Collage Creative with Amy Small
170 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 132 ratingsThe Collage Creative podcast is a weekly interview show dedicated to uncovering the motivations, daily routines and practices of women who are living life on their own terms. They may do this through a business they’ve created or they may simply choose to live differently in some way.
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Episodes
Marisa Morrison Stein: Taking Pom Poms to the Next Level
June 11, 2020 21:45 - 44 minutes - 49.5 MBHi there! Today on the show I have Marisa Morisson Stein. She is the creator of the Neon Tea Party, a business that is all about celebrating your creativity in a colorful happy way. At the Neon Tea Party you'll find craft supplies and DIY kits. She also hosts virtual workshops where she teaches things like how to make fancy pom pom designs. YES, they are amazing. Let's dive in! Show notes here.
Virginia Johnson: Growing Gather Here + pivoting during a pandemic
May 28, 2020 15:48 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBToday on the podcast meet Virginia Johnson. She is the founder, along with her partner Noah, of Gather Here, a craft supply store in Cambridge, MA, chock full of the latest and greatest yarns and fabrics. Her shop goes WAY beyond just a physical space and stuff. It's a community bursting with creativity and a huge love for making of any kind. OH YEAH and she is ALSO a costume designer for so many incredible movies.... Let's dive into her story! Show notes here.
Toni Lipsey: Moving TL Yarn Crafts into a full blow career!
May 14, 2020 16:28 - 43 minutes - 48.7 MBToday on the show I have Toni Lipsey, AGAIN. She is a crochet designer and the founder of TL Yarn Crafts! She was originally guest number 18 and here she is again. Since that episode, her business has sky rocketed into a full time career. I loved hearing this next chapter in her career but more than that, her perspective on how she's coping with the corona virus was gold! Let's dive in...
Whitney Crutchfield ~ Puff Paint, the Crafts Dept and building We Gather!
May 07, 2020 18:32 - 43 minutes - 49 MBToday on the show I have Whitney Crutchfield of We Gather – weaving and textile company that is all about the magic and joy of making. Whitney’s got such a good story – from puff paint, to the crafts dept at Martha Stewart, she has a lot of making experience under her belt! I am excited for you to hear her inspiring story – especially the small steps she took to make that big leap into starting her own business….Let's dive in!
Diane Ivey: Growing Lady Dye Yarns, Speaking out about Diversity Issues & Coping with Covid
April 30, 2020 15:52 - 1 hour - 76.9 MBToday on the show I have Diane Ivey. She is the owner and founder of Lady Dye Yarns, based right out of Boston a hop and a skip away from me. For a long time now, I’ve wanted to have Diane on the show and FINALLY here she is! Here are some of the topics we cover: coping during Covid, her best advice for starting a creative small business, how to make diversity and inclusion a bigger part of your business (or your life!) AND probably least importantly PEANUT BUTTER!
Nancy Ricci: Bali to NYC to Yarn!
April 17, 2020 15:46 - 50 minutes - 55.1 MBToday on the show I have Nancy Ricci the creator of Getting Purly with It! Nancy is a designer and blogger based in NYC. I’m excited for you to dive into this one – Nancy has a story to tell that is full of adventure! Her heart led her to NYC and then to yarn. As I relistened to this episode, I kept thinking, even though she is not elderly at all, she had this elder like wisdom about it. If felt very grounding and uplifting – especially as we are in the midst of the pandemic. Let's dive in! ...
Amy Small ~ The Spring Knitalong!
April 02, 2020 20:38 - 20 minutes - 23.4 MBI am getting back into the routine of doing solo episodes every tenth episode - so here we go! In today's episode, I dive into our upcoming spring knitalong. I cannot wait to get started and share more details with you! Show notes here.
Tara Morris: Photography, finding yoga, thinking up & winning the human lottery!
March 25, 2020 13:31 - 40 minutes - 45 MBToday on the show I have Tara Morris. Especially now, I am so excited for you to hear this episode. Tara is a yoga teacher, photographer and world traveler. I am in awe of the way she’s woven all of the things she loves into her life and career. She tell us how she came to photography and yoga and why yoga is so important to her. She helps give us perspective on how to get through this crazy time we’re living in with the corona scare in full force. Show notes here.
Sabrina Ward Harrison: Getting us all a little more free!
March 20, 2020 20:34 - 51 minutes - 61.5 MBToday on the show I have Sabrina Ward Harrison and woah friends this is a good one. It's a long episode that is just jam packed. Sabrina is an author, artist and teacher. Through her work, she encourages us to get vulnerable, lean into our true selves and let whatever it is inside out – messy, random – in whatever way. Speaking to her felt like one GIANT exhale, especially in light of Corona and the madness that is happening in the world right now. Show notes here.
