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Creativity isn’t a side dish; it’s the main course for building sharper thinking and genuine confidence. We sit down with Madeline, a homeschooled teen who treats art as both a learning engine and a way to find her voice. Together we unpack why open-ended making exercises different mental muscles than subjects with single right answers, and how that challenge translates into autonomy, resilience, and better problem-solving.

Madeline shares how an unschooling mindset lets her master core subjects through formats that fit—listening, researching, reading, then making—while pursuing passions like public speaking and psychology. We talk about facing stage fright through community theater, turning nerves into fuel, and using performance to practice presence, recovery, and clarity. Along the way we link sketching and mindful doodling to focus and memory, and explore the growing movement to “prescribe art” as preventative care. Art for wellness isn’t fluff; it’s a practical tool for stress regulation, connection, and self-knowledge.

We also dig into originality in the age of AI and remix culture. Your voice is the differentiator, and the only way to find it is to make more—try new mediums, accept critique, and iterate. From micron pens to needle felting to movie-inspired projects and holiday ornaments, the studio becomes a sandbox for curiosity and courage. The result is a class culture where friendships form, ideas travel beyond the room, and students feel safe to speak up and stand out.

If you care about youth empowerment, homeschooling, arts education, mental health, or the craft of public speaking, this conversation delivers practical insights and plenty of heart. Listen, share it with someone who needs a nudge to create, and tell us: what’s the next small, brave thing you’ll make? Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation so we can bring more voices to the mic.

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Ever wonder how a single creative pivot can bloom into a multi-venue art business? We sit down with exhibiting artist Rachel Blakney and trace her path from early painting classes to a pandemic-era leap into polymer clay that reshaped her practice and presence in the community. Rachel’s world is rooted in nature—florals, animals, and organic textures—and she brings that love to both canvas and jewelry with moody palettes, crisp outlines, and tiny sculpted details that people can’t stop talking about.

We unpack why acrylic has become her medium of choice over oil and watercolor, digging into dry times, layering, finish, and the confidence that comes with working fast. Rachel explains how black backgrounds and bold lines make petals read like stained glass, and how value mapping helps students and collectors see the structure beneath the beauty. On the clay side, she reveals the process behind her miniature florals and playful food pieces—croissants, cupcakes, and tiny ice cream cones—and how tailoring designs to each venue boosts sales and connection. From bakeries to farms to a bustling mall shop, her location-aware merchandising shows what happens when product storytelling meets audience intent.

If you’re a maker, you’ll appreciate her candid tips on switching mediums, building a cohesive style, and balancing wholesale with direct sales. If you’re a collector, you’ll find out exactly where to shop locally and how to snag her seasonal drops online. We also preview her upcoming classes focused on florals and still lifes, plus an open house where you can meet her in person and see the work up close.

Subscribe for more artist stories, share this with a friend who loves tiny details, and leave a review telling us your favorite medium—acrylic, oil, or watercolor. Your feedback helps us bring more thoughtful, creative voices to your feed.

Rachel’s Clay Cafe- Instagram

Rachelannee on Etsy

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Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com
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Want a clear path from creative spark to shipped product? We’re opening the studio doors and sharing the exact systems that turn sketches into physical goods, classes, and sustainable income. After a burst of community events and a busy month, I’m launching a streamlined Patreon built for artists, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who want practical support without the fluff.

We walk through why a single, creator-first tier keeps things simple and focused: weekly Q&A threads, one recorded monthly session you can watch anytime, and a guided theme that helps you make measurable progress. November dives into print on demand—choosing reliable vendors, setting up drop shipping, preparing files for mugs, posters, and apparel, and bridging traditional art with Procreate so your textures and color stay true on real products. You’ll see the brushes we rely on, the naming and folder systems that save time, and the export settings that prevent expensive misprints.

December zooms in on building class materials that scale: turning an 11x14 painting into a layered, step-by-step Procreate guide you can print or package as a kit. We break down palettes, annotation tips, and layout choices that help students succeed at home or in micro-workshops. Along the way, we share how we blend analog and digital, manage feedback through a private community, and offer perks like a 20% discount in our store and opportunities to guest on the show. The goal is simple: shorten your learning curve and give you a supportive place to launch work you’re proud of.

If you’re ready to move from scattered tutorials to a repeatable workflow, this is your seat at the table. Join the Patreon, bring your questions, and help shape the next themes. Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a creative friend, and leave a quick review so more makers can find the community.

Support the show

Catch the doodles on YouTube

My socials:
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Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com
Instagram: /Brewtifully
Facebook: /brewtifully
TikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandma
LinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer