In Kinship: Recent Episodes
Tina VanDenburg
Hey there, you found the In Kinship Podcast, and I am your host, Tina VanDenburg. I'm a maker and I imagine you might be a maker too, and you stumbled upon this podcast because maybe you want to elevate your life as a maker. In this podcast, we're gonna explore the idea of living a vibrant, fully awake life as a person who loves to create things.Do you have to be a maker to have a fully awake, vibrant life? No. No, you don't. But there are some of us out there who love to create with our own two hands, create things like clothing or spoons or canned jam, or any number of things. And we want and crave an intentional life full of the things that make us feel alive and vibrant.And this podcast is for us. This podcast is to explore what it looks like and also explore how to live really intentionally beyond just making, but also in making a life, right?!? So choosing what you bring into your life, choosing how you spend your time, choosing your mindset, all of that. We're gonna explore all of that.It's gonna be a journey. We're also going to explore what it is to master your craft and what it is to bring intentionality into what you're making, and less, umm... frenzy, perhaps. I am so glad you're here to join me for this journey. You can expect two podcasts a month dropped on Tuesday. There'll be a combination of me sharing my insights and thoughts and how-tos, and there'll be interviews with other makers out in the world..People you might know, people you might not know, but people who are living really authentically and intentionally and in their truth. And I am so excited you're here. Be sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast service so that you don't miss any episodes. Let's get started.
My guest today, Kristina Rogers, shares her sweet, intention life in San Miquel, Mexico and 4 ways in which you may experience your intuition.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Today's guest, Liz Murphy is one of those you eagerly follow online (she was a knitting pattern designer and shared her family's homesteading journey) and feels like you know her in real life.
In fact, even though she doesn't know your name, you're pretty sure she's one of your dear friends, she just doesn't know it yet! At least that's what happened to me! (is that sketchy? ;-)
Over a year ago, Liz announced online that, to her very own surprise, she was shifting gears from designer knitting patterns and into offering mediumship readings.
Her email was grounded and heart-centered and I remember reading it in awe of her bravery.
Shortly after I booked a reading and had an experience that I can't logically explain. We talk a bit about it on the show!
We also talk about how Liz and her family live a life different than most and how allowing herself to shift gears and pivot when it feels right have given her a life she loves.
mediumlizmurphy.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Intentionality. And if there's one thing that my guest on this episode has in spades, it's intentionality!
From her self-built, off-grid tiny house compound (her words!) to her work as a textile artist, clothing and sewing pattern designer, and garment construction instructor, Ann Tilley lives in her values and on her own terms and she's a joy to behold!
Listen in as we talk about building a tiny house on wheels, the why of it and how it feels to live in it, what it's like to have solar power and what drives the desire to both live small and sustainably, as well as about beekeeping and sewing clothes and embracing life on our own terms.
Give it a listen!
Mentioned in the podcast:
Those magic pants!
- Ann's Website
- YouTube
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
I'm over the moon that I got to talk with Sarai Mitnick, of Seamwork!
Years and years ago, as a pretty new garment sewist I found Colette Patterns and promptly devoured the Colette Sewing Handbook.
It was the intention and depth in that book, not just in the technical aspects but on the mindfulness around wardrobes and choices that struck a deep chord in my own soul and I began a journey of mindful making and learning to show up in the world fully and authentically myself.
That book was a gateway.
I've been following Sarai online for many years and I'm thrilled I got talk with her on the podcast.
Her personal project Making Time, a substack newsletter, has the same depth and thoughtful conversation that you'll find in this episode on the podcast.
Sarai shares how she structures her day to give herself the most grounding and ease, the ways in which she gives herself grace to simply be herself and how there really isn't a finish line. We even find a wee bit of time to talk about making things and what she's excited to work on.
Give it a listen!
Sarai Mitnick
Sarai is the founder of Seamwork, a Creative Sewing Platform that helps you to design and sew your own wardrobe. She's the author of a bestselling sewing book, the host of the Seamwork YouTube channel, and co-host of the Seamwork Radio podcast. Sarai's been helping people to sew for 15 years, and loves to share the joy of this versatile craft. She lives in rural Oregon with her partner Kenn, her dog Lucy, and two mischievious felines named Rusty and Duke.
Links:
Seamwork: https://www.seamwork.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/seamworkvideo
Podcast: https://www.seamwork.com/podcast
Making Time (personal newsletter): https://makingtime.saraimitnick.com/
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Have you always wanted to talk to a Burlesque dancer? Me too!
