Craft Industry Alliance
288 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 174 ratingsAn interview show for creative entrepreneurs.
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Episodes
Episode #35: Rober Mahar
November 10, 2014 12:06 - 59 minutes - 27.1 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm chatting with Robert Mahar. Robert teaches imaginative do-it-yourself projects through high-quality video tutorials on YouTube, CreativeLive and in-person workshops. The crafty content he develops and presents is often rooted in nostalgia, and his talent for reinventing old-school crafts with a decidedly modern twist has gained him a loyal following. Robert first became known in the world of craft and design as the proprietor ...
Episode #34: Deepika Prakash, Founder of PatternReview.com
November 05, 2014 13:09 - 57 minutes - 26.4 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guest, Deepika Prakash, founded PatternReview.com in 2000 because she loved to sew, but didn't have any friends who did. Today 375,000 people use the site to review sewing patterns, sewing machines, and notions, take online classes, and chat with fellow sewists all over the world. Deepika explains the story of the site and it's growth over time, including the three years she spent redesigning it and what she hopes for the future. I...
Episode #33: Jess Brown
October 20, 2014 11:37 - 1 hour - 27.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Jess Brown. Jess has been making dolls for 16 years. She’s carefully developed a line of signature handmade ragdolls. Each doll is cut to order in her Northern California studio and always made using the finest materials. Jess also collaborates with several designers, creating limited edition dolls for each season. Although originally created for children, the dolls have a simple sophistication that has moved them into the...
Episode #32: Kathy Mack and Kristin Link
October 13, 2014 11:54 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm talking with two leaders in the online sewing world: Kathy Mack and Kristin Link. Kathy Mack is the owner of Pink Chalk Fabrics. She designs and publishes sewing patterns as Pink Chalk Studio and she's recently made a sharp right turn in her creative business journey. We hear more about that during our chat. Kristin Link is the owner of Sew Mama Sew, a blog founded in 2005 which currently hosts nearly 500 sewing tutorials and she ...
Episode #31: Amy Karol and Ellen Luckett Baker
October 06, 2014 11:43 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm talking about designing and sewing and creativity with two long-time bloggers, Amy Karol and Ellen Luckett Baker. Amy is the author of Bend-the-Rules Sewing and Bend the Rules with Fabric, both from Potter Craft. She teaches video classes on CreativeBug and sells artwork and a natural skincare line in her Etsy shop. Amy's blog is http://www.angrychicken.typepad.com. Ellen is the author of 1, 2, 3 Sew and 1, 2, 3, Quilt, both fr...
Episode #30: Chelsea Bloxsom and Phil Barbato
September 29, 2014 10:55 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Chelsea Bloxsom who's business is Love and a Sandwich. She makes incredibly cute furry plush monsters. She also makes embroidery hoops based on her favorite comics characters. Her first book, Adventure Time Crafts, will soon by released by Potter Craft in cooperation with Cartoon Network. Phil Barbato is a plush maker who sells his work online and at shows such as New York ComicCon and Crafty Bastards. Phil's plush monster...
Episode #29: Ame Verso, Content Director for F+W
September 22, 2014 10:44 - 47 minutes - 21.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I talk with Ame Verso, Content Director for F+W, the world's largest publishing group. Amy has over 10 years of experience editing and commissioning craft books. We discuss what a winning craft book proposal looks like, how much audience size matters for potential authors, how royalty structures work, whether you need an agent, who owns the copyright for material published in a craft book, and more. Ame was very generous in sharing he...
Episode #28: Amie Plumley and Jean Van't Hul
August 18, 2014 10:47 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Amie Plumley who is the co-author of Sewing School and Sewing School 2. Both books are excellent resources for teaching children to sew. Jean Van't Hul is the author of the blog and book, The Artful Parent. She is passionate about helping people find inspiration and encouragement in making art with children, whether at home or in the classroom. In this episode of the podcast we talk about creating open-ended projects, cont...
