The Craft Room Podcast

Hello ... and welcome ... I am so excited that you’re joining me today for this very first podcast episode. I’m going to try to keep this intro episode short and sweet, so we can get to the good stuff, but I thought I’d introduce myself and give you an idea of what this podcast is all about.

You may have guessed by the title, each week we will be in the craft room ... talking all things craft. You may also have guessed that I really love craft ... and this is true. I love it so much that I created a career around it, and I can talk about it all day long. Since lots of my crafty friends live far away, and my cat doesn’t seem interested in discussing Mama Elephant’s new release, or the fun crochet pattern I just discovered ... a podcast seemed like a good idea. I’m super excited to have someone to talk to about all sorts of crafts, and I would love to know what crafts you’re into. You can let me know by leaving a comment on the blog post ... HERE.

Fair warning, I will likely talk about stamping, cardmaking, colouring and papercraft quite a bit, as that’s the main focus of my business. However, I have a couple of quilting projects on the go, I just bought a new crochet pattern to try, and I usually have a couple of embroidery or cross stitch projects underway at any given time. I do enjoy painting, although I don’t get to paint as often as I’d like. I teach classes locally ... embroidery, dollmaking, crochet and painting on fabric ... and it’s so fun to connect with other craft-loving ladies in person ... definitely one of my favourite things!

At this point you may be wondering ... “Who is this Dawn Lewis, and what does she even know about craft?” ... a fair question indeed. Well ... while I wouldn’t call myself a specialist expert in any one craft, I do have experience with a LOT of different types of crafts, techniques and products, and I’ve worked professionally in the Australian craft industry for over a decade. Being a professional crafter is incredibly cool, and I’ve been able to say yes to some incredible opportunities ... designing for some amazing brands including Semco, Francheville, Milford Threads, DMC and Australian Girl dolls. I’ve been on some cool design teams, like KennyK Stamps, Little Miss Muffett, Tiddly Inks and Kindred Stamps. I’ve had original projects published in Australian craft magazines including Handmade, APQ, Patchwork & Stitching, Australian Stamping Cardmaking & Papercraft. Definitely the coolest job I’ve ever had has been hosting and present on Scrap It TV, from seasons 3 through 7. That was such a fun gig! I’ve had businesses selling handmade things, from ceramics to folk art, dolls to bags, and right now I have an online store specialising in stamping. I’m a qualified Copic instructor and authorised Copic stockist. So ... yeah ... when I said I loved craft, I really, really meant it. Craft isn’t just craft ... it’s so much more, for so many people. For some people, it’s their happy place, for others it’s a way to exercise their creativity. Getting lost in your favourite craft allows you to take time out from the craziness of life and do something that makes us truly happy. Craft can help us express ourselves, meditate, earn a little extra cash, meet new people and so much more.

When it comes to this podcast, I have so many ideas, but what I’m most interested is helping people craft within their budget, and get more bang for your buck from the craft supplies you choose. And while I will probably talk a lot about papercraft, I’m excited to mix it up, because so many ideas translate across many different craft mediums. I have some fun guests to interview, and other times it’ll just be you and me, and I hope you’ll join me each week. Episodes will be positive, upbeat and encouraging, with practical tips and ideas ... and they’ll likely be longer than this one. I tried to keep this intro episode short-ish, so you can move on to episodes 2 and 3, in case you’re a fan of binding new podcasts (which is something I love to do!).

So rather than continuing to waffle on, I’ll sign off so we can get to the good stuff, and I’m sure we’ll get to know each other better as the podcast goes on.

Thanks so much for joining me in the craft room today. If you enjoyed this episode and want to know more, check out the show notes, or the blog post at dawnlewis.com.au/podcast__. Maybe tell a friend or leave a review on itunes or stitcher ... I’d really appreciate it. I do hope you have a very crafty day, and I will see you next time. Bye for now.

This is happening ... I think we need to talk about crafting in isolation. If you're listening to this as it goes to air, it is towards the end of April 2020 and we're in a pandemic. Whether you prefer to say that you’re stuck stuck inside or safe at home, self isolation is a thing.

Now, I know you might be thinking, “Oh, she's going to tell us we should make the most of our time, seize this opportunity and do lots of craft.”. Well, yes and no. I do have a list of 14 things that you, as a crafter, might find useful right now. But they are only ideas. This list might be equally as useful to you in other situations, like if you find yourself confined to the house with a broken leg, recovering from surgery, taking annual leave ... so it’s not all COVID-19 doom and gloom. If you just don’t feel like doing anything, I have some thoughts on that as well.