I met Kellita last year at a virtual event and was immediately drawn to her spark and playfulness.
As a five-time finalist at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, she's had a lifelong journey in dance, but also in finding her soul and our conversation did not disappoint!
We talked about living fully alive and witnessed, diving deep into the concept that to perform (or live, really) fully embodied, make it feel good to YOU! And that resonance will allow others to feel good too!
Take a listen!
You can find her online at her website, where this took my breath away...
"The most compelling part of burlesque for me is to make the soul and spirit visible via the body.
To make the mind, the heart, the body (the animal self), the soul and the spirit all visible via the body. And to carry and exude that presence and visible essence into all of life."
Or listen to her TEDx talk on the Power of Being Seen.
I had the pleasure of talking with Kellita today about
Kellita Maloof is a Conscious Burlesque Mentor, Teacher Trainer and TEDx speaker lovingly known as the Showgirl Shaman. She works at the intersection of burlesque, attachment, individuation, somatics, autoimmune recovery and soul retrieval. For 20+ years, she's been helping kind, highly sensitive women spaceholders + creatives who've been over-editing, over-adapting and over-giving – and are attracted to dance theater, expressive performance art and glitter – to trust and express themselves with confidence, presence and radiance. Kellita's mission is to support folks in dusting off the fountain of Self-Love that was hiding right in the center of their very own shimmy.
Site :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/
Quiz :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/quiz
IG :: https://www.instagram.com/kellitatheshowgirlshaman
TEDx :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz1-_Y0L4GM&t=5s
22-min Doc :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/doc
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Listen in as I chat with Brook Ann Camper about her course SKIRT SKILLS...from a sewing perspective, but even more deeply from a slowing down, staying curious and taking things one step at a time way of doing things.
www.brooksann.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Listen in as I share how choosing just a wee bit of creativity, instead of rushing through what I usually do, elevated my project! I also share about the free series I did recently...Break the Rules of Sewing.
You can catch the replays for free!
https://courses.kinshiphandwork.com/f/break-the-rules-of-sewing
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Being a beginner at something you already know, seems counterintuitive. But when I was looking to deepen my artistry, reconnect to my mojo, and embrace new ways to do what I love doing, being a beginner was just what I needed.
Learning anew gave me a deeper connection to my craft and a mindset that allows for more curious experimentation rather than rushing to the end product. I highly recommend it!
Give it a listen!
Mentioned in the episode:
Brooks Ann Camper's Skirt Skills
Laureen Nowlan-Card
Episode 18 - with Laureen
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
In this episode, I talk about that space between. Like the time between Christmas and New Year’s or the space between the end of one way of living and the beginning of another and how that space, that pause, can be beautiful and uncomfortable at the same time.
I also share about our move and where we are now physically and emotionally. And about having a great deal of grace with ourselves.
And did I manifest a SLLLOOOOWWW electric hookup?
It’s a good question.
I also share my thoughts for sewing workshops in the new year, my guest appearance on the Sew and So podcast, a new online show I’m putting together, and in mid-January a free workshop to create our intentions for a Vibrant Year!
And finally…I have decided to ground myself back into my making by taking a course on custom sewing!
Sometimes being a beginner again is just what we need to settle back into the next layer of our artistry! I am signed up for Brooks Ann Camper’s Skirt Skills (doors open Dec 30th and class starts January 10th) and I am excited to start it with fresh eyes and see where her methods take me! Want to join me? See all the details here.
Take a listen!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
{w/ Megan Frey}
In this episode I caught up with my dear friend Megan Frey just days before she embarks on her next voyage.
12 or so years ago, I was working at a natural food co-op and Megan hired on to earn some cash for her next adventure. She waltzed in, this tall blond, glowing human with a gorgeous accent and I KNEW we were already friends. And we were.
For this recording I caught up with Megan on the island of Maui (gah! online not, sadly, in person!) where she’s been resting on the land, the ocean ever in view.
For the last decade, Megan has been sailing the world, chasing her dream.
I think of her like a graceful sea bird. Most at home in the winds and water, but from time to time, landing on shore, wings spread and eyes closed, spent and ready to be held by the earth.
On our show, she shares a wee bit of her story; the first place that comes to mind that she’d like to revisit in this wide world she’s criss-crossed by sea, how she chose herself and stepped off a path that was once a dream and what she’s learned about trust and the journey.
In her words…
“And a lot of that really, for me, right now in my life means creating more space for myself. However that looks, whatever feels good for Megan to do, or not to do, even more so, even more importantly, actually, is to do less.
