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Creativity blooms across generations in this heartwarming episode recorded while traveling in Seattle with my granddaughters Jojo (5) and Franny (7). Surrounded by the Pacific Northwest's lush plant life and buzzing insects, we embark on a ladybug-themed art project that captures the magic of making art with children.

Armed with watercolor paints and paper, we create vibrantly unconventional ladybugs – Jojo opts for a royal purple while Franny chooses sunny yellow. Throughout our painting session, we share delightful conversations about bugs, art preferences, and even a traditional ladybug nursery rhyme from my childhood. The girls offer their unique perspectives, with Franny confidently informing me that ladybugs eat raisins, showcasing the wonderful imagination that children bring to creative sessions.

The project evolves beyond simple painting as we transform our two-dimensional artwork into pop-up creations. Using scissors, glue sticks, and folded paper, we engineer our ladybugs to stand up on their painted leaves and flowers. The process becomes a lesson in spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and problem-solving disguised as play. All the while, the natural conversation flows between us reveals glimpses into their lives – from video games to face painting adventures from previous visits.

This episode serves as a reminder of art's power to connect across ages. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or creative adult with children in your life, I hope this inspires you to sit down for a simple crafting session with the young people you care about. The masterpieces you'll treasure most aren't the physical creations but the memories and bonds strengthened through creative collaboration. Why not gather some basic art supplies and create your own "buggy" adventure today?

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if you trusted your wildest creative ideas and actually built a business around them?

On this special anniversary episode, I'm celebrating one year since the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Brewtifully and reflecting on the incredible journey of transforming an unconventional vision into a thriving creative space. When people ask how I developed this business model, they're often surprised to learn I literally made it up from scratch – no franchise, no template, just a clear vision of what I wanted to create for my community.

The path hasn't been without challenges. Transitioning from full-time employment to entrepreneurship brought sleepless nights wondering if bills would get paid or if my ideas would resonate. Yet the fulfillment of building something authentically mine has been worth every moment of uncertainty. What began as a desire to support local artists and provide a creative haven has exceeded expectations – we're now booked with artists through 2026 and halfway through 2027, attracting creators from across the region.

I share the pivotal role mentors played in refining my vision without dampening it, particularly through our local SCORE chapter. Their expertise helped transform my ideas into a viable business plan while encouraging me to maintain the uniqueness that makes Brutally Made special. This episode offers honest insights about embracing imperfection, taking daily steps toward your dreams, and the power of authenticity over perfection.

Whether you're harboring creative aspirations or simply need inspiration to trust your instincts, this anniversary reflection might be the gentle push you need. Your dreams don't require perfection – they just require you to begin. What creative vision are you ready to bring into the world?

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Creativity becomes a powerful healing journey in this intimate conversation with Bryan, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant whose miniature dioramas transform military experiences into art. After 22 years of service, nine deployments, and multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Bryan discovered that crafting detailed miniature scenes offered both creative fulfillment and therapeutic relief from PTSD.

What began as a way to honor Medal of Honor recipients he personally met evolved into a passionate artistic practice. Bryan shares the meticulous process behind his creations—from scratch-building his early works to embracing 3D printing technology, while maintaining his commitment to authentic details in uniforms, equipment, and environments. Each model tells a specific story, whether commemorating fallen comrades, recreating battlefield moments, or playfully transforming their French bulldog into "Boba Thor."

Tracy, both podcast host and Bryan's wife, offers unique insights into how this artistic outlet has helped him process military experiences and emerge from his shell. The exhibition at Brewtifully showcases not just his 22 models and selection of bonsai trees, but also represents the healing power of creative expression for veterans.

For those inspired by Bryan's journey, he's teaching a model painting workshop on September 29th and welcomes commission requests. Don't miss viewing his remarkable work in person or through the YouTube slideshow—each piece bridges military experience with artistic expression in profoundly moving ways.

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A single tick bite in July 2023 changed everything. What began as a hopeful retirement transition into full-time artistry and business ownership has evolved into an unexpected battle with chronic pain and debilitating joint inflammation.

When I woke up one morning unable to move my neck, then months later found myself completely immobilized with swollen hands and wrists, my world turned upside down. The diagnosis finally came: stage four long-term Lyme disease. For someone whose livelihood and passion depend on the ability to hold a pen, paintbrush, or knitting yarns, this revelation was devastating. How do you continue creating when your hands—your primary tools—betray you?

The journey has been humbling. From the initial misdiagnosis (just need a new pillow!) to the parade of specialists, treatments, and testing, I've learned that our bodies can change our plans in an instant. Yet through it all, I've discovered the power of persistence, the importance of community, and the absolute necessity of transparency. Behind every smile in my store lies a story of morning medication rituals, compression gloves, and the constant negotiation between creative ambition and physical limitation.

My experience offers a crucial lesson: if you're ever bitten by a tick, don't wait for the bullseye rash. Push for immediate testing and treatment—it could save you years of suffering. As I navigate this unexpected chapter while preparing for my daughter's wedding and my husband's art exhibition, I'm learning to redefine success and embrace a new normal. Have you ever faced an unexpected health crisis that threatened your dreams? How did you adapt when life threw you its cruelest curveball?

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Ever wondered how artists can honor each other's work while still sharing techniques with new audiences? Dive deep into the transformative power of ethical collaboration as we explore what happens when creators support each other with integrity and purpose.

