Wendy Crafts

Artistry and Mental Health: Finding Healing Through Color

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 [http://colorcurious.substack.com/] Branding and illustration portfolios: AnaLovesColor.com [http://analovescolor.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/ "Color Curious" is available wherever you buy books: Chronicle Books, [https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/color-curious] Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Color-Curious-Inspiration-Around-Design/dp/1797236156?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2], Bookshop.org [https://www.amazon.com/Color-Curious-Inspiration-Around-Design/dp/1797236156?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2], Barnes&Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/color-curious-ana-bianchi/1146793436], and Target [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/color-curious-ana-bianchi/1146793436] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] - Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] and online at wendycrafts.co [http://wendycrafts.co]. https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] https://wendycrafts.co This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://twobrotherscreative.com/].

Painting & Purpose: Ashley Spitsnogle on Art, Anxiety, and Healing

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] - Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] and online at wendycrafts.co [http://wendycrafts.co]. https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] https://wendycrafts.co This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://twobrotherscreative.com/].

Letters to Barley: A Dog's Role in a Family's Darkest Days

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] - Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] and online at wendycrafts.co [http://wendycrafts.co]. https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] https://wendycrafts.co This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://twobrotherscreative.com/].

Make, Don't Scroll: Scrapbooking for Mental Health with Beth Kingston

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@KingstonCraftsonHSN] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kingstoncrafts] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kingstoncrafts/] or online at kingstoncrafts.com [http://kingstoncrafts.com]. Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] - Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] and online at wendycrafts.co [http://wendycrafts.co]. https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] https://wendycrafts.co This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://twobrotherscreative.com/].

Unpacking Mental Health, Creativity, and a New Journal

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 [https://kellofaplan.com/collections/mental-health]Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellofaplan [http://www.instagram.com/kellofaplan] Holly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitscounselorholly/ Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] - Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] and online at wendycrafts.co [http://wendycrafts.co]. https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube] https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/] https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/] https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley [https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley] https://wendycrafts.co This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://twobrotherscreative.com/].