It’s really being honest and checking in with yourself every day. Not just because one day you make this decision and then you, yep, this is the one, and then you just write it out.
That, to me, doesn’t feel authentic either to who I am.
You have to put effort into yourself every day. You can’t just check the box, sign the subscription, or membership, pay for it, and it’s over. This one isn’t signing up for that subscription.”
Take a listen! You’ll be glad you did.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(w/ Ricki Oldenkamp)
Do you know what's better than foraging for fresh wild blueberries while chatting with friends and hoping the grizzly bears have a different spot? NOTHING!
My guest today talks about her love of foraging and kitchen witching as a way to be part of nature, a welcome juxtaposition from her days observing nature in her work as a scientist.
She also shares how she went from living out her "Jane Goodall" dreams to taking a chance and responding to her environment to become a teller of stories. As a self-proclaimed nosey person, Ricki Oldenkamp speaks with passion and joy of her career now as a copywriter and of the honor she feels in hearing, translating, and telling another's story.
Before that though, and in the midst of years of travel, she followed her intuition and took a trip that didn't necessarily make sense, but unfolded beautify, one step at a time.
Take a listen! You'll be glad you did.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
So...you've made a list of what brings you joy and you've been practicing some gratitude every day!
You've thought about your energy flow throughout the day and what your ideal day would look like. You took some tests, read some things and you know yourself and how you operate in flow a bit more.
Then you got clear on the habits and commitments in your life that do not bring you ease and joy and determined what of those you want to cull, delegate or limit.
NOW...we're bringing it all together with our calendars and starting to put some JOY into place. Scheduling it first. Allowing life to flow around the most important things to us.
- Give the audio a listen.
- Get your calendar and to do list and start sorting all this information into what you want more of in your life. While you're at it, add tasks to your to do list that put culling and delegation into motion.
Create a list for daily things, weekly things, monthly things and quarterly/yearly things. These are the things you want to ensure are part of your rhytym. Things like walking, meditating, visiting an art museum, sitting in front of your watercolor paper, live music, a solo adventure, cermonies...you get the idea. Things that will inherently bringing connection and joy into your life.
Now, schedule them!!! Put them in first and honor that commitment to yourself. After all as Dr Edith Egar says, the only person that you will be in a relationship with for your entire life, is YOU!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Today's lesson can be both a YES! kind of lesson and a "oh, but wait, that's too hard" kind of thing! Culling out the things in your life that are not making you happy can be HUGE and can be simple. But, we only have so much time and energy each day and if we commit to all the things, we won't have space for what matters.
So, let's begin!
- Give the audio a listen. (above)
- Make a list (YES, I love lists!) of all of your commitments and daily habits and rate them.
First mark all the the things on your list that excite you. Things you love doing and that are clear yeses.
Next, give the list a critical view and cross off everything that doesn't really need to be done and that can easily be culled away.
Then, look at what's left and determine what does not in fact need to be done by YOU! Be really honest about this and find ways to delegate or hire out these things. (ideas in the audio!)
Finally, turn a really critical eye to what's left. The things that you don't really want to do, but that you feel you have to. Do you REALLY have to? Is there another way to accomplish what this task does? Can it be cut anyway? What story do you have in your mind about what it means about you if you don't do this? Saying no, opens your life up to what you are meant to be doing and how you can stay in joy and ease.
Tomorrow, we'll get out our calendars and start to pull some of things we're learning about ourselves together!
Comment below and tell me what you are no longer doing!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Okay, did you picture your ideal day? Do you have an idea on how your energy flows through the day? Share with me what you've learned! Hit reply, I would be delighted!
Today we're going to talk about the value in finding out more about your personality type and how you operate!
- Give the audio a listen.
- Found out more about yourself through a personality type of test. All four of the links below lead to sites that I have used and liked and that offer a free summary.
Human Design. Maybe you'd like to learn more about what human design is first? Click here)
Myers Briggs Personality Test
Your Astrological Birthchart
The Enneagram Institute
Day 4, we'll talk about saying NO! Yes. We will. And about honestly pruning your life to remove what is not bringing you joy
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
How was day one? Did you write out your list of joyful things? What were you grateful for this morning? Yes, comment below and tell me!
Today we're going to go deeper into thinking about how our energy flows throughout the day and what your ideal/dream day would look like.
- Give the audio (above) a listen. I tried to keep it really short. I REALLY did. But it's 22 minutes! ...What can I say?