Episode #27: Lilla Rogers and Lisa Congdon
August 11, 2014 10:00 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I talk to illustration agent Lilla Rogers and artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon. What does it take to make a living as an artist? We discuss how to develop a viable career making and selling your artwork. Lilla and Lisa also recommend great stuff their loving right now. Connect with Lilla Rogers at: http://lillarogers.com Connect with Lisa Congdon at: http://lisacongdon.com Find me, Abby Glassenberg, at: http://craftindustryalli...
Episode #26: Diane Gilleland and Haley Pierson-Cox
August 04, 2014 12:31 - 1 hour - 29 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Diane Gilleland and Haley Pierson-Cox who both have established careers as freelance craft designers. Hear how they balance their work days between pursuing new opportunities, marketing current projects, and completing work on deadline. Diane and Haley also have experience doing in-booth demonstrations for craft companies at industry trade shows. Get the an inside look at what that's like and what kinds of things they lear...
Episode #25: Cal Patch and Jen Beeman
July 21, 2014 12:17 - 58 minutes - 26.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I talk with sewing pattern makers Cal Patch and Jen Beeman about how they got their start, how their careers have developed, and where they see the future of home sewing heading. Cal, Jen, and I recommend great stuff we're loving right now including tools, books, subscriptions, apps, and more. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same...
Special Episode: Stanford Smith of Pushing Social
July 17, 2014 15:16 - 22 minutes - 10.1 MBOn today’s special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Stanford Smith. About six months ago, in an effort to learn about how to blog more effectively, I began reading Pushing Social, a blog about blogging. The author of Pushing Social, Stan Smith, is an internet marketing and social media expert. Stan shares practical exercises and tips on how to write blog posts that attract readers and deliver real value. I'm really pleased that Stan agreed to chat with me about how...
Special Episode: Jonathan Marcus, CEO of Goodsie
July 17, 2014 14:59 - 22 minutes - 10.5 MBOn today’s special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm rebroadcasting an interview I conducted with Jonathan Marcus, CEO of Goodsie, in November of 2012. Goodsie provides anyone with easy drag-and-drop tools that allow you to create a beautiful, customizable online storefront in an easy and affordable way. Jonathan founded Goodsie in 2011 as a way of bringing ecommerce to the masses. We talk about what he feels sets Goodsie apart from other online storefront makers and who he ...
Special Episode: Jon Crawford, CEO of Storenvy
July 17, 2014 14:43 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBOn today’s special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm publishing the audio version of a video interview I conducted on January 29, 2013, with Jon Crawford, the CEO of Storenvy. If you're interested in ecommerce and small business, you'll enjoy Jon's story of founding this exciting platform. Hear about: How Storenvy differs from Etsy. How the social aspect of Storenvy works. Why Storenvy is free for sellers. What the experience is like for shoppers. Why Storenvy might be ...
Episode #24: Cynthia Treen and Alison Kaplan (of Kata Golda)
July 07, 2014 15:50 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Cynthia Treen whose threadfollower felt animal kits are carried in over 100 shops nationwide and Alison Kaplan, the founder and owner of Kata Golda a company that creates handmade items using letterpress, ceramics, wool felt, and fabrics. We hear about Cynthia's and Alison's creative lives and then get their recommendations for great stuff they're enjoying right now. Please note that this show used to be called the While...
Episode #23: Ann Wood
June 23, 2014 12:00 - 58 minutes - 26.8 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with artist Ann Wood. Ann works with found and salvaged materials, many of them vintage or antique garments. She’s interested in transformation, turning cardboard boxes from the fancy grocery store on her block into turreted castles and ruined old petticoats and gowns into seas for paper mache boats. She loves to give the most common materials and tired, dispirited, faded things new importance and meaning. Throughout her lif...
Episode #22: Jahje Bath Ives of BabyJives and Mimi Tsang of hello shiso
June 16, 2014 12:05 - 53 minutes - 24.3 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with two indie brands in the baby and children's market. My guests are Jahje Bath Ives, owner of the handmade nursery mobile company BabyJives, and Mimi Tsang, owner of the girls hairclip company, hello shiso. We talk about what it's like to start and run a successful creative business and then we recommend great stuff we're enjoying right now. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name h...
