Creative Living Jane Clauss

From Craft Room Chaos to Creative Calm: Organizing Tips and Tricks to transform a messy makers space. 
It's time to clean up your craft room clutter once and for all! Tune in to our latest episode of Creative Living as we tackle the daunting task of organizing a messy makerspace. Professional organizer, Andrea Brundage, joins Jane Clauss to share her expert tips for decluttering, setting up functional storage systems, and establishing routines to stay organized long-term. Learn strategies for overcoming emotional attachments to supplies and discover simple ways to start transforming one small area at a time. We'll also discuss how to host crafting events with friends to use up excess materials. Clear your calendar - you won't want to miss this jam-packed session full of inspiration and practical advice for crafters, artists, and anyone with a chaotic creative space. It's time to turn your craft room chaos into calm!
3:00 - 4:24 - Organizing challenges in creative spaces. Andrea identifies intermingled crafts and clutter as a common issue.
4:24 - 6:05 - Organizing by project. Andrea recommends organizing craft supplies based on specific projects, not just dumping everything together.
6:05 - 7:44 - Decluttering and maximizing storage. Jane and Andrea discuss decluttering unused items and using storage solutions like clear bins and labels.
7:44 - 9:09 - Organizing for "more is more" creatives. Andrea provide solutions for those who prefer having more supplies but want them organized.
9:09 - 10:53 - Maintaining organization. Andrea emphasizes establishing habits and systems for putting supplies back to keep spaces organized long-term.
10:53 - 12:00 - Finding a balance. Jane discusses the challenge of balancing busy lives with time spent crafting and keeping spaces organized.
12:56-13:35 - Declutter craft room spaces by going through supplies and donating, selling, or repurposing unused items. Focus first on craft mediums no longer enjoyed.
15:13-16:09 - Set up organizational systems for craft supplies based on specific projects, not just dumping everything into one space. Use clear bins, cubbies, or other storage with labels to identify contents.
22:28-23:00 - When cleaning and organizing, start with small, manageable tasks of 10-20 minutes that can be completed in one sitting. Set a timer to avoid getting distracted.
25:35-26:09 - Develop habits and routines to maintain organization over time, such as always returning supplies to their designated spaces. Cleaning should not be a one-time effort.
33:08-33:35 - Consider hosting crafting events to use up excess supplies by sharing them with others.
28:32-29:39- Refer to Andrea Brundage's book "Simplify Your Life" for her four questions on decluttering and her strategies for organizing one's space and life.
 