- Track you energy through out the day. How do you feel first thing? At lunch time? In the afternoon, the evening and at night? When is your brain the most powerful, when do you like to exercise, when do you like to get hands on?
- After you listen to the guided mindfulness exercise (I call it a meditation in the audio, but really it's more of a mindfulness exercise!) write out what comes up for you and your ideal/dream day. No judgements, no editing!
Day 3 we'll talk about getting to know yourself even more!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
So, today for lesson one.
- Give the audio (above) a listen. (released 8/16/23) It's roughly 10 minutes long
- Start a gratitude practice twice a day. Say aloud one thing you're grateful for and for better success, tie it to a habit you already have, like brushing your teeth.
- Make a list of all sorts of things that bring you joy...don't edit it, let it flow. It could be sunshine on your face, or a project in your hands or a walk with a friend. Set the timer for 10 minutes and free write. Just let it out!!
Day 2 will include a guided meditation and thoughts on your rhythm and natural flow!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Today's episode is about turning on the heat and holding it steady. I once heard Cathy Heller use this water boiling analogy for showing up in life and it stuck with me. So I share it with you today.
Showing up in life, relates to a new program I have coming out and a free 5 day workshop - Finding Your Joy that that is live August 7th.
Sign up here! https://courses.kinshiphandwork.com/f/find-your-joy
I believe, a joyfilled life is your birthright. And living vibrantly is within our reach. And if we can do it together!!! All the better.
As the wise African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this water boiling analogy and have you join us next week!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Emma's links online...
The 7t7 club
Studio 7t7
Youtube
Emma Brassfield
Based in Surrey, UK, Emma Brassfield creates all of the Studio 7t7 items and patterns.
After having her eldest daughter, Emma wanted to find unique gifts and items that you would be proud to give and equally thrilled to receive. After finding a distinct lack of affordable, beautiful and well made items, Studio 7t7 as you see it was born.
Since 2001 she has been creating magical creatures and wonderful characters for film and TV. Her credits include The Batsuit for Batman Begins, Mythical creatures for Harry Potter, Chewbacca for Star Wars, The Flash for Justice League and her most favourite creation: Iggle Piggle for In The Night Garden.
All of the skills she has learned through her adventures during this time have been harnessed into her special creations and sewing patterns.
In 2020, Emma started a Youtube Channel to teach others to sew and to make their own gorgeous gifts via sewing patterns and free tutorials.
Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa and browse the Studio for gorgeous gifts, sewing patterns, tutorials and classes.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(with guest Eliza Wheeler) Once upon a time, a tired and worried mama and her young boy ducked into a bookstore for both a bit of shelter from the storm and for the love of books. While the wee fella fawns over books about fierce dinosaurs and strapping knights with swords, the mama spied a magical book that drew her from across the room.
That book was Eliza Wheeler's children's book Home in the Woods, a story about her own grandma, a story so deeply rooted in her family history that her siblings and cousins acted it out in the woods of their land, and a story that in the telling would, unbeknownst to her, inspire this mama to remember that she is indeed capable.
I'm honored to have Eliza join me on this episode and share the long and winding path that brought that story from her childhood play to that mesmerizing book cover that drew me across the room on a cold day in November.
In our show, she tells of how finally, she had to let go and allow herself to produce next to nothing in a 4 week prestigious fellowship, as the story brewed inside of her. And you'll cheer alongside me when finally it burst forth. And she shares what it is to write a children's book that includes hard topics like death and homelessness and have it speak safely to children in a way that builds empathy and understanding of the world.
Her intention is palpable in this book and it's a joy to hear about that process.
Have a listen!
Mentioned in the podcast
that gorgeous video about the making of the book
her website
Her newsletter Creativi-Tea
Her books
Home in the Woods
Miss Maples Seeds
Eliza Wheeler is an illustrator and author of books for children. Her first picture book, ‘Miss Maple’s Seeds’ was a New York Times best-seller, and her newest book ‘Home In The Woods’ is based on the true story of her grandmother’s childhood experience of living in a tar-paper shack in the woods with seven siblings and their single mom. She has illustrated for numerous books, including the Newbery Honor book ‘Doll Bones’ by Holly Black, and the picture books by Pat Zietlow Miller; ‘When I’m With You, ‘When You Are Brave’, and ‘Wherever You Go’. Eliza was also a recipient of the prestigious Sendak Fellowship in 2017. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, spent 10 years in Los Angeles, and now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
with my guest Cristina Threloff of My Lovely Muse.
