Milagros Rivera Mixed Media Artist

Meet Milagros Rivera a Mixed Media Artist and Instructor

Milagros Rivera is, at her core, an artist. She breathes life into any material that speaks to her and empowers others through her words and imagery. Mixed Media is her passion!

Milagros is also a business woman, operating The Paper Boutique Scrapbooking Studio in Puerto Rico since 2006. Here, she hosts in-person workshops as well as live workshops and education sessions. You can also shop with her, in-person or virtually.

Her boutique is filled with all the materials you could need to create until your hearts content. You’ll also find her signature stamps which speak to your soul. Follow her on social to catch her lives, listen to her words, be empowered by her art. 

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Milagros Rivera, a mixed media artist living in Puerto Rico, shares her creative journey, how her business came to be, and how she navigated the challenges of hurricane Maria and the pandemic. Milagros shares the importance of being adaptive in business and finding inspiration in her surroundings. She also emphasizes the power of giving and sharing, as well as taking risks and embracing mistakes. Milagros encourages artists to be unique and authentic in their work and highlights the value of in-person connections at shows and events.

Key Takeaways

  • Attending in-person events is crucial for learning techniques, making connections, and seeing products up close.
  • Adapting to challenges and taking risks is essential for success in business.
  • Being unique and original is key to getting published and standing out in the creative industry.
  • Building a community and giving back can bring joy and fulfillment in the creative journey.
  • Finding inspiration from the surroundings and embracing mistakes can lead to new ideas and growth.
  • Attending craft shows and in-person events provides valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing creativity. Creativity is essential for personal growth and self-expression.
  • Finding inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
  • Challenges are opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and encouragement.
  • Advice for aspiring makers: embrace failure, be persistent, and stay true to yourself.
Be Bold; Scribble Stick and ink, by Milagros Rivera

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction and Creative Inspiration

02:17

Starting a Creative Business

03:43

Overcoming Challenges: Hurricane and Pandemic

07:02

Adapting to Change in Business

09:42

The Importance of Being Adaptive

10:32

Supporting the Community

12:46

The Power of Giving and Sharing

15:33

Getting Published and Being Unique

19:15

Taking Risks and Making Contacts

20:53

Finding Inspiration in the Surroundings

23:39

Creating with Unconventional Materials

27:15

The Power of ‘What If’

28:39

Being Spontaneous and Experimental

30:56

Embracing Mistakes and Persevering

36:17

Spreading Positivity and Hope

38:31

Upcoming Projects and Travel

46:22

Preserving Puerto Rican Culture

49:41

The Value of In-Person Connections

50:09

Closing Remarks

Espiritu Libre; watercolor by Milagros Rivera
Yesterday is Heavy; acrylic and ink, by Milagros Rivera
Stamps designed by Milagros Rivera

FOLLOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM:

Jill Bartlett eLearning Expert and Dog Wear Designer

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Meet Jill Bartlett

Jill Bartlett, dog wear designer at Scouterwear

Jill Bartlett is the visionary and creative force behind Scouterwear and Thank Dog We Made It. Following her passion,  Jill has found a way to combine her love for teaching others while also creating with her hands. 

Jill started out as a graphic designer and animator then launched an eLearning company, which she co-owned for  over 15 years. As the corporate chaos increased, Jill started craving a creative outlet to unwind from all the stress. Knitting, sewing, and carpentry were her salvation.

Jill is now a dog wear designer with a line of dog wear suited to fit dogs of all sizes and she teaches others how to make their own dog wear—whether sewn using a variety of fabrics or knitted.

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Jill thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging norms, a sentiment that now echoes in every stitch of the original dog wear she designs. Jill also finds joy in teaching others to make their own dog wear. In this conversation, Jill shares her creative journey, her transition from a corporate career to making dog wear, and her passion for teaching others how to make their own dog wear. Jill shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of goal planning, and the joy she finds in creativity. She also offers advice for those starting out and emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow your passion and believe in yourself.
  • Plan for the future and consider where you want to be in the long term.
  • Don’t be afraid of technology and embrace the opportunities it offers.
  • Take time for yourself and prioritize self-care.
  • Overcome imposter syndrome and believe in your abilities.
  • Find joy in creativity and embrace the process of learning and trying new things.
  • Teach and empower others to pursue their own creative journeys.

Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00

Introduction and Background

01:23

Jill’s Creative Journey

03:12

Discovering a Passion for Teaching

04:06

Starting an E-Learning Company

05:05

Transitioning to Making Dog Wear

08:19

Embracing Technology and Overcoming Fear

11:04

The Rise of Makers and the Importance of Handmade

12:46

Creating Custom Fit Dog Wear

15:10

Teaching Others to Make Dog Wear

17:29

Marrying Passion for Making and Teaching

19:25

Advice for Those Starting Out

21:39

The Importance of Goal Planning

23:58

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

25:22

Balancing Work and Pursuing a Passion

28:10

Taking Time for Yourself

29:23

Believing in Yourself and Overcoming Fear

31:38

Transitioning from One Business to Another

32:08

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

33:34

Finding Joy in Creativity

35:32

Creating New Designs and Overcoming Fear

39:24

Teaching and Empowering Others

40:43

Closing Remarks

FOLLOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM:

Ann Tudor Glass and Fiber Artist

Meet Ann Tudor

Ann Tudor is a lampwork glass artist, surface pattern designer, and avid knitter. She makes tiny creations of glass for knitters and crocheters in the form of stitch markers and progress keepers. Ann also creates notion pouches to hold her markers and all your tools. She has been a maker her entire life but knitting has been a constant thread for over 30 years. 

