Stephanie is a quilter, mixed media artist and writer living in Baltimore. Her story goes something like this: Five years in art school led to an unfulfilling corporate career and a very sad 10-year creative hiatus. When her inner child said, “Hey, knock that off!” she found meditation and a renewed interest in making stuff. Mindfulness and creativity have become an important part of Stephanie’s day-to-day, and she is always looking for ways to connect the two in fun and meaningful (but mostly fun) ways. She blogs at Creative + Mindful, and you can find more of her quirky brand of inspiration in her Secret Design Portfolio.
At Midwest Craft Con 2017, Stephanie is teaching sessions on Project Management Strategies and Goal Setting that Sticks.
How would you describe yourself in 10 words or less?
I’m quirky, stubborn and super nerdy. But a great listener.
What is your earliest crafty memory?
My mom is a talented seamstress and life-long crafter. I pretty much grew up surrounded by “the making of stuff.” I think I was probably 6 or 7 when I was allowed to use the sewing machine under supervision. It was a great privilege… right up there with scoring my own library card.
What is your favorite thing about the Midwest?
People are so friendly! And the beer and food is great!
What would you be if you weren’t an artist/creative?
An archaeologist. I’m fascinated by history and ancient cultures.
What three things would you recommend to makers?
- I recently read Creating a Life Worth Living by Carol Lloyd. I think it’s a game-changer for makers who need some direction.
- I subscribe to a bunch of great podcasts and listen when I’m driving or cooking dinner: Tiffany Han’s Raise Your Hand. Say Yes.; Vickie Howell’s CRAFT-ish; Elise Gets Crafty; Seamwork Radio; Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood’s CraftSanity; and Abby Glassenberg’s While She Naps podcasts are just a few.
- As for tools, I think a calendar is the #1 thing a crafty business person must have. What kind? It doesn’t matter, as long as you use it!
What are your personal resolutions for 2017?
I’m not a big resolution person, per se. But my ongoing personal goals include maintaining my meditation practice and further simplifying my home/workspace.
What are your 2017 resolutions for your business/professional life?
My 2017 goals are to ramp up my business by offering more online classes and releasing patterns I have in development. Social media consistency also remains a challenge for me. I’m planning on 2017 being the year I get a handle on that!
Stephanie is just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world. She’s really a quilter, mixed media artist and writer living in Baltimore, Maryland. Stephanie’s story goes something like this: Five years in art school led to an unfulfilling corporate career and a very sad 10-year creative hiatus. When her inner child said, “Hey, knock that off!” she found meditation and a renewed interest in making stuff. Mindfulness and creativity have become an important part of Stephanie’s day-to-day, and she is always looking for ways to connect the two in fun and meaningful (but mostly fun) ways. She blogs at 
Midwest Craft Con 