Through my recent partnerships with artists like Natasha Smart and Ali Kay, I've witnessed firsthand how respectful collaboration creates ripple effects throughout the creative community. When Natasha graciously allowed me to teach her wet felting techniques in my U.S. studio, every student received her book and joined her private Facebook group—ensuring her work reached new admirers while maintaining her connection to the process. Similarly, Ali’s Fresh Paint approach has empowered countless beginners to discover their artistic voice, inspiring me to develop simplified techniques that make painting accessible to younger students without expensive materials.

These partnerships reveal an often-overlooked truth: ethical collaboration strengthens the entire creative ecosystem. By recommending original artists' preferred suppliers, maintaining memberships in their groups, and properly crediting their influence, we support multiple small businesses while honoring creative origins. The real magic happens when someone learns something they never thought possible—watching that transformation is why I'm planning a multi-day creative retreat next year in Ohio, bringing together diverse artists to share their unique perspectives in person. Whether you're into wet felting, fiber arts, painting, or sculpture, there's something incredibly powerful about learning directly from passionate creators who want to see you succeed.

Ready to explore collaboration in your own creative practice? Reach out to artists you admire, maintain transparency about your intentions, and find ways to ensure they're properly compensated for their knowledge. Follow along on social media or visit Brewtifully.com to see our upcoming classes, including more wet felting in October and our new after-school programs. Whatever your creative journey, remember that meaningful partnerships can open doors you never imagined possible!

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Stepping outside your comfort zone might be the best business decision you'll ever make.

Have you ever felt the pressure to find your perfect niche and stick with it? That nagging voice telling you to specialize, specialize, specialize? In this refreshingly honest episode, we challenge that conventional wisdom and make a compelling case for embracing an eclectic approach to your creative business.

From the celebration room that hosts birthday parties to after-school programs and homeschooling activities, Brewtifully has deliberately diversified its offerings to serve different segments of the community. This episode unpacks why this approach works and how it creates multiple touchpoints for people to connect with your business.

The fear of branching out often paralyzes us—what if it doesn't work? What if we seem unfocused? We tackle these concerns head-on and offer practical advice for testing new ideas without significant financial investment. Start small, gauge interest through signups or polls, and give yourself permission to explore.

At the heart of any successful business is genuine care for the people you serve. Whether you're teaching an art class or selling a product, customers want to feel seen, heard, and valued. This customer-centric approach, combined with a willingness to diversify and admit you're still learning, creates an authentic business that continues to evolve.

Ready to break free from the constraints of a single niche? This episode is your permission slip to explore new avenues and embrace the beauty of an eclectic business model. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of creative entrepreneurship!

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What happens when you trade a corporate career for a paintbrush and an empty storefront? In this heartfelt episode, I'm recording from inside my art studio, surrounded by the floor-to-ceiling mural I painted when opening Brewtifully nearly a year ago.

The transition to full-time artist and studio owner has been a beautiful whirlwind. Morning kids' camps filled with young artists exploring without boundaries. Podcast appearances sharing my journey and techniques, from traditional mediums to augmented reality art using the Artivive app. A collaboration with Goodwill at the Pro Football Hall of Fame fashion show, helping people personalize jean jackets and discover their creative voices. These experiences have reinforced why I created this space – to help others express their individuality through art.

Growing up with a common name I could never find on personalized souvenirs taught me the importance of self-expression. Being reprimanded in school for holding scissors "incorrectly" (the way my mother taught me) showed me how creativity can be stifled by arbitrary rules. These experiences shaped my studio's core philosophy: there's no wrong way to create if it works for you. Mistakes aren't failures – they're essential discoveries on the path to finding your artistic voice.

As I approach my studio's one-year anniversary on September 12th, I'm filled with gratitude, seeing people already booking holiday events months in advance, eager to create meaningful memories in this judgment-free environment. What started as retirement has become a renaissance, a space where creative exploration is celebrated and individuality is cherished.

Have you been wanting to explore your creative side?

Whether you're local or listening from afar, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace your unique artistic voice, however it chooses to express itself.

The Foundry - Tantau Studios

Viviva Color Podcast Episode

Wishes Can Happen

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Taking a leap of faith and diving into full-time creative entrepreneurship marks the beginning of this raw, honest conversation about pursuing your passions. After leaving a steady paycheck behind, I've jumped headfirst into running my art studio full-time and launching my very first children's art camps.

The joy of watching toddlers discover art materials for the first time has been nothing short of magical. These little ones arrive each morning bursting with excitement, ready to sculpt self-portraits in air-dry clay, adding new elements daily from facial features to personal touches reflecting their interests. Though smaller than anticipated, this intimate group has created the perfect environment for genuine creative exploration. The ripple effects extend beyond our studio sessions, with parents reporting hours of continued artistic play at home.

What's truly surprised me is how far people will travel for authentic creative experiences. Students drive from counties away to participate in workshops, families plan special trips centered around visiting the studio, and social media connections bring in new creatives seeking community. This widespread interest has validated my decision in unexpected ways, as has being selected as an animator for Toronto's Winter Wonderland exhibit and being invited to speak about establishing yourself as an artist. These opportunities simply weren't possible when my energy was divided.

The transition hasn't been without challenges - it's simultaneously "scary and exhilarating and demanding and stressful" - but the fulfillment outweighs the fear. If you've been hesitating to pursue your own creative calling, consider this your sign to take that first step. Even dedicating just a few minutes daily to what you love can nurture that passion and potentially transform your life. Life truly is too short to postpone joy. Follow along on social media to see our studio adventures and perhaps find the inspiration for your own creative journey.

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