Episode #21: Gale Zucker and Kristin Nicholas.
June 02, 2014 12:05 - 55 minutes - 25.6 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guests are location photographer Gale Zucker and knitwear designer Kristin Nicholas. We learn about Gale and Kristin's backgrounds and then recommend great stuff we're enjoying right now. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more abo...
Episode #20: Rachael Gander and Kim Werker
May 19, 2014 13:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Rachael Gander (imaginegnats.com) and Kim Werker about our recent projects and then all three of us recommend amazing things we're enjoying right now. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our ...
Episode #19: Kari Chapin and Blair Stocker
May 05, 2014 13:00 - 1 hour - 28.4 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Kari Chapin and Blair Stocker. We discuss the new edition of Kari's book, The Handmade Marketplace, and Blair's newly released book, Wise Craft. Kari, Blair, and I recommend our favorite picks in apps, tools, websites, books, and other neat stuff. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for thi...
Episode #18: Meighan O'Toole and Caro Sheridan
April 21, 2014 13:00 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with quilter, knitter, and photographer, Caro Sheridan, and digital and social media strategist, Meighan O'Toole. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen y...
Episode #17: Stefanie Goodwin-Ritter and Stacey Trock
April 05, 2014 13:00 - 59 minutes - 27.4 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Stefanie Goodwin-Ritter who is the senior account manager at Stitchcraft Marketing (formerly the Wood Wide Web). Stacey Trock is a crochet designer and owner of FreshStitches. In this episode we share our latest projects and our top picks for fun things we are enjoying right now including books, tools, apps, and more! Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the c...
Episode #16: Meg Freeman and Dorie Schwarz of Kids Clothes Week
March 17, 2014 13:00 - 55 minutes - 25.4 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Meg Freeman and Dorie Schwarz, the women behind the incredibly popular online phenomenon that is Kids Clothes Week. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Stren...
Episode #15: Sonya Philip
March 03, 2014 13:00 - 50 minutes - 23 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Sonya Philip who undertook an amazing project: to sew 100 dresses in a year, all from original patterns she's drafted herself. Sonya tells us her story, from growing up in a creative household to learning to sew and be a pattern maker. We talk about body image and uniforms and why sewing your own clothes is a life skill like scrambling an egg. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The na...
Episode #14: Tara Swiger and Stacey Trock
February 17, 2014 13:00 - 57 minutes - 26.1 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guests are Tara Swiger and Stacey Trock. We share our top tips for marketing your creative business. Whether you're just getting started with an Etsy shop, or you've been selling your creative products for many years, you'll pick up some new tricks to engage better with your customers. Hear about composing an excellent email, using auto responders, and why it's a good idea to assume the best. This episode is packed with ideas for c...
Episode #13: Deborah Fisher and Stacey Trock
February 03, 2014 13:00 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I talk with Deborah Fisher and Stacey Trock about great tools we love. Deborah is the author of Sew Fun: 20 Projects for the Whole Family. She is a doll maker and quilter who co-founded the Bright Hopes Collaborative Quilt Project and Bo Twal, a doll-making project in Haiti. Stacey Trock is a crochet designer. Her company, Fresh Stitches, provides PDF patterns for fun, easy-to-make crocheted stuffed animals. I hope you enjoy the show!...
Episode #12: Gwen Bortner and Stacey Trock
January 20, 2014 13:00 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guests are knitwear designer Gwen Bortner and crochet designer Stacey Trock. We talk about our current favorite things including awesome books, apps, bags, time-saving tools, and other great stuff we think you'll love. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Allian...
Episode #11: Betz White and Claudine Hellmuth
January 06, 2014 13:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I am joined by Betz White and Claudine Hellmuth, two fantastic indie designers and all-around interesting women. We share our top picks of apps, blogs, tools, recipes, subscriptions, and other awesome things we love. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance w...
