45. Healing, Slowness, and Embroidery as Ceremony with Gabriela Martínez Ortiz
Today on Stitch Wish Radio, I’m sitting down with the incredible Gabriela Martínez Ortiz—textile artist, embroidery visionary, and the creator of Ofelia & Antelmo. Gabriela’s work is this beautiful meeting point between repetition, nature, and intuitive process. We talk about how embroidery became her way of slowing down, finding healing, and reclaiming her artistic voice after leaving the fast-paced world of fashion. Her story is deeply inspiring—woven with themes of lineage, inner knowing, and the slow evolution of craft into purpose.Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or just feeling your way toward a slower, more intentional life—this conversation is for you.Gabriela's Website: https://ofeliayantelmo.com/en/Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofeliayantelmoMy New Book, The Art of Embroidery Design https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-art-of-embroidery-design-expand-your-creativity-an[…]l-stitching-designs-christi-johnson/21470337?ean=9781635867664The new pocket altar workshop I mentioned https://mixed-color-school.teachable.com/p/pocket-altar-workshop(00:04:08) Transforming Embroidery into Versatile Textile Art(00:05:52) Intricate Stitch Creations in Embroidery Workshops(00:13:56) Gabriela's Therapeutic Journey Through Embroidery(00:17:44) Embroidery: A Journey to Creative Fulfillment(00:23:43) Embroidery: Connecting through Infinite Stitching Journeys(00:32:01) Organic Patterns: Nature's Influence in Design(00:35:47) Cultural Textile Traditions in Contemporary Embroidery(00:36:44) Organic Patterns: A Visual Exploration
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44. Spring Cleaning for Creatives - Physical and Digital Studios!
(psst - don't forget, SOFT WORK Intuitive Garment Design course price goes up on April 1st! Sign up now and you'll get lifetime access at the lowest price!)In honor of the yearly *spring cleaning* I'm avoiding in my own studio - I share some of my favorite methods for getting organized, both with materials and inspiration! These tips will help both your physical and digital spaces, and if you've got a traveling studio (or... a studio that moonlights as a dining room table or living room floor?) I've got some ideas for you as well. I hope this supports your artistic practice!
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43. Creating Space for Little Creatures with Beth Hoyes
Next up in the artists featured in my new book, The Art of Embroidery Design, Beth Hoyes, an artist and art therapist from the UK whose work centers around nature, exploring themes of animal symbolism, folklore and interconnectivity. Beth discusses her journey from dabbling in embroidery to making it the cornerstone of her art practice, the meditative process behind her creations, and how her background as an art therapist influences her work. The discussion also touches on balancing artistic passion with parenting, infusing folklore into artwork, and how moving countries, and the changing studio spaces that accompany these moves, has impacted her work and her process.Explore Beth's Work:@rabbithatdesigns on Instagramrabbithatdesigns.combethhoyes.weebly.comOrder the Art of Embroidery Designbookshop.orgthriftbooks.com
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42. Reconnecting To Your Creativity (when you feel like you're just not doing enough!)
This episode is all about connecting, or reconnecting, with your personal style of creativity. Let's review the fears that often inhibit our creative expression, like the fear of not being productive, fear of judgment, and lack of ideas. You’ll learn about the benefits of slowing down, discover actionable steps to manage and overcome creative blocks - and explore one of my favorite activities for ensuring you never run out of ideas!Magic Threads LAST CHANCE!Spark Your Inspiration CoursePre-Order The Art of Embroidery DesignFREE Lesson For Book Pre-Orders!
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41. Living Your Art with Tessa Perlow
In this episode, I welcomed back Tessa Perlow, an incredibly talented embroidery artist inspired by magic and nature. We discussed her journey and evolution since her last appearance on the podcast, her new creative ventures into other mediums, the challenges of managing physical strain and burnout, and the intricacies of running a creative business in today's world. Tessa also shares her thoughts on the importance of allowing oneself to play, researching inspirations deeply, and making art that truly resonates both personally and with her audience. Whether you're an artist, a fan of her work, or someone interested in the balance between creativity and business, this conversation was filled with gems for you!Where to find Tessa:EtsyInstagramYouTubeMy workshops mentioned in intro:Magic Threads LAST CALLSpark Your Imagination Workshop Stitch Explorer Workshop