Join Christina, from My Lovely Muse, and me as we talk about how we hold onto the memories that made us feel good in a life that is not always easy. And how recreating those experiences in our adult life and can bring so much joy. We also talk about how this dreamy Pisces listens to her body, rests when she needs to and reads! So many books!!
She also shares her business journey from selling on Etsy in her spare time to creating a business selling sustainable housewares and teaching others how to make beeswax wraps and sew things for themselves!
She's inspired me to take more naps and not make ALL the things.
Meet Christina -
My name is Christina and I am the owner and sewist behind My Lovely Muse. I am a mom, wife, and lifelong teacher and learner who loves Star Wars, Real Simple magazine, and canning homegrown food. I’m on a mission to save the planet from fast fashion and other needless waste by teaching DIY eco-workshops and handcrafting quirky, convenient eco-conscious housewares to help prevent the unintentional contribution of waste to our landfills.
Take a listen!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
I strive for that sweet spot. The space between apathy and overcontrol, between sticking your head in the sand and beating yourself up over something, between perfectionism and doing things without a care. It’s a balance. Always. Every day. Every hour. But it’s worth it.
Today I share my ideal work day, why getting to know yourself and working with your energy instead of against it are the first steps in living an intentional, joy-filled life, and how I know when to give myself grace and when to push past my resistance.
I love hearing about how others structure their days and lives to allow for more creativity and more integrity while not tipping over into too much control. That sweet spot!
I love it so much, and I suspect you might too, that it will be a constant companion to this podcast. Exploring what brings joy and vibrancy to another’s life and actionable steps on adding that to our own journeys; in whatever ways feel right.
Share with me your routines, ceremonies, and structures that support you! I’ll share it on the podcast. tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Take a listen!
Mentioned in the podcast
Human Design (I’m a Sacral Generator and it resonates deeply!)
Myers Briggs Personality Test (ENFJ here! What are you?)
Your Astrological Birthchart (I am a sun sign – Aries, rising sign – Taurus, moon sign – Pisces)
The Enneagram Institute (now this shifts and changes for me. ?? But right now I am a 3 with 2, 4, and 8 hot on its heals)
Julie Cameron’s The Artists Way
Sarai Mitnik’s writing on Substack – Making Time
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
...and just because, an update on the Maker's Studio
A huge thank you for the support of our sponsor...Kinship Handwork!
Have you ever dreamed about coming to a sewing retreat? Gathering with other women, talking, laughing, getting deep, and soaking in the spa pool…all while getting creative, learning a thing or two and working with your hands?
I have just the thing for you! This October (2023) we’re meeting for our semi-annual clothing sewing retreat on Mackinac Island in Michigan, US.
The Knit Pants of Your Dreams – Sewing Retreat held Oct 15 – 19
Sometimes, we like to wear pants. And by golly, if those pants fit us perfectly and look professional, have pockets and are comfortable! SOLD. Jump on the link and check it out!
Take me to the retreat page
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(w/ Kitty Wilkin) Living a joyful life on her own terms is exactly what Kitty Wilkin, my guest on the show, is doing. And she's spreading it around...through her work as a quilter (Night Quilter), her internal work that she vulnerably shares, and her open, sparkling heart.
Several years ago, Kitty impacted my life in a profound way...and she didn't even know it. We begin our conversation with me sharing how her ability to stand in a room with 30 other humans and advocate for herself left me in tears, the kind of tears that bubble up like a tsunami and point directly to an internal wound in yourself, and that started a ripple in my life. In fact, I couldn't get through editing this episode without tissues nearby.
We then dive into Kitty's self-growth & creative journey and how she cracked the door open with some "self-ish" sewing under the permission of sewing for her child and several years later has followed her heart and her path to be a more empowered and self-aware human who's not afraid to ask for help, fill her own cup and prioritize pleasure in her life.
And she's done it in the most lovely way.
She pairs her love of quilting and "earning" a block or strip of fabric by doing or experiencing the things she wants more of in her life. Like the summer of adventures, the year she hiked 40 mountain peaks and....the one that stopped me in my tracks...her Summer Lovin' quilt. Kitty couldn't honestly create a quilt that explored what brought her pleasure and helped her bring more of it into her life without including sexual pleasure. We're talking orgasms here.
Kitty shares her journey to self-acceptance and opening up to her own sexuality and how that prompted her to include and earn blocks in that quilt for the orgasms she had over that summer. AND, in an attempt to normalize it and because she's brave and vulnerable, she posted about it on Instagram and even shares how many blocks she earned! Which is so delightful!
