Artistry and mental health are deeply connected, and few artists embody that truth as gracefully as Ana Bianchi. In this episode, Wendy sits down with Ana to explore how creativity becomes both refuge and revelation. From her lifelong artistic journey to her pandemic-born practice of "color harvesting," Ana shares how paying attention to color, pattern, texture, and quiet moments can anchor us emotionally and mentally.

Listeners will hear Ana's refreshing approach to blending joyful play with deep focus, how she protects her creative instincts, and why art remains one of our most powerful healing tools. Ana also discusses her new book, Color Curious, and the surprising ways it helps beginners and seasoned creatives develop a more intentional relationship with color.

If you've ever wondered how creativity can support your well-being, or how artistry and mental health work hand in hand, this conversation offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty around us.

Follow these links to learn more about Ana and her latest book, Color Curious.

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-global-artist-ana-bianchi-celebrates-color/

Substack/ newsletter about color : ColorCurious.Substack.com

Branding and illustration portfolios: AnaLovesColor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

"Color Curious" is available wherever you buy books: Chronicle Books, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes&Noble, and Target

Whoever orders it, and emails the receipt to colorcuriousbook@gmail.com will be invited to a free online color class Ana will be hosting in January.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Nebraska artist Ashley Spitsnogle invites us inside the rush and calm of live painting—how she prepares for a three-hour "performance," finds flow in front of hundreds of people, and reconnects to purpose after heartbreak. Ashley shares the Florence, Italy moment that convinced her to pursue art, why she writes a "why" before every piece, and the community stories behind her most meaningful works—from memorial portraits to a Cattlemen's Ball canvas that honored flood recovery. If you've ever wondered what's really happening inside a live painter, this episode is your all-access pass.

Follow this link to learn more about Ashley:

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-ashley-spitsnogle-on-art-anxiety-and-healing/

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Wendy shares a deeply personal story of her West Highland White Terrier, Barley. She recounts how Barley joined her family during the "pretty dark days" of her husband Matt's prescription pain medication addiction. Wendy reveals her struggle to care for herself amid the chaos, and how Barley became her "constant loyalty," a unique alpha that helped her survive. She discusses how writing and crafting handmade cards help her process the loss of her beloved companion.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Scrapbooking for mental health isn't just a trend—it's a lifeline. In this heartfelt conversation, Beth Kingston (Kingston Crafts; longtime HSN craft expert) joins Wendy to explore how creativity, connection, and simple printed photos can help us process hard seasons, reduce doom-scrolling, and feel truly seen. Beth shares candid stories from years as a military spouse, why she opens her studio to neighbors and Naval Academy students, and how her "Everyday Stories" system lowers the barrier to memory keeping for busy lives. You'll learn practical ways to spark community through crafting, plus hear about a special 10% listener discount on Kingston Crafts. Subscribe for more conversations that heal through the work of our hearts and hands.

Complete the following form to learn more about Beth Kingston and the many offerings of her creative business, Kingston Crafts.

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-beth-kingston-believes-in-the-power-of-creative-communities/

Learn more about Beth and Kingston Crafts on YouTube - Instagram - Facebook or online at kingstoncrafts.com.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

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https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Discover the powerful collaboration between sisters Heather Kell and Holly Rohring on their new mental health journal. Learn how their unique backgrounds in design and counseling shaped this vital tool, offering a gentle yet effective way to process emotions and find support. This episode unpacks their journey, from childhood creativity to addressing mental health stigma, and reveals how their journal provides a safe space for self-reflection and healing.

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-heather-kell-holly-rohring-and-kell-of-a-plan-release-new-mental-health-journal/

Check out these links to learn more about Kell of a Plan:

Mental Health Collection: https://kellofaplan.com/collections/mental-health
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellofaplan

Holly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitscounselorholly/

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

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https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/

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https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

When national craft chains are struggling, local, independently owned stores like The Scrapbook Haven are thriving by focusing on community. In this episode, store managers Brandy Lewis and Gena Christofferson share how they've cultivated a space where people feel like family. They discuss why crafters of all skill levels, including men, are drawn to the store and its weekend "crops," and how this creative community provides a powerful source of healing, friendship, and sanity in a busy world.

Follow this link for your free information:

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-omahas-the-scrapbook-haven-builds-lifelong-friendships/

Learn more about The Scrapbook Have on Instagram - X - Facebook or online at thescrapbookhaven.com.

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https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Mary Lenaburg shares her powerful story of finding purpose amidst immense suffering. She reveals how her 22-year journey of caring for a profoundly disabled child, navigating a marriage on the brink of collapse, and overcoming personal struggles was transformed through faith, therapy, and creative pursuits. Mary discusses the concept of "redemptive suffering" and how to transition from pain into a gift of sacrifice for others. This episode is a candid and heartfelt conversation on finding hope, learning to love hard, and embracing the imperfect beauty of life.

Complete the following form to download more from Mary – including a favorite recipe that offers more than just food.

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-mary-lenaburg-on-faith-family-and-creative-healing/

Learn more about Mary's journey and how to find hope through hardship by visiting marylenaburg.com.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

In a digital world, the Creative Kindness Foundation proves the power of a tangible connection. Megan Stahlecker, from the Arizona-based non-profit, shares how their organization collects handmade cards from crafters to distribute to millions of people in need of cheer and support. This act of creative giving not only brings joy to recipients but also provides healing and purpose for the crafters themselves, creating a cyclical ripple effect of kindness.

Follow this link to learn how you can share your cards across the world: https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-the-creative-kindness-foundation-shares-handmade-greetings-worldwide/

Learn more about Creative Kindness Foundation on Instagram - Facebook or online at creativekindness.org.

Contact: support@creativekindness.org

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.