Dive into the sticky and fascinating world of hot glue with our latest podcast episode, featuring insights straight from the adhesive aficionados at Surebonder—pioneers who've been making our crafting dreams hold together for decades.
In this episode, we trace the stringy trails of hot glue all the way back to its inception, appreciating the leaps and bounds made in glue technology. For crafters and makers at every level, this is your chance to understand not just the 'how,' but the 'why' behind the glue that keeps our creations together.
But we don't stop at history. Prepare to have your glue guns at the ready as we explore a treasure trove of applications, from embellishing paper crafts with the perfect bead of glue to stringing together stunning jewelry pieces. We're sharing pro tips on selecting the ideal glue gun and glue type, considering the materials and scale of your projects. Plus, we delve into the world of cordless glue guns and glue skillets, revealing how these tools can turbocharge your efficiency and spark a burst of creativity.
We're all about the nitty-gritty—expect to scribble down notes on Surebonder's specialty glues and how they promise to change your fabric-affixing game. And for those delicate tasks? We've got you covered with techniques that promise a smooth glide over thin papers, eliminating the crinkles and blobs that haunt your crafting dreams.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting to dip your toes into the glittery pool of DIY, this episode is your invitation to broaden your horizons. Surebonder's commitment to innovation suggests that the glue revolution is just getting started, and we're here to give you a front-row seat.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to stick with us as we bond over hot glue. By the end of this podcast, you'll be bubbling over with sticky inspirations to elevate your crafting game to dazzling new heights!
Here are some of the highlights: 
2:56 - 3:34  We learn the story of Surebonder's origins unfolds as Brad Kamins, the founder’s grandson, reminisces about its 1968 inception, detailing the company's evolution into a hot glue manufacturing powerhouse.
6:25 - 6:38  We meet Stephanie Daniel, SureBonder’s marketing guru, she shares a personal anecdote revealing her journey from hobbyist to team member, driven by her passion for their hot glue products.
8:09 - 9:40  The versatility of hot glue is showcased by Stephanie, emphasizing its applications in crafting, especially the need for precision when applying it to delicate materials like paper.
10:28 - 11:03 Jane Clauss explores Surebonder's innovative crafting solutions with a spotlight on their specialty jewelry and fabric glues.
11:35 - 12:45 Stephanie guides crafters on techniques for a flawless hot glue application on thin papers, advocating for fine tip glue guns and controlled trigger pressure to prevent bubbling.
18:27 - 20:09 Brad introduces the glue pot/skillet and shares a pro tip for minimizing stringiness by stirring the glue occasionally to maintain its consistency.
22:34 - 23:21 Learn about the innovative use of Teflon stir sticks, which help manage the flow of hot glue from a pot, ensuring a clean crafting experience.
25:20 - 26:16 Brad gives the virtues of cordless glue guns, celebrating the convenience and freedom they offer for unencumbered crafting.
32:13 - 33:37 Get a glimpse into the future with Surebonder reveals hints at forthcoming innovations such as high-wattage cordless glue guns, expanding the creative toolkit offered to crafters.
33:37 - 34:01 The conversation wraps up with a reminder to follow Surebonder on social media for the latest product updates and mentions that their diverse range of products is readily available at craft and hardware stores, as well as online.
Get crafty with the experts - tune in as we melt down the magic of hot glue! Host Jane Clauss chats with Surebonder about the evolution of this versatile adhesive. Discover pro tips

Join domestic diva Jane Clauss as she chats with industry trend expert, Dawn Evans, from the International Housewares Association to get insights into the latest home and housewares trends They talk about 9 key trend “portfolios” that are being showcased at the Inspired Home Show, including trends focused on entertaining, eco-friendly materials, ease of use, color palettes, outdoor living, nature inspiration, geometric shapes, and wellness. With these insights you can transform your living space into a trendsetting haven!
Throughout the show, Dawn emphasizes how trends are influenced by consumers and the latest trends, shining a light on how our very own preferences and personalities sculpt the marketplace. She spotlights breakthrough innovations that blend elegance with utility, curating experiences that transcend the barriers between indoors and out.
Dawn also notes the importance of global events in shifting design philosophies and the continued desire to create meaningful gatherings and celebrations at home through inspiring new products and technologies.
Skip ahead to the Trends that interest you the most!
1. The Great Entertainers (0:14:59)- Focuses on trends for home entertaining and hosting, including personalized serving-ware and gift-giving.
2. Material Evidence (0:17:13)- Showcases eco-friendly products that merge natural materials with new technologies like aluminum cans turned into pots.
3. All About Ease (0:19:02)- Covers products that make life easier by saving time and effort through convenience and multifunctional designs.
4. Pantone Color Wash (0:20:31)- Highlights the Pantone color palettes and how manufacturers create products inspired by the colors of the year.
5. Fine Lines (0:22:49)- Trends featuring fine, barely-there materials and the merging of beauty and utility in products like countertop espresso machines.
6. The Great Outdoors (0:24:43)- Includes grills, pizza ovens, and products that bring the experience of entertaining indoors outdoors.
7. Second Nature (0:26:09)- Inspired by nature through materials, colors, and themes like underwater motifs and evolving charcuterie boards.
8. The Shape of Things to Come (0:29:06)- Focuses on geometric patterns, rounded shapes, and gold in predicting future home decor trends.
 Thanks for listening. For more Creative Living inspiration just head to JaneClauss.com. 