"Each yellow inset circle block in my quilt represents an orga$m, and while I certainly won't be sharing photos here :-), I am no longer afraid of talking about it. It was a very good summer, and I feel more secure in who I am, happier, and more joyful having prioritized my s&xual health and wellness." (from that Instagram post)
Now, Kitty has a membership, the Quilt Your Life crew, that's focused on creating positive habits and tying them together with quilting and living more intentionally.
So go ahead...take a listen, you'll be so glad you did!
Get on her email list
Check out her blog & website
Instagram: @nightquilter
Facebook: nightquilter
Pinterest: Kitty Wilkin
YouTube: Kitty Wilkin – Night Quilter
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Perfectionism.
It ought to be a four letter word. You know, one of THOSE four letters words.
It's constricting and such a thief of joy. And no good comes from perfectionism. A bit much? I don't think so.
Now to be clear, striving for excellence and to be better and better and something...that I can get behind. But I feel that's a different thing altogether.
In this episode, I talk about perfectionism and ask you to let it go and disconnect your self-worth from what you can do. Your value is not in how good you are at things. Your value is in who you are.
Take a listen!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(My guest) Anne Morningstar, is a smart, kind, and deep human. And this was the kind of conversation that stretches you. Expands your mind to think with new language and relate it to your own beliefs, and come up smiling.
She shares her journey as a time-based creative and how her classic fine arts training in animation translates to and informs her intentional work with the customer experience on her family's organic farm and her role as a professor of art and design. And how we can limit ourselves with expectations, our own or others.
Midway through she shares this moving exercise that she has her Art and Design students do to start to unearth their mission or purpose. (Yes! An exercise to go deep...perfect! So grab a BIG piece of paper and pencil and then share what you come up with!)
And then, our conversation comes to a sweet and vulnerable end with Anne sharing her heart in her wish for everyone. It's an hour well spent!
Take a listen my friend and let me know what you thought!
Anne Morningstar is a full-time Professor of Art and Design at North Central Michigan College. She is co-owner of Bear Creek Organic Farm and the design mastermind behind the brand. Anne considers herself an artist who designs, and views each aspect of her daily life as a creative endeavor. Her mission as a professional creative is to ensure access to art, design, and creative growth for all.
You can email her directly at anmorningstar@gmail.com
Mentioned in the podcast
Bear Creek Organic Farm
Fredrick Buechner
The Awakened Woman by Dr Tererari Trent
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(with guest) Brooks Ann Camper and I are now best friends. And I dare say, you just might have the same thing happen when you listen to this episode. Brooks Ann embodies so much of why I teach women to sew clothing…letting go of sizing, living a world of your own making where who and what you are is just right and embracing the pleasure of making with your own hands.
I got so much connection from this conversation, but what was truly lovely was how inspired I was to embrace the process even more.
About midway through the show, Brooks Ann mentions that there are two types of makers…process makers, those who make for the joy in the act of making the thing and product makers, those who sew for the joy of the thing they’ve made. I sort of identify as both but probably lean, quite far, towards being a product maker and I look at this other way of doing things and feel a craving to bring more of that into my life.
And it’s not just in my making practice. In my life in general, I’m working towards trusting the path as it unfolds before me and loving the act of going somewhere, anywhere, rather than waiting for the destination to get here, already! And being curious and nimble and SLOW enough to change course when joy is presented to me.
I admire Brooks Ann ability to take opportunities as they appear, without worrying too much about where they will end up, and embracing a slow and curious path. Join her email list – Custom Sewing Love Letters
Take a listen my friend, you’ll be glad you did!
Brooks Ann Camper first learned to sew as an adult working in professional costume workshops. After an internship at Yale School of Drama, and an MFA in Costume Production from UNC, she moved to NYC where she worked as a Broadway milliner for productions such as Wicked and Mama Mia!, and sewing for celebrities from Boy George to Big Bird – including Bernadette Peters, Felicia Rashaad, Kristen Chenoweth, John Lithgow, Sean Combs, The Undertaker, the Rockettes…
When she left New York and started her own business as a custom wedding dressmaker, she began blogging the process as each one-of-a-kind dress was designed and created. She realized that she was getting as much interest from “sewing people” as from “brides” and started teaching her unique methods of custom sewing. She absolutely loves sharing her passion with kindred spirits!
Mentioned in the podcast
BrooksAnn.com
Brooks Ann’s Prep School for Custom Sewing
Brooks Ann’s Couture Bridal Site
Brooks Ann’s Blog – How Fitting –
And her ebook – Figure It Out
Also mentioned:
Camp Workroom Social
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Get your pens and paper ready! Today's episode with guest Corrina Ferguson is chock full of tips for how to get more things done and prioritize self-care.
