From 9 to 5 to Making a Name for Yourself in the Craft World with The Crafty Lass

What happens when you spend years framing and showcasing other artists’ work, only to discover that you have a creative calling of your own? In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold sits down with Jennifer Phipps to explore her unexpected journey from custom framer and gallery owner to becoming an artist in her own right. For years, Jennifer surrounded herself with art, representing talented artists and helping bring their work into the homes of others, never imagining that one day she would be the one behind the paintbrush. We dive into what sparked her interest in painting, how she found the courage to explore yet another creative pursuit, and what her husband thought when she decided to take on a new hobby. Jennifer also shares how the Tiny Barn Sale became a pivotal moment in her artistic journey and how that momentum led to an exciting collaboration with Patina Home & Garden. It’s a conversation about artistic discovery, taking chances, and finding your own voice—even when you’ve spent years helping others share theirs. Visit Jennifer's Website Follow Jennifer on Instagram Explore more of Jennifer’s studio in the Winter 2025 issue of Where Women Create, available here. AND DON'T MISS OUT: Jennifer is so pleased to announce a special offering of her Classic Minis: Homeplace edition! Just in time for Christmas These little original oil paintings are created to capture a home that holds a special place in your heart. Whether it's your own home, a childhood home, a family farmhouse, or a place dear to someone you love, a Homeplace Mini is a way to preserve it as a one-of-a-kind work of art. Each painting is hand-painted in oil on a wooden block with a hand-applied gold leaf edge that Jennifer has distressed and aged, giving it the character and charm of an old-world treasure. Ordering Details ● Price: $150 each + $10 shipping ● Shape: Large oval or rectangle ● Orders open: October 15 at 9 am ● Orders close: November 1, 2026 or when 50 orders have been received, whichever comes first. She will be accepting a maximum of 50 commissions. If you have a home in mind that you would love to see painted, Jennifer would be delighted to create a Homeplace Mini just for you.

In this inspiring episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold sit down with California-based artist Elizabeth Barlow to explore how painting flowers has transformed her life—and how meditation, devotion, and her “slow painting” process shape the way she creates. Elizabeth shares why she considers herself “devoted” rather than simply disciplined, how meditation supports her creative practice, and the story behind Transfiguration, her recent commission installed at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Carmel, California. We explore the deeper connection between art, nature, spirituality, and the transformative act of slowing down. Living and working in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Elizabeth is known for her hyper-realistic, larger-than-life flower paintings, which reveal the transformative power of nature and beauty. Through her ongoing Flora Portraits series, she sees flowers as symbols of the power of re-emergence found within all living things. Her work is held in public and private collections and represented by Andra Norris Gallery in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she exhibits regularly. Visit Elizabeth's Website Explore Elizabeth's Gallery Work Follow Elizabeth on Instagram Check out Elizabeth's Facebook Pop over to Elizabeth's Pinterest Elizabeth’s Co-curated Exhibition SEED

In this heartfelt episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold is joined by textile artist, writer, and quiltmaker Lori Mason, whose work transforms cherished garments into extraordinary heirloom quilts that celebrate life's most meaningful moments. For more than 30 years, Lori has collaborated with families to preserve memories through fabric—honoring births, weddings, graduations, retirements, and the lives of loved ones who have passed. She shares how her deeply personal creative process begins with listening to each client's story, allowing every quilt to become a one-of-a-kind tribute woven with love, history, and connection. Together, we explore the unforgettable stories behind some of Lori's most meaningful commissions, the emotional significance of creating with clothing that carries a lifetime of memories, and why these handcrafted heirlooms become treasured keepsakes for generations to come. Lori also offers a glimpse into the projects currently inspiring her and discusses her vision for sharing her process and techniques with a wider audience, making this conversation an inspiring reminder that creativity has the power to preserve not only fabric, but the people and moments that matter most. Visit Lori's Website Connect with Lori on Instagram Follow Lori on Facebook

In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold is joined by Nicole Shannon—artist, writer, researcher, and founder of Create Potential®—to explore the powerful connection between creativity, flow, and finding direction when the path ahead feels uncertain. Drawing from her experiences as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother of a child with a rare genetic condition, Nicole shares how she developed Creative Wayfinding™, a research-informed framework that views creativity as a tool for navigating change and moving forward with intention. Together, we dive into the science of flow state, why so many of us feel disconnected from our creativity, and how learning to access flow more consistently can lead to greater clarity, confidence, momentum, and purpose. Whether you're an artist, maker, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on overcoming uncertainty, this conversation offers practical insights for living and creating with intention. Take a FREE Creative Flow Assessment Learn More About the Creative Flow Challenge Connect with Nicole on Instagram

In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold sits down with Lori Siebert—product designer, maker, mixed-media artist, and creative educator—to explore her journey from artist to entrepreneur and how she built a thriving creative business over several decades. Lori began her career in 1987 with a graphic design firm and later expanded into art licensing, working with major brands like Target, Bath & Body Works, Universal Studios, and Nickelodeon while continuing to grow her own product and home décor design work. Lori shares how a series of life shifts beginning in 2021 led her to start saying “yes” to long-held bucket list opportunities while also learning to say “no” to things that no longer bring joy, reshaping how she approaches both life and work. She has expanded her impact through teaching and hosting immersive creative retreats across the United States and Europe, helping artists strengthen their creative practice and business skills. As co-founder of ArtBizJam and ArtBizJam Abundance, she continues to support artists with tools, resources, and community to build sustainable creative careers rooted in both passion and intention. Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Upcoming Retreats: Wearable Art Adventure - October 4th-9th (2026) Winter in Oaxaca - January 24th-30th (2027) Noticing, Capturing, and Composing a Grecian Journey - April 22nd-29th (2027) Journalling the Journey - September 17th-24th (2027) Marrakech, Morocco - October 30th - November 6th (2027)