On this episode of Creative Living, Jane Clauss is chatting with the queen of stitches and stories and the amazingly talented costume designer Amanda Tadaro. She's rocked the theater world with her 100+ productions and has tons to share about costume design magic. We took a little trip down memory lane to where it all started: with a young Amanda perched next to her mom, totally mesmerized by the sewing machine's dance. It wasn't long before she caught the costume bug in high school drama club and—spoiler alert—she never looked back.
For all you dreamers wanting to make a splash in the design world, Amanda’s got you. She’s all about getting your hands thread-deep in experience She's even got some killer tips for the up-and-comers—hint: volunteer to get those skills!
We also got the scoop on how she spun her career into something new when the world went topsy-turvy. So, hit play to soak up Amanda’s savvy on sewing education and sneak a peek at the wizardry that goes into dressing up characters not just for the stage, but for the soul.  Don’t miss out on the gems of wisdom Amanda dropped during our chat.  
So, tune in for a dose of inspiration and let’s keep our creativity cranking!  Ready, set, let's get inspired!
Here are some of the highlights:
3:52 – Amanda talks about embracing the flops and shifts in your creativity. Lead why you should be open to changes, new paths, and experimentation.
11:00 - Dive into how Amanda draws inspiration from the past, studying historical eras and characters for her costume designs.
12:00 - Peek into Amanda’s method for crafting costumes that echo a character's essence, including chats with directors, actors, and mood board magic.
16:00 - Discover the role of costumes in transforming actors into their characters and boosting their performances.
23:00 - Hear about Amanda's dazzling stint on Dancing with the Stars and the contest that spotlighted her designs.
25:00 – Amanda talks about the technical feats and oops moment of Squidward's four-legged costume in the Spongebob musical.
27:00 - Amanda's career swivel during the pandemic: from mask-making to mastering Adobe Illustrator and snagging a fabric licensing deal.
31:00 – Jane and Amanda look at sustainable practices in costume design, like recycling materials, allowing for alterations, and treasure hunting at thrift stores.
34:00 – Learn insight onto how the tech revolution is impacting costume design, and the innovations that are offering new robust sewing machines, light-up fabrics, and pattern projecting with gadgets like Ditto.
37:19 – Amanda gives tips for aspiring designers is to network, volunteer in costume shops, and don’t be afraid to get out there. She says, sketch and mood board away, even if you’re not the next Da Vinci. Portfolios are your golden ticket.
38:47 - The power of friendship and networking in the costume and theater helps to unlock doors to new gigs. Collaborations and referrals can lead to new opportunities.
40:00 - Amanda’s insights on sewing education and the key to stitching up confidence.
42:45 – Why you should build confidence in your sewing skills through practice. Start amping up your sewing game with relentless practice. Zippers got you down? Sew 'em till you own ‘em! 
44:01 – Amanda leaves us with her words of wisdom, don't shy away from cold calls or emails to pitch your skills. The worst you’ll hear is a 'no', but the best could be your next big break!
Huge high-fives to costume designer, Amanda Tadaro. She’s this incredible force in the costume design world, and she’s got stories for days about the magic of theater and fashion. Amanda’s been in the game for ages and has been crafting character looks for over 100 shows!  Thankfully, she dished out some solid gold tips for anyone itching to get into the biz. Amanda’s big on diving right in—volunteer at a costume shop, get your hands on fabric, and just start playing around.
So,