Corrina is a delight to talk with, just the perfect blend of witty humor and wisdom. She shares the ways she organizes her days so that she has the time to design over 200 knitting patterns, take care of tech editing clients, and walk that new rescue dog!
She has a knit design business, does tech editing for other knitters, and when she couldn't find the co-working space of her dreams to help her actually accomplish her dreams instead of feeling deflated at the end of a non-productive day, she created one. And as a listener, you can check it out for free. Simply email her at support@corrinaferguson.com.
Corrina Ferguson is a Florida-based knitting designer and productivity specialist for
entrepreneurs. She runs a virtual coworking space for fellow creatives, teaching strategies to improve focus and productivity. This lifelong crafter, who also boasts an unreasonable love of math and spreadsheets, is the author of two knitting books and the former editor of Creative Knitting Magazine. When she's not toiling away in Excel, Corrina spends her time trying to figure out how to move to a climate where her main hobbies of baking and knitting sweaters might actually make sense.
Find Corrina online at
corrinaferguson.com and
craftststarstudios.com
Have a listen!
Mentioned in the podcast
Pomodoro Method
Corrina's coworking space (try it for free!)
Mason Dixon knitting (now called Modern Daily Knitting)
Bullet Journals
Asana - project management software
Author Jen Sincero
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Small space living, how do you find room to be creative? I live in a 400-square-foot house with my wee boy and in this episode, I share my tips for being creative and making things in a small space. I also share some exciting news!
I recently purchased an Amish-built building that measures 12 x 20 feet and is going to become the maker's studio of my dreams! I share with you what that will look like and what I hope to do in that space.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(with guest Nicki Sizemore) Do you have a favorite bowl? A bowl that you nestle up in your hands and joyfully spoon delicious food into your eager maw? I do!
Not only do I have a favorite bowl…it’s a locally made large flatish wooden bowl made from the deepest darkest walnut that I purchased at my favorite farm store, but I have favorite spoons.
Like the tarnished silver one with the slight hourglass bowl and rose embossed on the stem that I found at a thrift store. Favorite knives. Favorite copper drinking cups. Favorite cloth napkins that I made from the left over curtain material in my first vintage pop-up trailer love, Shirley.
You get the picture. Do you do that too?
Of course it helps that I LOVE to eat good food. And let’s be honest, good is completely subjective and for me ONLY refers to the fact that it tastes good and brings joy to my senses!
Well, my guest today knows all about that and has been bringing sensual, delicious food into my home for years! Food I joyfully eat in that favorite bowl.
Nicki Sizemore is a three time cookbook author, writer and educator. She writes and publishes the newsletter (and podcast) Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD, where she explores the rituals, traditions, and cultural influences around food, and how they connect us to our minds, our bodies, our spirits, the earth, and our communities.
And I am a fan. I am. The kind that gets a little tongue-tied!
More about Nicki
Nicki Sizemore is a writer, cookbook author and educator. As a trained chef, she spent two decades in the food industry, working as a recipe developer, food stylist and producer. She’s the author of three cookbooks and is the publisher of the blog, From Scratch Fast. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Eating Well, Fine Cooking, and others. Connect with her on social media @nickisizemore.
A huge thank you for the support of our sponsor...Ricki Oldenkamp Marketing
For listeners of the podcast Ricki has a sweeter-than-a-caramel-macchiato offer for anyone wanting to dip their toes into working with her. She’s offering her Strategy Matchmaker Session, normally $250, for only $97 for the first 20 people to take advantage of the offer. (get more info here)
www.rickioldenkamp.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
(with guest Carol Johnson) You want space to make things? Set boundaries.
(It's so ironic, but true...create a container to give yourself freedom)
My guest today, Carol Johnson, is a maker; primarily a clothing sewist, but also as a cook and gardener. In our conversation today we talk about fast fashion, how her Mom made ends meet by being a creative maker, why she sews clothes now, how she shows her love to people and what she wishes we all knew.
And boundaries Learn how Carol finds space to make things.
We laugh about why she stopped sewing clothes many years ago and she tells us why she picked it back up and gives us a peek into her journaling practice. Prepare to be moony eyed!
A word from Carol - We are all makers! My goal and greatest joy as a maker is to become comfortable with myself and allow those around me to be comfortable with who they are and give them the confidence to seek new knowledge and explore the unknown. I hope to provide them the roots to find refuge and feel grounded when needed. And always a reason to stay and find joy in the present. It doesn’t matter what kind of maker we are, just remember to enjoy the entire journey.
