Craft to Career

Artificial Intelligence is one of the biggest conversations happening in the creative world right now, and in this episode of The Craft to Career Podcast, I sat down with Theresa Benson of The AI Quilter to talk about it all. Theresa gives a thoughtful look into the use of Artificial Intelligence as a quilter, artist, and business owner. We talk about the hot topics so many creatives are wondering about, like whether AI steals art, how it impacts the environment, what we can do about it, and how to think through using AI in an ethical and intentional way. And spoiler alert: this conversation is not as one-sided as you might think. If AI feels exciting, confusing, inspiring, or even a little unsettling, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Theresa brings nuance, wisdom, and a balanced perspective to a topic that affects artists and business owners more and more each day. In This Episode, We Talk About: How Theresa uses AI as a quilter, artist, and business owner The concerns creatives have about AI and art theft Ethical questions around using AI in creative work The environmental impact of AI and why it matters What creatives can do to use AI more thoughtfully How to think about AI without fear, panic, or blind acceptance Why this conversation is more layered and nuanced than many people realize Listen to This Episode If You: Feel curious or cautious about Artificial Intelligence Wonder whether AI steals from artists Want to think more deeply about AI and ethics Are trying to decide whether AI has a place in your creative business Want a balanced conversation about technology, creativity, and responsibility Resources Mentioned in This Episode Water Runs Through Everything We Build https://theaiquilter.com/water-runs-through-everything-we-build The Conscious Creative's Guide: AI Tools That Won't Steal Your Soul https://theaiquilter.com/the-conscious-creatives-guide-ai-tools-that-wont-steal-your-soul Thirsty Intelligence Whitepaper https://bit.ly/CostOfAI Ethics & Values Articles from The AI Quilter https://theaiquilter.com/category/ethics-and-values Digital Muse Landing Page https://theaiquilter.com/digital-muse-for-quilters-and-creatives-f25 Digital Muse Product Page https://theaiquilter.com/product/digital-muse-bringing-ai-into-your-creative-process Digital Muse on Amazon https://amzn.to/4rVICfU About Theresa Benson https://theaiquilter.com/about About Theresa Benson Theresa Benson, also known as The AI Quilter, helps quilters, artists, and creative business owners think more carefully and creatively about technology. Her work explores how AI can be used in ways that support human creativity rather than replace it, with an emphasis on ethics, responsibility, and keeping your own voice at the center of your work.

What do felt squares, an old sewing machine, and a spark of creativity have in common? For Michael Eason, they were the beginning of a quilting journey that led him to found Quilchemy and become a respected English Paper Piecing educator. In this episode, Michael shares how he unexpectedly discovered quilting and quickly realized it was far more creative and expansive than he had imagined. Once he found English Paper Piecing, commonly known as EPP, he was hooked. He fell in love with the precision, portability, and endless design possibilities of this hand-stitching technique, and it eventually became the foundation of his business. Michael shares the story behind Quilchemy, the work he does today, and how he helps quilters build confidence and skill with EPP. We also talk about the common challenges quilters face when learning EPP, what makes the technique so rewarding, and where Michael hopes to take his business next. Whether you are brand new to quilting, curious about English Paper Piecing, or looking for inspiration from someone who built a creative business in a unique niche, this conversation is full of encouragement and insight. In This Episode, We Cover: How Michael got started quilting with felt squares and an old sewing machine The moment he realized quilting could be deeply creative and inspiring What English Paper Piecing is and why he fell in love with it How Quilchemy began and how it has grown Who Michael teaches and the common EPP struggles he helps solve What is next for Michael and the future of Quilchemy Connect with Michael Eason and Quilchemy: Website: quilchemy.com Instagram: @quilchemy

When I asked, "Which quilt shop owners do you want to hear from?" Cheryl Sleboda's name was at the top of the list—and after this conversation, you'll understand why. Cheryl is the owner of Muppins Emporium in Paducah, Kentucky, and she's built a brick-and-mortar shop that stands out in a crowded industry. In this episode, Cheryl shares the origin story of her shop, the fascinating history of the building it's in, and how she's used that history to create a memorable brand experience. We also dig into the business side: how she thinks about marketing, narrowing a niche, choosing fabrics and products, and what to consider when buying inventory so it actually sells. If you've ever wondered what it takes to run a successful quilt shop, this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Cheryl got started and why she chose to open a quilt shop in Paducah How the history of her building became part of her brand story Why "narrowing your niche" can be a growth strategy (not a limitation) How Cheryl thinks about marketing and standing out to the quilting community Behind-the-scenes inventory decisions: fabric selection, product mix, and what sells What makes a brick-and-mortar shop worth traveling for Links & Resources Muppins Emporium Cheryl Sleboda on Instagram Listen If You're… Dreaming of owning a quilt shop (or already running one) Curious how destination quilt shops are built Wanting real talk on marketing + niche + inventory decisions Looking for ideas to create an unforgettable customer experience Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @quilters_candy, and don't forget to tag @muppinsemporium so Cheryl can see!

In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I'm joined by Abby Glassenberg, founder of the Craft Industry Alliance — an organization created to help makers, designers, teachers, and creative entrepreneurs build real, sustainable businesses. Many creatives start with a love of making, but quickly discover that success requires much more than talent. It requires education, connections, and support. Abby shares why she created the Craft Industry Alliance, what resources are available (both free and paid), and how makers can avoid common business mistakes by learning from others in the industry. We also talk about the changing craft industry, what opportunities exist right now, and why community may be one of the most valuable business tools a creative entrepreneur can have. Whether you want to publish quilt patterns, teach, design fabric, or grow a handmade business, this conversation will help you understand where to find support and how to move forward with confidence. What You'll Learn Why Abby started the Craft Industry Alliance The biggest struggles creative entrepreneurs face Why business education matters for makers Free resources available to creatives The benefits of joining the Craft Industry Alliance How networking helps grow a creative business What the future of the craft industry looks like About Abby Abby Glassenberg is the founder of the Craft Industry Alliance, a professional organization for craft professionals including designers, teachers, shop owners, writers, and manufacturers. She is also a long-time craft entrepreneur and podcast host dedicated to helping makers succeed in business.

What if getting a degree in design didn't mean writing a thesis—but instead meant building a real, revenue-generating business? In this episode, I'm joined by Carina Gardner, who is doing something truly bold: she's opened her own university. The University of Arts and Design is unlike any traditional university experience. Think of it as a trade school for creatives, where students learn practical, real-world skills—like keeping their books with QuickBooks, pricing their work, and running a profitable business. Instead of writing a thesis for a master's degree, students are required to create and run a business. Carina knows both sides of the academic world. She holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and spent years watching talented creatives hear the same discouraging messages: "You can't earn money as a creative." "Don't study art—you'll just be a starving artist." But Carina—and many of her peers—are living proof that those statements simply aren't true. In this conversation, Carina shares how creatives can build multiple six-figure businesses by selling their art and designs—not by teaching others how to be creative, but by doing the work themselves. This episode is an inspiring look at what's possible when creativity and business come together—with intention, structure, and confidence. In this episode, we talk about: Why Carina started the University of Arts and Design How this model differs from traditional art and design degrees What creatives actually need to learn to earn real income Why running a business replaces a thesis How artists and designers can build sustainable, profitable careers If you've ever loved creating—but wondered how to make it financially sustainable—this episode will open your eyes to a new way forward. 🎧 Come meet Carina and learn all about the university she's built—and the future she believes creatives deserve.