The Art and Business of Being Creative: Balancing Passion and Practicality to Fuel your Creative Career
Jane Clauss takes a deeper dive into creativity not only as a hobby but how to turn it into a successful business. She chats with Sean Low, the founder of The Business of Being Creative, to help creatives navigate and succeed in the business of being creative. 
Check out these featured highlights from the conversation:
2:17 – 5:10 Creativity defined.
Sean defined creativity as "getting lost in the sauce" - embracing not knowing and discovery through the creative process. He emphasizes maintaining artistic integrity while creating work for clients and finding the balance between your vision and their needs.
5:00 -11:00 Creativity, artistry, and business for creative professionals.
Sean shares how he found his path in consulting creatives through helping Preston Bailey and learning from Vincent Wolf. This exposed him to different creative processes and now he can help you with your creative business.
11:02 - 15:31 Prioritizing joy in the creative business.
Sean emphasizes that prioritizing joy in the creative business is learning how it can be your compass. Sean give tips on how to understand your needs and how to price your work properly to avoid that creative burnout.
15:00 – 17:00 Common mistakes creatives make in business.
Sean talks about the difference between being too greedy and self sustaining. Don't how you could get crushed if you're not careful. 
And then, Sean gives us common mistakes people make when starting a creative business; are you a butterfly or a catepillar?
17:20 - 20:31 Starting a creative business.
Sean talks about knowing when it's time to take a side hustle to a full-time job by using positive client feedback and feeling confident in your process. Sean shares his insight on the importance of validation in the design process.
20:01 - 21:52 Defining creative business culture and DNA.
Sean explains how to discover and define your unique business DNA and explains that by knowing your authentic DNA you can better establish a clear business culture. By feeling confident in your DNA you can use that as a way to stand out in a crowd of competition.
25:00 - 31:00 Creativity, business, and self-expression.
Sean supports the idea od redefining the norm while staying flexible - he uses a slinky toy as an example. Sean talks thru the stages of the creative process.
32:00 - 37:00 Wrapping it all up in a smart creative bow! 
Sean shares that his main goal when mentoring clients is for them to be able to think "what would Sean do?" when facing business challenges.
Sean Low is a master when it comes to mentoring creative businesses. He provides invaluable insights into balancing creativity, artistry and business. Sean emphasizes embracing uncertainty and curiosity in the creative process, while also understanding your needs and value as a creative to sustain a joyful business practice over the long run. You’ll be left with thought-provoking perspectives to contemplate as you evolve your own creative path.
Sean's parting message, "Be better tomorrow than you are today and get paid for it."
 

Want to learn the truth about common nutrition myths and how your diet could boost your creativity? Tune into the latest episode of Creative Living with Jane Clauss.
Jane sits down with researcher Brady Holmer to separate fact from fiction when it comes to protein, carbs, fats, supplements and more. You'll be shocked by which "unhealthy" foods are actually good for you.
They also dive into how nutrients like antioxidants may fuel your brain. Brady explains new research on the "mind diet" and how feeling your best through nutrition could indirectly support creativity.
Don't miss this informative and entertaining discussion that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about food. Tune in to get the real scoop on diet from a leading expert and get insider tips for powering your creative potential.

Key moments from this conversation: 
6:56  Protein myths - Protein is not bad for your kidneys or bones and people should aim to get protein from a variety of sources. 
11:32  Carb myths - Not all carbs are bad - complex carbs like whole grains are healthier than refined carbs.
13:42 Fat myths - Fats, including saturated fats, are an important part of a healthy diet and consuming fat does not directly make you fat. 
18:23 Red meat myths - Red meat has been unfairly demonized and moderate consumption is fine for most people.
20:51 Salt myths - Salt intake is generally okay in moderation for healthy individuals.
24:05 Supplement myths - Supplements can be useful to address specific dietary deficiencies or needs but are often overconsumed.
30:43 Creativity and Nutrition - Jane asks Brady if a healthy diet can help one's mind be more creative. Brady talks about research on the "mind diet" which focuses on foods like blueberries, walnuts and fish that are high in antioxidants and compounds thought to promote brain health.  Brady also notes that a healthy diet may promote clearer thinking and more energy/feeling better overall, which could indirectly support creativity. So while the direct link is unclear, Brady suggests a nutritious diet can still positively impact the brain and mental state.
In the end, Brady provided a wealth of information on debunking common nutrition myths and separating fact from fiction. While some long-held beliefs were challenged, the overall message was that balance and moderation are key when it comes to a healthy diet. Rather than eliminating entire food groups, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods and being mindful of nutrients from a variety of sources is most important. While direct links between certain foods and brain health or creativity need more research, optimizing overall well-being through diet is likely to indirectly support creative pursuits as well. 
Biggest takeaway, you learn how nutrition science is an evolving field, and to approach new claims critically. Most importantly, finding an individualized approach based on personal needs and lifestyle was emphasized over strict rules. For more healthy living inspiration go to JaneClauss.com