1. Make items for essential workers 2. Art Exhibition 3. Craft for Charity 4. Level up your craft skills 5. Organize your Craft Supplies 6. Finish Things 7. Teach someone your craft 8. Do a Challenge 9. Craft socially via Zoom 10. Catch up on Your Favourite Crafty YouTubers 11. Break up with a craft 12. Take an online class or course 13. Take stock of your Supplies and Shop Online 14. Prepare for Christmas Also ... do something ... or do nothing. What will make you feel better today? If you found this episode helpful, and wish to support the postcast, you can head HERE and make a small donation. LINKS: Episode 25 blog post Episode 22 - Crafting in Times of Crisis The Kindness Pandemic (Facebook group) Blog Post - Cardmaking Super Powers Free Digital stamps (pinned to top of Facebook page) Crafting for charity directory Episode 12 - Organising craft supplies Episode 7 - Should you Kondo your Craft? Cartooning YouTube Channel (Brad Colbow) Cartooning Class TikTok desk makeover video Episode 6 - Lost Craft Mojo Episode 20 -Set up a Custom Planner Episode 19 - Handmade Christmas

In today's episode, let's talk about ways you can set up a planner to help you become more organised.

We're going to cover ... Christmas Planner Craft Planner Other ideas for useful planners

Check out the blog for a full full transcript of this episode.

https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast20 OTHER LINKS

Planner Addicts Australia, Facebook group Australian planner insert stores Aussie Planner Chick Tia's Pretty Creations Chasing Planner Peace Kourageous Studios Planners Anon Crazy Organized May Paper Co Kristina Werner Ink blending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ3Cah5esns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLev1dSX2Ew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfEI-qfcF9s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ7OFrZIjSw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdOKqYW3eWI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3zBoE4jsk8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTYeFp1bl0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTjMn1XkG6Y Waffle Flower, Colour Combo stamp & die bundle Waffle Flower, Color Wheels stamps Waffle Flower, Combo Swatch stamp Waffle flower, Combo Swatch stamp & die bundle Planner supplies Copic Hex Chart by Sandy Allnock Tania Cordie’s Paper and Me 2 blog Episode 18 – Crochet

In January 2020 I attended Creativation ... a craft trade show in Phoenix, AZ, USA. I have wanted to attend this show for over a decade, and the 33 hour travel time was 100% worth it.

In todays episode I'm answering the questions people asked me before, during and after the show, sharing my take-aways and some behind the scenes stories.

You can find a full transcript of todays episode and a whole lot of photos on my blog.

LINKS Ep 23 Blog post Jess Francisco - Instagram The Perfect Stamp, UK - Instagram Pear Blossom Press - Instagram Heffy Doodle - Instagram RinaK Designs - Instagram Simon Hurley - Instagram Tim Holtz - Instagram Lynda Kanase / iCrafter - Instagram Darkroom Door - Instagram Jennifer McGuire - YouTube The Crafty Chica (Kathy) - YouTube Laura Bassen - YouTube Claire Reagan - Etsy

Before we get into todays episode, a quick content warning. I will be mentioning Australian bushfires, animal rescue carers and people who have passed away, including angel babies. It’s not a graphic discussion, it’s more part of the narrative about how we can help people in distressing situations. If these are sensitive topics for you, please take care of yourself when listening.

Today we are talking about crafting in times of crisis. We crafters are really good at this ... we’ve done it so many times before and we are doing it right now. Over the past few weeks, watching the craft community band together to make a very big difference to Australia's wildlife carers, I’ve felt very proud to be a crafter. I’ve had a lot of thoughts, a lot of emotions, and thought we could talk about ways we can use our crafting superpowers for the greater good.

When someone is suffering ... our friends, our family, our community, our country, our world at large ... we feel, as human beings, like we wish there was something we could do. Obviously the go-to response is to make a monetary donation. But sometimes even if you do make that donation, you still feel like it's not enough. We wish that we, personally, could physically do something to help right now. And as crafters I think we are really lucky and privileged because there is often something that we can do with our own two hands right now to help out. Here are the top five ways that we, as crafters, can help in times of crisis.

1. Make physical items 2. Donate from your stash 3. Teach 4. Spread the word 5. Make to sell / fundraise

Photo credit for podcast thumbnail (Joey in a hanging pouch) - Courtney White

LINKS Article about crafting in times of crisis

Animal Rescue Craft Guild FB group

Rescue Craft Co FB group Knitting Nanas Against Gas Pussy Hat Project (Women’s Electoral Lobby) Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies HERE

Knitting socks for soldiers - article

Sewing For Charity Australia Website ... or ... Facebook page

Craft Ministry Australia Website ... or ... 4 page directory