Melissa Jenkins: Creative outlets, evolving her designs and the Mom juggle!
March 16, 2020 16:05 - 52 minutes - 57.9 MBToday on the show I have Melissa Jenkins. Melissa is the owner and founder of Melissa Jenkins Designs – a jewelry company that makes stunning brass and yarn jewelry! I cannot wait for you to hear her story – from her creative childhood to how she balances owning her business and being a mom to two little kids. There’s a lot of us to resonate and learn from here, let’s dive in!
Shelley Brander: Evolving and focusing Loops & Knit Stars
March 04, 2020 16:27 - 42 minutes - 48.5 MBToday on the show I have Shelley Brander. She is the founder of Knit Stars which 10,000 people have participated in (which is insane, percolate on that). She is also the owner of the Tulsa based yarn shop Loops, as well as an online knitting community called Loops Together. Oh and she is also a published author with another book all about her story coming out in Jan 2021. I’m thrilled for you to hear from her! Stick around for the end when I share more about all the travel I did in February,...
Gaye Glasspie: Becoming GG Made It
February 13, 2020 01:33 - 44 minutes - 49.8 MBToday on the show I have Gaye Glasspie aka GG Made It. She’s a prolific knitter, a designer and a youtube podcaster. Her impact on our community reaches far – her work packs a punch and in this episode you’ll see why. Learn about why orange is so meaningful to her, the double meaning of GG Made it and so much more. What I love the most is her authenticity, warmth and strength. It is truly contagious. Let's dive in!
ChiWei Ranck: 1 Dog Woof, Transitions & Learning to be Gentle with Ourselves
February 06, 2020 15:12 - 38 minutes - 47.1 MBToday on the show I have Chiwei Ranck, she is the creator of 1 dog woof. She’s a designer (crochet and knitwear!) and a blogger. I love this episode A LOT because Chiwei really goes deep with me. She opens up about moving and how hard transitions are in the midst of being a mom and trying to grow an online business. I love her vulnerability and willingness to get help both personally and on the work front. If you are going through or have gone through a transition or even just have kids – th...
Crispina ffrench: Zero waste, upcycled alchemy and creative small business
January 31, 2020 13:31 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBToday on the show I have a new friend that has an amazing business story to tell us! Her name is Cripsina ffrench and she is zero waste designer and teacher. I encourage you to stick around to the end when we get into mindest, the power of what we think and how we feel. Show notes here.
Yasmenda McCoy: The Fantastic Stories of Designs by Yasmen
January 23, 2020 16:04 - 1 hour - 74.1 MBHi there! Welcome to Episode 112 of the Collage Creative Podcast. Today I am thrilled to have Yasmenda McCoy on the show. She is the crochet jewelry designer behind Designs by Yasmen. I’m so excited for you to hear Yasmenda’s stories – she tells amazing stories! And how she gets through rough months is priceless advice for all of us....well for all of us who cope with tough times....which I think is everyone! I'm excited for you to hear from her. Let's dive in!
London Kaye: Spreading Joy through Yarn Bombing
January 09, 2020 15:32 - 39 minutes - 44.6 MBToday on the podcast, I have London Kaye. London is a crochet artist with a specialty in yarn bombing and fiber installations. Her work is happy and brings those who encounter it unexpected little joys! In this episode we go deep into her story which is fascinating. I love how she pushed herself to find that thing that lights her and was open to that chance encounter that changed everything.Show notes here.
Jessica Carey (again!): Making her way onwards and upwards through team and staying true to herself
December 12, 2019 15:11 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBJessica Carey of the Hook Nook is BACK. Her original episode, episode #8 aired over a year ago. Do not miss this gem where she fills us in on how she founded the Hook Nook. In today's episode she guides us through the next stages of growing her business which includes designing her first line of yarn in partnership with American Craft as well as building out her team. I am so excited for you to hear about this journey! Show notes here.
Episode 33 (repeat) ~ Paul Goodnight
December 02, 2019 16:47 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBRepeat episode - one of my favorites with Paul Goodnight. Perhaps my most favorite? I am not sure. I miss seeing his face every day. After 2 weeks off, I’m so happy to be kicking things off again today with a very special episode. Last Thursday during the bomb cycolone snow storm that hit the east coast, I sat down with Paul Goodnight. He's my neighbor but far beyond that, he’s an acclaimed painter, teacher and I learned on Thursday, fantastic story teller. We get into so many things,...