Episode #10: Stacey Trock and Wendi Gratz
December 23, 2013 13:00 - 54 minutes - 61.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I am joined by Wendi Gratz and Stacey Trock. In this episode we talk about our current favorites in media, apps, tools, books, and other things we're loving that we think you'll love, too. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more abou...
Episode #9: Favorite Graphic Design Tools and Tips with Stacey Trock and Mollie Johanson
December 05, 2013 19:10 - 43 minutes - 49.6 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Stacey Trock of FreshStitches and Mollie Johansen of Wild Olive about our favorite graphic designs tools, tips, and tricks that will make your blog or website look amazing, even if you're just getting started in web design. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft ...
Episode #8: Etsy's New Definition of with Vanessa Bertozzi, Program Manager for Etsy Wholesale
October 10, 2013 17:29 - 34 minutes - 39.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm pleased to present this conversation I had with Vanessa Bertozzi who has worked at Etsy since its inception. One week after the announcement Vanessa and I talk about what prompted the new policy, what it really will entail for buyers and sellers alike, and how it will shape Etsy's future. In early October (2013) Etsy announced a significant policy change: sellers will be allowed to hire staff, have someone else ship their goods, ...
Episode #7: How to Monetize Your Blog with Bjork Ostrom of Pinch of Yum
July 19, 2013 19:50 - 36 minutes - 41.5 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we are talking about one of the most challenging parts of having a niche blog: monetization. My guest is Bjork Ostrom of the food blog, Pinch of Yum. Blogging is wonderfully fun and brings all kinds of rewards in and of itself like making connections with like-minded people all over the world and getting your ideas into the public eye, but creating and maintaining a great blog is also really time consuming. Coming up with fresh cont...
Episode #6: Are Handmade Toys Safe with Dawn Treacher
July 17, 2013 14:03 - 32 minutes - 37.5 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Dawn Treacher of Treacher Creatures about the toy testing requirements in the UK that apply to handmade softies and the process she's gone through the test 14 of her sock creatures for safety. Dawn's toys are truly adorable and our talk raises a lot of important issues for all softie makers no matter where you live. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the con...
Episode #5: Veteran Softie Pattern Designer, Carol Cruise
June 27, 2013 18:04 - 31 minutes - 3.56 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is Carol Cruise, who has had a wonderfully successful career designing stuffed animal sewing patterns for major pattern companies. She is a true veteran in this field and she has terrific advice and stories to share about her journey as a designer. Hear about Quilt Market in the 1980's! Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To ge...
Episode #4: Selling Printed Patterns with BariJ
June 27, 2013 18:02 - 25 minutes - 2.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is awesome sewing pattern designer and surface designer, BariJ. We have an informative conversation about how to get your sewing patterns printed and distributed to quilt shops and sewing centers all over the country. Bari generously shares the ins and outs of design, printing, and distribution. A lot goes into selling print patterns and Bari is an incredible resource. I hope you enjoy our talk! Please note that this show used to be...
Episode #3: Shawn Smith of Shawnimals
June 27, 2013 17:58 - 26 minutes - 3 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is Shawn Smith, the incredible creative talent behind Shawnimals and indie plush company that has had great success. Shawn talks with me about how he went about getting his plush designs manufactured overseas and distributed throughout the United States. I hope you enjoy his story! Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the...
Episode #2: Toy Designer Lauren Venell
June 19, 2013 14:27 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast Lauren and I chat about her experience making large scale plush toys for galleries and clients. We also talk about how to get your toy designs manufactured overseas and distributed in the United States. Lauren is the creative mind behind Sweet Meats, amazing plush meat! Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show n...
Episode #1: Monster Factory
May 02, 2013 18:24 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MBOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is the indie plush company founded by a group of friends, Monster Factory that has a unique business model that's led to incredible success. Their toys are adorable, their branding is admirable, and they are about to launch a set of toys that will be in stores nationwide. Tune in for a fun interview with one of the founders of this awesome company! Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has...