large platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. Marisa earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and has received many fellowships in Creative Writing, including a Fulbright and an Elizabeth George Foundation grant. On the spiritual side, Marisa has been studying Insight Meditation in retreats and daily life since 2002, and instructing since 2012. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, and has long-term practices in Authentic Movement, Somatic Experiencing, and various forms of dance. Marisa is the founder of Live Your Creative Genius, an in-depth coaching program offering a new paradigm for creative work, and she teaches on creativity, writing, and transformation at places like Stanford University, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Esalen, and the California Institute for Integral Studies.

Margo and Marisa discuss:

• Her creative path and how spirituality plays a role in her many creative mediums

• Cultivating creativity, finding support in a creative community, and connecting with one's authentic voice

• The challenges of balancing creative pursuits with jobs

• Creating a sacred space for creativity

• Her 9 month coaching program

• How we are intrinsically creative beings

• How we do our best creative work by becoming who we truly are

• Embracing our shadow

• Viewing our obstacles as allies

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Marisa:

www.marisahandler.com

"Alchemize Your Creative Vision" on December 12th: https://marisahandler.com/programs/aycv/

Live your Creative Genius (9 month coaching): https://marisahandler.com/programs/lycg/

https://marisahandler.com/programs/firing-up-the-engines/

https://www.facebook.com/marisa.handler.3

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q6NM99n37Lch8xG4Rjkfx?si=YqGdYLUaSo-JnGgyF_qbww

https://insighttimer.com/marisacreates

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Britta Borden-Tabor, a trailblazing digital influencer and empowerment coach whose passion knows no bounds. Britta has dedicated her life's mission to inspiring and uplifting women over 40, helping them uncover their passions and turn their dreams into reality. She isn't just a coach; she's a beacon of motivation, a force of nature, and a true inspiration to countless souls. Through her powerful words and magnetic presence, Britta ignites a flame within her audience, urging them to embrace their full potential and conquer any obstacles in their path. Her infectious enthusiasm and unshakeable belief in the power of women's dreams make her a compelling force in the realm of personal development.

Margo and Britta discuss:

• Her desire to be seen as someone different than she was typically seen as and how that was a catalyst in showing up in a new way

• The power in showing up without overthinking

• Creating a community versus creating following

• What it means to be authentic and step into your power

• Her role as a full time caregiver, special needs advocate and what it's taught her

• Breaking the stereotype of what a plus size woman should wear

• Taking control of your own experiences and becoming an expert in your own life

• Finding a balance between making a profit and helping people

• Overcoming rejection before finding success on social media

• How paying it forward and helping others has resulted in unexpected rewards and joy

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Britta:

www.instagram.com/britt_dazzle

www.facebook.com/Britta Borden-Tabor

www.tiktok.com/@brittatabor

https://thebeekeepher.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by fine artist Robyn Thayer. Robyn has been making the world a more appealing place as a beauty maker and storyteller since her first smile. Robyn's art education is informal and profuse; a daily act. Her favorite artwork is large in scale and she prefers to use acrylics, water-soluble graphite and crayons, to create representational, contemporary abstract paintings. In this way she is able to convey a dreamlike quality- reflecting the innocence and grandeur of where the private inner world and the wild outside meet.

Margo and Robyn discuss:

• How Margo first discovered Robyn and how her creative path has evolved since that time.

• The transformative power of art and the importance of personal growth and experimentation

• Her artistic process and techniques as well as the challenges she has faced in the art world

• The importance of community and the power of bravery in supporting one another

• How her trauma has played a role in her creativity and even lends itself to her work

• Her upcoming book, storytelling through painting, musings, and poetry

• What it means to utilize rebel energy in creativity

• Intuitive art making

• And more!

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Robyn:

https://www.instagram.com/robyn_thayer_fine_art

www.RobynThayer.com

https://m.facebook.com/RobynThayer-ProfessionalArtist

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by watercolor artist and surface pattern designer Cass Deller. Most notably known for her modern, coastal art style, Cass blends the beauty of her natural surroundings and beach holiday nostalgia. Imbued with the subtle, relaxed tones of hazy beachside summers, her hand-painted watercolor artwork evokes understated luxury and effortless style. With over 10 years of experience as a designer and a passion for collaboration, Cass has worked with many Global Companies as well as some of Australia's most well-known brands to bring a fresh, modern edge to the lifestyle and fashion industry.