Julie Duffy: Evolving Story A Day and prioritizing creative time
November 21, 2019 10:32 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBToday on the show I have Julie Duffy. Julie is a writer – our first ever write on the show! She is the founder of a Story A Day which is a creative writing challenge that happens twice a year. At the heart of what she does is helping writers get their creative groove on – nothing not to love. I cannot wait for you to hear this one friends. She takes us through what’s she learned from running these challenges and how a tough year in her life led to new opportunities. I love the way she makes...
Amy Small: Life, business, big picture updates and thinking
November 13, 2019 14:25 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBIn today's episode, I fill you in on what I've been up during my 2 month podcast break and where I see my business going in the future...all a little out there and definitely TBD!
Kristal Hill (again!) ~ Coping and growing in the face of challenge
October 01, 2019 17:19 - 59 minutes - 34.2 MBToday on the show I am re-airing one of my most favorite episodes- my interview with Kristal Hill. I have old friend and colleague, Kristal Hill, who also happens to be the creative director of lifestyle & design at Free People. Yes, she really has that amazing dream job! We talk about the details of her role but the what I think you'll resonate with most is a story she tells – how stress affected her health. The way she got well is a huge inspiration that has left me feeling not the least b...
Mary Jeanne Packer: Creating and coming back from a fire to create Battenkill Fibers
September 05, 2019 13:54 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBToday on the show I have Mary Jeanne Packer! I’m really excited for you to hear this episode because this is the first time I’ve ever had a mill owner on the show! Mary Jeanne owns a mill in upstate NY (Battenkill Fibers Mill) where she spins all sort of yarn – yarn for farms, yarn for indie dyers and for her own company. You’ll see her at Rhinebeck this year too! Show notes here.
Paula Pereira: Architecture, to retail, to yoga and finally to knitting.
August 29, 2019 18:22 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBToday on the show I have Paula Pereira! She is a knitwear designer based in Brazil who has published countless patterns on her own and with other large publications. Her story is fascinating – she began her career in retail and through burnout found yoga and totally by accident knitting too. Her story has an element of happy serendipity. Show notes here.
Katy Westcott: Creating her own niche within the fiber world
August 22, 2019 19:09 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBToday on the show I have Katy Westcott, the incredible business lady behind Katrinkles. Her company focuses on accessories that work with your knitting – think laser cut wooden buttons and gauge tools. This is a special episode because we actually got to meet up in person. It was simply amazing to see her space and how it all works. I cannot wait for you to hear this one! Show notes here.
Alexandra Tavel: From a Killimanjaro tarot card reading to Two of Wants
August 16, 2019 19:06 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBHi there today on the show I have Alexandra Tavel, the creative force behind Two of Wands! She is a prolific knit wear designer who's designs always seem to the perfect balance of modern yet a touch of vintage too. Show notes here!
Cindy Bokser: Marfa to Macrame Artist & Supply Expert!
August 08, 2019 15:51 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBToday on the show I have Cindy Bokser! She is a macramé artist and the creator of Niroma Studio, an online supply shop for fiber artists. I think you’re going to love how she opens up to us about the big defining moment that led her to quit her day job, it is a powerful one. She also opens up about the everyday difficulties she faces in simply running her business and what helps her move past them. Show notes here.
Steven Berg: On being Steven Be - inside & out
August 01, 2019 15:02 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBToday on the show I have Steven Berg, the man and the legend behind all things Steven Be. This is a really special episode for me. I’ve known Steven since my first Tnna tradeshow in 2010 where he was instantly friendly and enthusiastic about my business. In this interview we go back to where it all started for him – much of the way he is because of his incredible Mom but what got me time and again during this episode is how knitting and yarn is his safe space as a child and now he’s created ...
Mckenzie Mullen: Embracing all parts of herself at Emtothethird Yarn Co
July 25, 2019 17:45 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBToday on the show I have Mckenzie Mullen – the dyer and youtuber behind Emtothethird Yarn Co. I’m excited for you to hear about her yarns but I’m even more excited for you to hear about how she bravely stepped away from the career she was trained in (for years!) to go with where her passion lies – one many of us can relate to, yarn & making. Learn more about Mckenzie and find the show notes here.
EPISODE 100 - SOLO EPISODE!
July 18, 2019 13:58 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBHi friends! Someone this is episode 100 of this podcast. I can hardly believe it. In this episode I talk about what this podcast means to me and how I plan to take it to a whole new place with (I hope!) your support. Then I take some time to let you know where I stand (and where my business Knit Collage) stands on the huge conversation happening right now in the knitting work around race, diversity and inclusion. Show notes here.