After teaching many friends and family members how to knit, she is excited to share her wealth of experience in an online course for beginners: Craft Your Knitting.

Learn more about Ann and enjoy the conversation we had on Heart & Hands of a Maker. 

In this episode, Ann shares her experiences with various crafts and how she transitioned from making jewelry to creating lampwork glass beads. She discusses the challenges of working with glass and the importance of embracing the process of creating. Ann also offers advice on overcoming the fear of failure and valuing your work. She highlights the significance of finding support and networking with like-minded individuals. Finally, Ann shares her upcoming course on knitting and her passion for helping others learn and create.

TAKEAWAYS

  •  Embrace the process of creating and enjoy the journey.
  • Don’t be afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes.
  • Value your work and don’t undervalue yourself.
  • Find support and network with like-minded individuals.
  • Take the time to educate yourself and improve your skills.
Untitled design - 1

CHAPTERS

00:00
Introduction and Overview

02:54
Ann Tudor’s Creative Journey

06:19
Getting Started with Lampwork Glass Beads

09:14
Overcoming the Fear of Failure

10:20
Embracing the Process of Creating

14:01
Transitioning from Hobby to Business

16:56
Finding Support and Networking

19:17
Navigating Changes and Evolving in Business

22:30
The Therapeutic Nature of Making

25:24
Upcoming Course on Knitting

32:07
Pricing and Valuing Your Work

36:10
Finding Support and Education

39:26
Ann’s Mini Course and Future Projects

47:57
Closing Remarks

FOLLOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM

Making Holiday Decorations & Gifts

A Handmade Holiday
a few ornaments made through the years
To this day, by this time of year, I have a plan for the ornament I will make for gifting to those on our list. By plan, I mean I have the idea and maybe I’ve started gathering the materials. The making usually goes right up to the finish line. Can you relate?
Often, the project I choose includes a new technique I want to try and is something I believe I can replicate before running out of steam. As I decorated our tree this year, it…

Thank you and Holiday Wishes

Giving Thanks
Sending you wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving and offering my thanks for your support.
Taking a Moment of Your Time
It’s been wonderful fully immersing myself in all it means to “restart” my business. Re-learning WordPress, changing hosting services, finding a new email service provider, choosing a business email service (yes—they’re different!), finding my way on which way to go with content creation (Heart & Hands of the Maker podcast being the first to emerge), reengaging…

Heart and Hands of a Maker podcast launch

Issue #1
Thank you for welcoming me into your inbox.
Sharing just a bit of news before the weekend slips in and since I told you you’d hear it from me, first…drum roll, please!
Heart & Hands of a Maker: The Creative Journey podcast is LIVE!
The trailer and first “official episode” of “Heart & Hands of a Maker” released late this week!
When you have a minute (1:22 to be exact), please listen to the trailer on your favorite platform or here on Spotify.
While there, please consider…

Unleash Your Creativity with Heart & Hands of a Maker

heart and hands of a maker podcast

Embark on a transformative journey into the creative process with “Heart & Hands of a Maker,” a podcast hosted by me, Tammy Honaman. Whether you’re an established creator seeking fresh inspiration or a budding artist taking your first steps, this podcast is your compass on the path to unlocking your full creative potential.

Join me in live-workshop style conversations with a diverse array of makers. Hear their stories, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate the intricate landscape of the creative journey.

 

Dive deep into the creative process with insightful discussions on where inspiration is found, overcoming creative blocks, and the delicate balance between sustaining a business and keeping the creative spirit alive.

 

Discover practical tips to take your passion to the next step. From monetizing your work to growing your online presence, each episode provides valuable insights for makers at every level of their journey.

Tamara Honaman headshot

Why Tune In:

Inspiration on Demand: Find creative inspiration whenever you need it, whether you’re in an artistic slump or seeking guidance on turning your passion into a business.

Community Connection: Join a vibrant community of makers, share your own experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the art of creation.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the wealth of experience each guest brings to an episode. Let us help guide you through the intricacies of the creative world.

How to Listen:

Subscribe to “Heart & Hands of a Maker: The Creative Journey” on your favorite podcast platform (don’t have a favorite? try Spotify) and open the door to a world of creativity, inspiration, and the boundless possibilities that lie within the heart and hands of every maker, including YOU! 

We’ll also keep you posted on new episodes, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter. 

Thank you for welcoming us into your studio and for allowing us to help you along your creative journey!