Artificial Intelligence is one of the biggest conversations happening in the creative world right now, and in this episode of The Craft to Career Podcast, I sat down with Theresa Benson of The AI Quilter to talk about it all.

Theresa gives a thoughtful look into the use of Artificial Intelligence as a quilter, artist, and business owner. We talk about the hot topics so many creatives are wondering about, like whether AI steals art, how it impacts the environment, what we can do about it, and how to think through using AI in an ethical and intentional way.

And spoiler alert: this conversation is not as one-sided as you might think.

If AI feels exciting, confusing, inspiring, or even a little unsettling, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Theresa brings nuance, wisdom, and a balanced perspective to a topic that affects artists and business owners more and more each day.

• How Theresa uses AI as a quilter, artist, and business owner
• The concerns creatives have about AI and art theft
• Ethical questions around using AI in creative work
• The environmental impact of AI and why it matters
• What creatives can do to use AI more thoughtfully
• How to think about AI without fear, panic, or blind acceptance
• Why this conversation is more layered and nuanced than many people realize

• Feel curious or cautious about Artificial Intelligence
• Wonder whether AI steals from artists
• Want to think more deeply about AI and ethics
• Are trying to decide whether AI has a place in your creative business
• Want a balanced conversation about technology, creativity, and responsibility

Water Runs Through Everything We Build
https://theaiquilter.com/water-runs-through-everything-we-build

The Conscious Creative's Guide: AI Tools That Won't Steal Your Soul
https://theaiquilter.com/the-conscious-creatives-guide-ai-tools-that-wont-steal-your-soul

Thirsty Intelligence Whitepaper
https://bit.ly/CostOfAI

Ethics & Values Articles from The AI Quilter
https://theaiquilter.com/category/ethics-and-values

Digital Muse Landing Page
https://theaiquilter.com/digital-muse-for-quilters-and-creatives-f25

Digital Muse Product Page
https://theaiquilter.com/product/digital-muse-bringing-ai-into-your-creative-process

Digital Muse on Amazon
https://amzn.to/4rVICfU

About Theresa Benson
https://theaiquilter.com/about

Theresa Benson, also known as The AI Quilter, helps quilters, artists, and creative business owners think more carefully and creatively about technology. Her work explores how AI can be used in ways that support human creativity rather than replace it, with an emphasis on ethics, responsibility, and keeping your own voice at the center of your work.

What do felt squares, an old sewing machine, and a spark of creativity have in common? For Michael Eason, they were the beginning of a quilting journey that led him to found Quilchemy and become a respected English Paper Piecing educator.

In this episode, Michael shares how he unexpectedly discovered quilting and quickly realized it was far more creative and expansive than he had imagined. Once he found English Paper Piecing, commonly known as EPP, he was hooked. He fell in love with the precision, portability, and endless design possibilities of this hand-stitching technique, and it eventually became the foundation of his business.

Michael shares the story behind Quilchemy, the work he does today, and how he helps quilters build confidence and skill with EPP. We also talk about the common challenges quilters face when learning EPP, what makes the technique so rewarding, and where Michael hopes to take his business next.

Whether you are brand new to quilting, curious about English Paper Piecing, or looking for inspiration from someone who built a creative business in a unique niche, this conversation is full of encouragement and insight.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How Michael got started quilting with felt squares and an old sewing machine
• The moment he realized quilting could be deeply creative and inspiring
• What English Paper Piecing is and why he fell in love with it
• How Quilchemy began and how it has grown
• Who Michael teaches and the common EPP struggles he helps solve
• What is next for Michael and the future of Quilchemy

Connect with Michael Eason and Quilchemy:

• Website: quilchemy.com
• Instagram: @quilchemy

When I asked, "Which quilt shop owners do you want to hear from?" Cheryl Sleboda's name was at the top of the list—and after this conversation, you'll understand why.

Cheryl is the owner of Muppins Emporium in Paducah, Kentucky, and she's built a brick-and-mortar shop that stands out in a crowded industry.

In this episode, Cheryl shares the origin story of her shop, the fascinating history of the building it's in, and how she's used that history to create a memorable brand experience.

We also dig into the business side: how she thinks about marketing, narrowing a niche, choosing fabrics and products, and what to consider when buying inventory so it actually sells. If you've ever wondered what it takes to run a successful quilt shop, this is a must-listen.

• How Cheryl got started and why she chose to open a quilt shop in Paducah

• How the history of her building became part of her brand story

• Why "narrowing your niche" can be a growth strategy (not a limitation)

• How Cheryl thinks about marketing and standing out to the quilting community

• Behind-the-scenes inventory decisions: fabric selection, product mix, and what sells

• What makes a brick-and-mortar shop worth traveling for

• Muppins Emporium

• Cheryl Sleboda on Instagram

• Dreaming of owning a quilt shop (or already running one)

• Curious how destination quilt shops are built

• Wanting real talk on marketing + niche + inventory decisions

• Looking for ideas to create an unforgettable customer experience

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @quilters_candy, and don't forget to tag @muppinsemporium so Cheryl can see!