Margo and Cass discuss:

• Her creative entrepreneurial path and the many different niches she's worked in

• Discovering and developing her own artistic style and how she helps others in discovering theirs

• Why collaborating is the backbone of her creative career

• Strategies and practices that have helped her maintain a positive and productive mindset

• Her surface pattern design course and mentorship opportunities

• Following joy and curiosity. How she does it herself and how she encourages others to embrace their creative pursuits

Join the waitlist for Surface Pattern Design for Creative Entrepreneurs. Get 10% off eligible offers using code MARGO.

Connect with Cass:

https://www.instagram.com/cassdellerdesign

https://www.cassdeller.com.au

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by dental hygienist turned water color illustrator, Ivy Zellmer. With a lifelong love of paper and artful entertaining, Ivy created her first stationary series at the age of nine. She bundled up the papers and shipped them across the country—an early love letter to hand-lettered correspondence. Then, in her formative years of early womanhood, Ivy traveled to France, an experience that forever influenced her artistic aesthetic. These passions artfully combined, and what started as hand-painted gift tags and a holiday card with Ivy's signature bicycle has transformed into Napa Valley's premier watercolor house. After dedicating 15 years to dentistry, Ivy shifted back to her childhood passions, keeping the art of a handwritten note alive, and is now running a full-time design and luxury "paperie" gift collection. Today, Ivy Paperie is dedicated to providing a portal to an elevated life—sharing beauty, spreading joy, and creating genuine connection through elegant gifting.

Margo and Ivy discuss:

• Her path from dental hygienist to full time creative artist and what helped her take the leap

• The impact that studying abroad in France had on her

• Her experience working with a mastermind group and with mentors

• Creating a wholesale catalog and why it was crucial in the success of her business

• Collaborating with local stores and businesses before casting a wider net

• Ways to stand out in a world of digital communication, specifically with handwritten notes

• Building credibility, reputation, and experience as a creative

• Finding a supportive community

• And more

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Ivy:

https://ivypaperie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

This week, Margo is joined by illustrator, artist, teacher, and all-around creative person, Lisa Bardot. With the iPad and Procreate as her medium of choice, she creates industry-leading digital brushes, tutorials, and art-making resources to help beginners and experienced artists alike find joy in creating. Her tutorials and classes have been viewed by millions, with high praise for her thorough, concise, and fun teaching style. Additionally, she runs Making Art Everyday, providing drawing prompts and challenges to help people overcome fears and develop an art-making practice, as well as Art Maker's Club, a joy-filled creative community and learning hub for digital art-makers.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Lisa's creative path and how she became involved with Procreate

• Discovering and creating new Photoshop brush styles

• Launching her daily art challenge

• The endless creativity and benefits of using procreate

• Procreate enhances art, replicates traditional techniques.

• The beauty of connection and collaboration when it comes to creating and how she nurtures her online communities

• Approachable techniques to improve artistic skills quickly.

• Drawing in Procreate and digitally versus pen to paper

• And her new book, Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide to Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Lisa:

https://bardotbrush.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisabardot/

https://www.artmakersclub.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artmakersclub

Order Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide for Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by renowned author, artist and designer, Annie Sloan who is one of the world's most popular experts in the field of decorative painting. After studying Fine Art at university in the 1970s, Annie went on to write her first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques – which is considered to be the industry bible on the subject. Since then, she has published 26 books on paint effects, color, and interior design. In 1990 Annie invented her revolutionary no-prep Chalk Paint, which transformed the world of furniture painting. Wall Paint and Satin Paint were added to the range and today Annie Sloan has a huge following of interior designers, professional painters and up-cyclers who love to bring Annie's color expertise to their homes. Her creative flair has led her to being named one of Britain's most influential female designers and she was awarded a CBE for services to Interior Design in 2023.

Margo and Annie discuss:

• Annie's creative path and studying different mediumships of art

• Her process for mixing colors

• Decorative paint techniques

• How being an early adopter to social media has played a role in the success of her business

• The process of creating her revolutionary chalk paint

• How and why she began to sell her paints beyond her own shop and what makes her stockists successful

• Being awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to Interior Design

• And more!