Hey! Do you know of someone who would make a great guest on the show? (maybe you?)
Email me tina@kinshiphandwork.com
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
My guest Mindy Taylor shares her story of finding her sense of belonging, along with her name, on today’s podcast.
As well as what it is to be a maker when you’re not actually making. What she wishes all people knew about themselves and why telling our stories and hearing others stories is so important.
Mindy Taylor, my guest on today’s episode, is a mother, wife, sister and blessed friend, in addition to being a maker. Creating connection and community with folks is her passion. You can follow her upcoming blog at midwiferytovoice.com
Books mentioned in the podcast
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
A huge thank you for the support of our sponsor...Brooks Ann Camper
Brooks Ann Camper and her Prep School for Custom Sewing are offering
In Kinship listener’s 10% off her ebook…”Figure it out, a guide to padding a dress as your body double”
You can use the code INKINSHIP when you check out. While you’re there, look at Brooks Ann’s custom sewing e-courses and her blog “How Fitting!”! https://brooksann.com/
www.brooksann.com
Instagram @brooksanncamper
Learn more about Brooks Ann!
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
BUT, I have a flint and steel in my go bag just the same!
This episode explores how I came to start my business, and what prompted the craving inside of me for a community gathering where we work with our hands and laugh and bond. OTHER than post-apocalyptic movies!
I also talk about what's in my go bag and why I'm still miffed at that one season of being a Brownie.
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
A sacred ceremony for looking back at 2022 and dreaming of 2023First of all…
get your A Vibrant Life workbook in the show notes..
And then, if you're listening to this at the release time, register for our live gathering on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023. It’s at noon (est).
Okay.
Now that that is done, this episode is all about why I relish in taking the time to reflect on the year gone by and dream of the year to come. I set the stage with candles, pretty rocks, meaningful objects, a soft cushion, my notebook and a HOT beverage that brings a smile to my lips.
Make it sacred.
Maybe, do it with a circle of friends?!
Either way…
- begin by listening to the podcast episode
- download the workbook and register for the live gathering
- give yourself some space, even 30-60 minutes, to go through the workbook
- join us on Tuesday, January 24th for a live zoom gathering!
As mentioned in the podcast
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
Do Less by Kate Northrup
The Boulders, rocks, pebbles, sand story in a great short illustrated story. (where you can see I’ve taken quite a lot of literary license with the original story!!
A huge thank you for the support of our sponsor...Tip of the Mitt Fiber Fair
An annual event since 2014, the Tip of the Mitt Fiber Fair takes place this year at the Emmet County Fairgrounds in Northern Lower Michigan on June 3 & 4, 2023. The fair features fiber animals, workshops, demos and of course fantastic vendors!
www.tipofthemittfiberfair.com
@tipofthemittfiberfair on Instagram
Tip of the Mitt Fiber Fair or @mittfiberfair on Facebook
Check them out here
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
How I got started making clothing... hint, it WASN’T from my seamstress Grandma. Sadly.
Mentioned in the podcast...
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
tina@kinshiphandwork.com
Hey there, you found the In Kinship Podcast, and I am your host, Tina VanDenburg. I'm a maker and I imagine you might be a maker too, and you stumbled upon this podcast because maybe you want to elevate your life as a maker.
In this podcast, we're gonna explore the idea of living a vibrant, fully awake life as a person who loves to create things.
Do you have to be a maker to have a fully awake, vibrant life? No. No, you don't. But there's some of us out there who love to create with our own two hands, create things like clothing or spoons or canned jam, or any number of things. And we want and crave an intentional life full of the things that make us feel alive and vibrant.
And this podcast is for us. This podcast is to explore what it looks like and also explore how to live really intentionally beyond just making, but also in making a life, right?!?
So choosing what you bring into your life, choosing how you spend your time, choosing your mindset, all of that. We're gonna explore all of that.
It's gonna be a journey. We're also going to explore what it is to master your craft and what it is to bring intentionality into what you're making, and less, umm... frenzy, perhaps. I am so glad you're here to join me for this journey. You can expect two podcasts a month dropped on Tuesday. There'll be a combination of me sharing my insights and thoughts and how-tos, and there'll be interviews with other makers out in the world..
People you might know, people you might not know, but people who are living really authentically and intentionally and in their truth. And I am so excited you're here. Be sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast service so that you don't miss any episodes. Let's get started.