In this episode of Creative Living, host Jane Clauss sits down with renowned floral artist and author Layla Robinson for an enchanting conversation about the art of dried flowers. Layla shares how she transforms foraged and homegrown blooms into vibrant works of art that last for years, bringing the beauty of nature indoors season after season. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or simply curious about refreshing your space with sustainable creativity, you'll pick up practical tips, inspiring stories, and heartfelt encouragement to try something new. It's a colorful, uplifting episode that proves creativity can bloom forever… and so can your imagination.

Check out this timecode breakdown so you can skip ahead to the parts you're most intersted in... although honestly, every minute of this conversation is worth it!

0:00:00 – 0:01:36 Setting the Creative Tone: An Invitation to Everyday Making
The episode opens with Jane Clauss sharing her philosophy of everyday creativity and how dedicating even one hour a day can enrich your life. She introduces renowned floral artist Layla Robinson, author of Everlasting Blooms, and sets the tone for a conversation focused on making creativity approachable for everyone, no matter their skill level or medium.

0:03:43 – 0:05:04 From Fresh to Forever: Layla's Creative Shift
Layla reflects on her early days running a fresh-flower business and how she discovered the beauty and practicality of dried florals. She explains why dried arrangements captured her heart offering longevity, emotional resonance, and the ability for her work to be appreciated long after it's made. This segment lays out the "why" behind her transition from fresh blooms to forever florals.

0:06:08 – 0:10:50 Inside the Process: Drying Techniques & Troubleshooting
Layla breaks down her detailed process for drying flowers while preserving their color and natural movement. She shares clear advice on when to harvest, how to create ideal drying conditions, and ways to avoid common pitfalls such as brittleness and mold. Practical tips for storing and organizing blooms at home or in a studio give listeners actionable steps to start experimenting.

0:12:37 – 0:16:02 Tools of the Trade: Simple Supplies & Sustainable Practices
Layla outlines the approachable toolkit needed for dried floral art using secateurs, wire cutters, floristry scissors, and simple wires showing how accessible this craft truly is. She also highlights her sustainability mindset, from organic growing to minimizing waste, and how dried arrangements can be reused or enjoyed for years, blending eco-friendly values with creative expression.

0:19:40 – 0:26:46 Inspiration Blooms: Versatility, Beginners' Tips & Creative Confidence
In this uplifting segment, Layla recommends starter-friendly florals like straw flowers, shares honest stories about learning through trial and error, and offers tips for sourcing materials even without a garden. She connects dried florals to broader creative disciplines, inspiring painters, textile artists, and makers of all kinds. Her insights encourage listeners to experiment freely and embrace the emotional connection that comes from working with nature.

"Once you've opened that door, it's like opening onto a magic world that is so vast and such good fun…it's just the most rewarding, beautiful thing to get into... Once you've got it, you've got it for a lifetime." — Layla Robinson

Layla's new book is called Everlasting Blooms: 30 Floristry Projects to bring the magic of dried flowers into your home.

Sarah Hurley Inspires Creativity & Strategy in this Episode of Creative Living

Feeling stuck in your creativity? This episode of Creative Living is your permission slip to break out of the "I'm just a…" mindset and start building something bold. Jane Clauss chats with creative entrepreneur and trend forecaster Sarah Hurley, who shares her no-fluff wisdom on turning passion into profit and doing it with confidence.

As Sarah Hurley beautifully puts it, creativity is 'freedom… a moment to 'mess around with paints and glitter and pretty things and try stuff out.' This powerful, open-hearted spirit sets the tone for this inspiring conversation.

From overcoming imposter syndrome to embracing industry trends without losing your spark, this episode is packed with strategies, inspiration, and that little creative kick you didn't know you needed.

You'll learn how to:

• Use trends to your advantage (without selling out)
• Push past doubt and show up boldly
• See the creative industry as wide open not walled off

Building, reimagining, or simply soaking it all in, this episode hits refresh on your creative spirit.

'Creativity is freedom' @SarahHurley drops the most inspiring definition of what it means to be a creative entrepreneur. Listen to the full podcast now.

Want to skip around or jump straight to the good stuff? Here's your handy timecode breakdown because we love making it easy for you. You're welcome!

[0:00:10 - 0:02:21] Defining the Creative Industry

Overview: Sarah Hurley breaks down the misconception that the creative industry is a narrow field. She explains that creativity spans multiple industries like greeting cards, party supplies, and stationery. Creatives often limit themselves by saying "I'm just a..." when in reality, their skills can translate across numerous sectors. The key message is to see creativity as a broad, interconnected landscape with endless possibilities for growth and innovation.

[0:12:07 - 0:15:46] Overcoming Creative Business Hurdles

Overview: Sarah discusses the common challenges creatives face when turning their passion into a business. She emphasizes that most creatives start from a hobby perspective, which differs from traditional business planning. The focus is on shifting mindsets from "I'm just..." to "I am an entrepreneur." Sarah provides strategies for goal-setting, including defining specific revenue targets and breaking down larger objectives into manageable steps to prevent overwhelm and build confidence.

[0:34:55 - 0:36:04] Sustainability: Beyond a Trend

Overview: Sarah declares sustainability is no longer just a trend but a fundamental way of doing business. She notes that manufacturers are now transparently discussing their eco-friendly processes and packaging. The conversation highlights that sustainability has evolved from simply slapping an eco-logo on a product to a comprehensive approach of understanding and implementing environmentally conscious practices across all business operations.

[0:41:35 - 0:42:22] Breaking News: Hurleywood Studios Launch

Overview: Sarah announces the launch of Hurleywood Studios, her third business venture focused on content development. Planned for launch in September/October, this new studio represents the exponential growth of her content-based business. She revealed the initial launch at the License and Expo in Vegas, expressing excitement about the upcoming projects and the studio's potential.

[0:43:36 - 0:44:26] Creativity as Freedom

Overview: When asked what creativity means to her, Sarah succinctly defines it as "freedom." She describes creativity as an escape at the end of the day, a moment to experiment with paints, glitter, and materials. The discussion concludes with her powerful message that it's never too late to start pursuing creative dreams, emphasizing that the best time to start is right now.