Episode #286: Mary Engelbreit

Episode #286: Mary Engelbreit

Author: Abby Glassenberg April 7, 2025 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 company with a strong desire for creative freedom and a line of 12 greeting cards. The head of a highly successful business bearing her name, Mary is one of the country’s premier designers and artists. She is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style and design sensibility, modestly referred to as “eclectic traditional”. Mary’s signature art, imbued with spirited wit and warmth, appears on thousands of products, including greeting cards, books (design, gift, children’s, cooking, home, and art), calendars, stationery, fabric, crafts, kitchen accessories, dinnerware, and other home décor items. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Eucalan. “Looking for the best way to care for your handmade and delicate items? Eucalan Delicate Wash is a no-rinse, eco-friendly laundry solution designed for knitwear, quilts, embellished garments, and more. With five gentle scents and a formula that extends the life of your fabrics, Eucalan is a must-have for knitters and crafters alike. Learn more at Eucalan.com +++++ 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 #281: Jason Zielke, Chief Product Officer at SVP Worldwide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing machines with my guest Jason Zielke. Jason Zielke is the Chief Product Officer for SVP Worldwide, where he leads global brand marketin…
Episode #280: Tracy Krauter of Splash Fabric [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about starting a fabric company with my guest Tracy Krauter. Tracy is the founder of Splash Fabric. Raising three boys, Tracy knew there had to be…
Episode #279: Shannon Downey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 move…
Episode #278: Jen Duffin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about weaving with my guest Jen Duffin. Jen is the designer and teacher behind Nova Mercury Design. Jen has been creating fiber art full-time since…
Episode #277: Anna Maria Parry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:56
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about designing fabric with my guest Anna Maria Parry. Having grown up in a creative home, Anna Maria Parry earned an honors BFA in drawing from th…
Episode #276: Sara Ingle of Boston Fiber Company [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:04
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about owning a yarn store with my guest Sara Ingle. Sara founded Boston Fiber Company, a local yarn store in Boston’s South End neighborhood, in 20…
Episode #275: Deborah Balmuth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about publishing books with my guest Deborah Balmuth. Deborah retired from Storey Publishing on September 30 after 31 years with the company. She b…
Episode #274: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:37
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about making and teaching art with my guest Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Based outside of Boston, Julie is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who c…
Episode #273: Jenifer McShane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:15
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about documentary filmmaking with my guest Jenifer McShane. Jenifer McShane is an independent filmmaker committed to using film to bridge understan…