Alicia Scardetta: Building a creative life in weaving, teaching and small business
July 11, 2019 19:18 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBToday on the show, meet Alicia Scardetta. Alicia is a fiber artist who creates her own unique pieces using wrapped yarns and unexpected color palettes. They are bright, detailed and reminiscent of a few her favorite things: jump ropes, hair braids and friendship bracelets. I especially loved hearing about how she makes her art a priority every single day. Show notes here.
Ellen Bruvoort: The mindset that fostered her small business, Fibrous
July 04, 2019 20:47 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBToday on the show I have Ellen Bruxvort the owner of Fibrous. We go deep into what it’s like to run a small business and how she copes with all the ups and downs as what she calls herself: a serial problem solver. I espeiclly love when she tells us her little mantra at the end that helps her keep on keeping too. This is a fantastic listen for all the small business creatives out there. Show notes here.
Allyson Rousseau: Cultivating a deep sense of sense to create a business
June 27, 2019 18:13 - 42 minutes - 39 MBToday on the podcast I have Allyson Rousseau, a weaver with a focus on color, texture and perhaps even a little geometry. Allyson opens up about her childhood here and how the experiences she had growing up, helped her develop her small business into what it is today. Show notes here.
Park Williams: On courage, shame holes and building 2 creative small businesses
June 21, 2019 11:46 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBI’m super exicted about today’s epsidoe with Park Williams! She is a knit wear designer and actor, which I did not even know until this episode. I love the way she’s stitched together 2 different creative careers into one full time job that she adores and can’t wait for you to hear about how it all came to be as well as the ways she overcomes her own fears. It's a great one friends! Learn more here.
Gina Bonomo: Evolving businesses through Skein Cocaine
June 13, 2019 18:33 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBToday on the show I have Gina Bonomo, she is the creator of Skein Cocaine. Gina has done so much in the fiber world from designing her own patterns to owning a yarn shop for 18 years and now dying her own crazy beautiful yarns. Right from the beginning of the interview, we go deep - into her businesses and burnout. You know I love talking about burnout!!! I can't wait for you to hear this one. Show notes here.
Amanda Solomon: Cultivating belonging and joy with fiber and on the farm
June 06, 2019 14:06 - 41 minutes - 37.5 MBToday on the show I have Amanda Solomon. She is a part farmer and part fiber artist. What I love so much about this episode is the way that she radiates confidence and happiness, it’s contagious. I love hearing where that came from and how she’s fosters this figure anything out attitude. Show notes here.
Carmel Snow: Smart textiles, burning man and dancing out that stress
May 30, 2019 12:43 - 43 minutes - 40 MBToday on the show I have Carmel Snow and I’m so excited for you to hear this one! Carmel has her hands in a lot – machine knitting research centered around smart textiles and zero waste over at MIT. She also has her own line of colorful accessories and clothing. I’m excited for you to hear about her work but even more excited for you to hear the story of how she got here. Her childhood was uncoventional and completely fascinating. From growing up attending Burning Man to dancing out her stre...
Louis Borea: From a vivid dream to Brooklyn Boy Knits and all the steps in between!
May 09, 2019 17:43 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBToday on the show I have Louis Borea of Brooklyn Boy Knits and if you don’t know him already, I’m so excited for you to get to here! I especially love how he was ready to dive into why he’s doing this as well as his vulnerability about knitting in public for the first time…Oh and there’s a little bit of magic in this episode too. Show notes here.
Rachel Burke: Finding her way with tinsel and pom poms
April 25, 2019 18:57 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBHigh everyone!!! Today on the show I have Rachel Burke and to say I'm a little excited is the understatement of the year. Rachel is a fashion designer with a speciality in TINSEL and pom poms!. I am so incredibly excited to have Rachel on the show and can't wait for you to hear her story. Find the show notes here.
Christina Fagan: Knitted toy bats, cold calling and building Shi*t that I Knit!
April 11, 2019 14:36 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBToday’s episode is with Christina Fagan, the owner of Sh*t that I Knit. We became friends at our husband’s work xmas party and soon learned that we shared a deep love of knitting. I so enjoyed finally hearing her story – if you live in boston her hats are ubiquitous in the best possible way, total happiness. We cover a lot of ground here, from knitted toy bats to cold calling and how you have to be a little crazy to start you own business. I can't wait for you to hear Christina's story! Show...