Connect with Annie:

www.instagram.com/anniesloanhome

www.instagram.com/chalkpaint

www.instagram.com/anniesloanstagram

https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieSloanHome

https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSloanHome/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

Margo is joined by Nurse Practitioner, mentor, guide and coach for midlife-ish women (and her sister!) Shelley Tantau. Shelley has a superpower for empowering others to see beyond their perceived boundaries in order to find healing, clarity, and incite positive change within their lives. Her journey through grief after the loss of a dear friend was the catalyst to challenging cultural and societal norms as well as the stories she told herself to find healing and joy within. Shelley believes that the world needs people that are living their most full and vibrant lives…not ones that are "just fine" and that your joy matters just as much as the person next to you.

Margo and Shelley discuss:

• Putting a stop to the glorification of busyness

• Fear around exposing ourselves to vulnerability

• Understanding trauma in order to heal from it

• Creativity and its relation to healing

• Liberation work and why it's been so important in Shelley's own journey

• Habits: the bad and the good, the learning and unlearning

• Finding joy after loss and grief

• Stepping into authenticity and finding one's true path

Connect with Shelley:

https://www.shelleytantau.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stantau

https://www.facebook.com/shelley.tantau/

https://www.pinterest.com/stantau/

Margo is joined by interior designer Karen Nepacena and photographer Christopher Dibble to discuss mid century modern design, approaching creativity in their own ways, and how their fun and unique collaborative partnership came to be.

Karen is the founder of Destination Eichler which began as a design blog chronicling her and her husband's journey renovating their Eichler home in Northern California. Soon after it started, the blog gained national attention and they began taking on clients who were attracted to their modern design aesthetic and focus on mid-century modern architecture. In 2016 Destination Eichler transitioned from an online blog into a full service interior design firm helping homeowners re-imagine and transform their homes.

Christopher is a photographer, husband, and dog guy, and loves to use color in unpredictable ways that surprise and contribute to a great image. He doesn't shy away from visual experimentation and loves collaborative projects where challenging situations motivate him to stretch his creativity and vision. Chris is passionate about photographing interiors and people within those spaces - connecting with people and earning their trust in front of the lens being his #1 goal. He captures images that span between clean elegance and whimsical fun with a range landing somewhere between editorial storytelling and catalog crispness. His work has been featured in editorial publications including House Beautiful, Dwell, HGTV, Country Living, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Paper, and People Magazine, among others.

Together, Karen Nepacena and Christopher Dibble's have recently released a new book, Midcentury Modern Style which takes readers on a visual journey through 12 real and down-to-earth midcentury inspired homes, offering a practical guide to incorporating the style into any space. The two artists have been collaborating for several years to capture Karen's interior design work, and an artistic partnership and friendship blossomed. The pair created Midcentury Modern Style for anyone curious to learn more about the design period or anyone who wants to incorporate midcentury flair into their homes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Store Market Market in Palm Springs https://www.shopmarketmarket.com/

Modernism Week https://modernismweek.com/

Dev Heyrana https://www.heyrana.studio/

John Henry - Stranger Fruit https://www.jonhenryphotography.com/#1

Alys Tomlinson http://www.alystomlinson.co.uk/

Jessica Poundstone https://www.jessicapoundstone.com/

Connect with Karen and Chris:

https://www.instagram.com/destinationeichler/

https://www.instagram.com/dibblephoto/

https://www.destinationeichler.com/book

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator, Megan Price, otherwise known by her business name The Darling Fig. Megan feels like she has had many creative incarnations but it wasn't until she dusted off her paintbrushes and embraced the fact that she was an artist, that she finally found a medium through which she could fully express her full creative vision. Megan paints by hand to capture the joy in life's everyday moments. She believes in slowing down and finding the magic in the little things. Her work can be seen as a collection of sustainably printed greeting cards and fine art prints, or as bespoke artwork commissions for clients.

Topics discussed:

Her journey of creativity and why she started The Darling Fig

Finding enjoyment in the process of artistic creation

The sweet spot of creative flow

Her experience with art challenges

What art is really all about to her and why she doesn't necessarily care if people love or hate her work but rather how it makes them feel

Gratitude and how journaling fosters a positive mindset as well as posts her creativity

Finding stillness in her creative practice

And more!

Connect with Megan:

www.thedarlingfig.com.au

www.instagram.com/thedarlingfig