Episode #279: Shannon Downey

Episode #279: Shannon Downey

Author: Abby Glassenberg December 16, 2024 Duration: 1:08:51
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about craftivism with my guest Shannon Downey. Shannon is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. Her work moves people from passive consumers of art into engaged creators and leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together, present opportunities to transition from makers to change makers, and inspire radical hope for what is possible. She’s the founder of Badass Cross Stitch and her new book Let's Move the Needle provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Craftsy.  Calling all crafters! Are you ready to dive deep into your favorite crafting projects and learn new techniques along the way? Then it's time to join Craftsy Premium Membership. Take advantage of this extended Black Friday Deal! For ONLY $1.49, you'll receive a full year of access to expert-led tutorials, patterns, and projects in every category you can imagine. With a massive library of resources at your fingertips, you'll be able to create your best work yet and bring your crafting dreams to life. Don't wait – sign up now at CraftsyOffers.com and discover the endless possibilities of Craftsy Premium Membership! +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

Abby Glassenberg hosts Craft Industry Alliance, a space where the practical realities of running a creative business meet the deep personal satisfaction of making things by hand. This isn't just about inspiration; it's a grounded conversation for anyone who has turned a craft into a career or dreams of doing so. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a fellow maker, where Abby and her guests pull back the curtain on their processes, discuss the tools and materials they truly rely on, and navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in the creative sphere. You'll hear specific, actionable recommendations-from sourcing sustainable materials and mastering a new technique to marketing your work and managing a studio's finances. The discussions are rooted in the real world, covering everything from the joys of the creative process to the logistics of wholesale trade shows and online sales. Tune into this podcast for an honest blend of education and community, designed to support your journey whether you're knitting, painting, pottery throwing, or designing textiles. It’s a resource that acknowledges creativity as both a passion and a profession, offering the kind of nuanced advice you’d normally only get from a trusted mentor within the tight-knit world of crafts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Craft Industry Alliance
Podcast Episodes
Episode #289: Arvin Pairavi from Shannon Fabrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a fabric company with my guest Arvin Pairavi. Arvin is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Shannon Fabrics, a lead…
Episode #291: Micah Clasper-Torch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:44
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about punch needle with my guest Micah Clasper-Torch. Micah Clasper-Torch is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the…
Special Episode: State of the Industry 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:22
We’re so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 7 at h+h americas 2025 in…
Episode #288: The New England Quilt Museum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:50
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about museum exhibitions with my guests Nora Palermo and Pam Weeks of the New England Quilt Museum. Nora has served as Executive Director of the New…
Episode #287: Michael O'Dell of Legit Kits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:14
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about quilt kits with my guest Michael O'Dell. Mike is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who administers anesthesia in a pediatric hospital,…
Episode #286: Mary Engelbreit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:18
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a best-selling art and illustration company with my guest, Mary Engelbreit. Over 40 years ago, Mary Engelbreit launched her own comp…
Episode #285: Annissa Essaibi-George of Stitch House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:17
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about running a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Annissa Essaibi-George. Annissa is the owner of Stitch House. She taught at East Boston H…
Episode #284: Hollei Anne Hayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:54
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about product and surface design with my guest Hollei Hayes. Hollei is the owner of Hollei Anne Design Co. After honing her craft for over ten year…
Episode #283: Omkari Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:14
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about activism with my guest Omakri Williams. Omkari Williams is the Gold Nautilus award-winning author of Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Diffe…
Episode #282: Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:46
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about embroidery with my guest Melissa Galbraith. Melissa is the fiber artist behind MCreativeJ. She was born and raised in the desert of Washingto…