Bonus episode: Spring Knitalong Details
April 04, 2019 10:35 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this episode, I give you an overview of what's in store for our Spring Knitalong.....ALL the details! For photos of the exact styles, visit my blog here.
Shay Johnson: On balance + fearlessly perusing what lights you up!
March 28, 2019 17:13 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBToday on the show I have Shay Johnson, the designer behind Knit & Croshay. All I have to say here, is prepare to be blown away. Along with her full time job as a lawyer and working some crazy hours, she is a blossoming knitwear designer who truly knits any time she can. I think you'll love hearing about how she balances as well as the inspiration behind her designs. Show notes here.
Jen Duffin: On losing (and finding!) your creative spark
March 21, 2019 13:34 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBToday on the show I have Jen Duffin. I’m really fired up about this one guys! Jen is a macramé and weaving artist behind Nova Mercury. Her works are colorful, happy and the gigantic ones will knock your socks off! There is so much she shares with us here that I think you will enjoy. She tells us about how she lost with her creativity and finally came back to it just within the last few years through a daily painting and drawing challenge. The way that small practice turned into her business ...
Mariana Baertl: On endless artistic experimentation and that entrepreneurial spirit!
March 14, 2019 15:16 - 38 minutes - 35 MBToday on the show I have Mariana Baertl, the creator of Living Fibers Art. She is a fiber artist that mixes so many techniques, like embroidery, weaving and even needle punching to create her unique pieces. It took her a lot of experimenting and time to develop this style. This is what I’m most excited for you to hear about. I hope it will inspire you to put your own spin on whatever creative endeavor you’re embracing right now. Show notes here.
Hannah Fetig: Flowing into a design career + all the messiness it comes with
March 07, 2019 16:11 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBToday on the show I have Hannah Fetig, the designer behind Knit Bot and so many beloved patterns. We trace the steps of her career which all seemed to flow together seamlessly over time. I especially love when she admits to her creative process as being messy and a little chaotic – it’s always so interesting to get a glimpse into how others work. Show notes here.
Tina Tse: Juggling day & night jobs and cultivating community on IG
February 21, 2019 09:25 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBToday on the show I have Tina Tse, she is a creative pattern designer who designs in her free time and works in the knitting machine world by day. I love this episode for a bunch of reasons – she touches on and explains what it’s like to juggle her side/night time business of designing new patterns and also cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community on Instagram. Her joy for everything she is doing will leave you wanting to knit every single one of her patterns. Show notes here.
Sharrel Paul: In the midst of sickness, a business blooms
February 14, 2019 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBToday on the show I have Sharrel Paul, the founder and owner of Mud & Yarn, a pottery and finished crochet goods company. Her path to pottery and this business is one that will leave you feeling all sorts of inspired. I don’t want to give too much away because this one is SO GOOD FRIENDS and you’re going to be blown away by the circumstances that set the seeds of this business in motion. Show notes here.
Angela Smith: From real estate to weaving supplies, with a little help from her pups!
February 07, 2019 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBToday on the show I have Angela Smith, the owner and founder of Purl and Loop a company that specializes in wood lasered weaving looms, kits and tools. I can’t wait for you to hear the incredibly brave way she quit her lucrative real estate job to start her business. Show notes here.
Bristol Ivy: Homeschooling, woofing in NZ and of course, designing
January 31, 2019 14:10 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBToday on the show I have Bristol Ivy, pattern designer, teacher and author. We dive into her childhood in Maine and what that was like as well so many more experiences that lead her to where she is today. I especially loved hearing about the year off she took in New Zealand to work with sheep and how that experience shifted her course. Stick around for her final words of wisdom too!
Britt-Marie Alm: On growing Love Fest Fibers, feeling borderless and social entrepreneurship
January 24, 2019 11:13 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBToday on the show I have Britt-Marie Alm, the woman behind Love Fest Fibers. Her yarns are huge and cozy. Each skein and ball has a wonderful story about the people who made them and the materials they are made from. Her company was formed by a deep love for the place where she makes many of her yarns, Tibet. I especially loved hearing about how she embraces travel in her life. You might just want to hop on a plane to Asia after hearing this one!
Candice English: Finding joy & balance at the Farmers Daughter Fibers
January 17, 2019 19:29 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBToday on the show I have Candice English, the founder and creative brain behind the Farmers Daughter Fibers. We talk about her career, working crazy 60 hour weeks and how that ultimately led her to quite and begin her company. At the end, we dive into the things she’s most excited about too – supporting the Empowering Native Women Initiative. Show notes here.