Episodes

  • From Fabric Shop to Full-Time Creative Educator: Bonnie Christine on Building a Career in Surface Design
    Feb 5 2025

    Margo is joined by internationally renowned Surface Pattern Designer, entrepreneur, and award-winning online educator, Bonnie Christine. With a self-taught journey that began in 2009, Bonnie has built a thriving creative business, helping over 50,000 students turn their artistic passions into sustainable careers. In this episode, she shares the mindset shifts, strategies, and inspirations that have shaped her path and continue to guide her community.

    Margo and Bonnie discuss:

    • How growing up in her mom’s fabric shop shaped her approach to teaching pattern design

    • The evolution of her vision in building a large and engaged creative community

    • Taking big risks—like selling her car to invest in her dreams—and what she’d tell someone facing a similar crossroads

    • Why 'action is the antidote' to imposter syndrome and a pivotal moment when this mindset made a difference

    • The balance between creative techniques and business strategy in her upcoming nine-day workshop

    • Helping students find their own authentic sources of inspiration, especially when feeling creatively stuck

    • Why she firmly believes there’s room for everyone in the creative industry and how she’s seen that truth play out

    • Challenging the notion that art doesn’t solve problems—especially in the world of pattern design

    This episode is packed with encouragement, actionable insights, and inspiration for anyone navigating a creative career. Whether you're just starting or looking to take the next big leap, Bonnie's wisdom will remind you that your dreams are worth pursuing—one step at a time.

    Connect with Bonnie:

    2025 Workshop: Pattern Design Playbook- bit.ly/WindowsillDesignPlaybook

    2025 Course: Surface Design Immersion- https://bit.ly/WindowsillImmersion

    www.bonniechristine.com

    https://www.instagram.com/bonniechristine/

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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    56 mins
  • Lisa Congdon on Creative Renewal: Embracing Slow Moments, Play, and Artistic Freedom
    Jan 29 2025

    Margo is joined by celebrated artist, illustrator, and creative powerhouse Lisa Congdon for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about what she’s learned while navigating a challenging chapter of her life. Lisa opens up about her journey through two total knee replacements and how this period of physical recovery sparked a creative rebirth.

    During her recovery, Lisa embraced a slower pace of life, diving into a new sketchbook practice focused on collage and cut paper. What began as a meditative and playful exploration quickly evolved into a rich source of inspiration, reminding Lisa of the joy of creating art simply for art’s sake. She candidly shares how stepping away from client work allowed her to reconnect with her artistic roots and experiment in ways that felt healing, liberating, and transformative.

    In this episode, Lisa and Margo discuss:

    • How Lisa managed her health journey while staying connected to her creativity.

    • Managing the guilt that arose from stepping away from her team and work commitments.

    • How she led and supported her team while recovering from surgery.

    • The role of play and experimentation in sustaining artistic inspiration.

    • The importance of consistency and how even small, daily creative practices can lead to big ideas.

    • Balancing a thriving art career with the need for personal time and self-care.

    • How slowing down can reignite passion and open doors to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Lauri Hopkins https://www.laurihopkins.co.uk/

    Lisa’s 30 day art challenge w Creative Bug https://www.creativebug.com/instructors/lisa-congdon?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1p28BhCBARIsADP9HrNXhEYWUo8t0lx_kNJAOnhMMwWKu6YLgTralGQO8q3Jjg7r6sm4V90aAjHCEALw_wcB

    Connect with Lisa:

    https://lisacongdon.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/#

    https://www.pinterest.com/lisacongdon/

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Creative Current Events: Wildfires, AI Humor, IKEA Nostalgia, and More
    Jan 23 2025
    Margo and Abby cover a dynamic mix of topics on this episode of Creative Current Events, from the devastating fires in Los Angeles and their impact on communities and the arts, to creative business trends and lessons from the sudden closure of Kansas City Canning Company. They share updates on the Getty’s initiatives, including their Open Content Program and merger with Shutterstock, delve into IKEA’s revival of ‘70s design, and spotlight eco-friendly Alkemis Paint. Plus, they explore the potential TikTok ban, Seinfeld’s take on AI, and a call for volunteers to help preserve historical documents. Mentioned in this episode: Erin Gallagher - Sponsor Families affected by the LA Fires https://www.instagram.com/erin.gallag.her/ Her Spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10yby5fqb4OdqhhakJBN-6ZYWh7nyJ2ZoEWGoOUESDSo/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabsc3b7pNXns-8dAKsp_LktE87Au26EVj4Z0BvaH_TbqjRhKaQoYHRtcBU_aem_3GiEBeXCFqhQKZtg-FIioQ&gid=0#gid=0 Pasadena Humane Society https://www.instagram.com/pasadenahumane/ Article- How to help artists and art workers devastated by Los Angeles wildfires https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/14/los-angeles-wildfire-fundraisers-support-artists-art-workers Getty Open Content Images https://www.getty.edu/projects/open-content-program/faqs/ Getty Open Content Article https://www.openculture.com/2024/03/the-getty-makes-nearly-88000-art-images-free-to-use-however-you-like.html Getty/Shutterstock Merger https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/shutterstock-merge-with-getty-images-deal-valued-37-billion-2025-01-07/ All the astounding works that are entering the public domain! https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/public-domain-matisse-frida-kahlo-robert-capa-works-1234729194/ An interesting article on copying via Aeolidia, (because the Emily McDowell article on Public Domain is not available) https://aeolidia.com/what-to-do-when-someone-copies-your-design/ Ikea’s New Old Releases https://www.dezeen.com/2024/12/17/ikea-nytillverkad-collection-byakorre-shelf-2025-design/ Conscientious Alkemis Paint https://alkemispaint.com/collections/all# TikTok Ban https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyng762q4eo What to know about RedNote (where TikTok users are flocking) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/01/16/what-is-rednote-tiktok-ban/77725672007/ Jerry Seinfeld on Jimmy Fallon.. & AI thoughts https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXoj66OXMU/ Fyxer AI https://www.fyxer.com/ The National Archive is looking for people who can read cursive!! https://people.com/national-archives-is-looking-for-volunteers-who-can-read-cursive-8775099 Here’s how to start reading & transcribing! https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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    48 mins
  • Making Motherhood Wildly Creative: Brooke Schultz on Balancing Passions and Fostering Everyday Art
    Jan 22 2025

    Margo is joined by Brooke Schultz, a multi-passionate creator and advocate for embracing creativity in all aspects of life, especially within motherhood. Brooke shares her inspiring journey of weaving artistry into everyday life and discusses how creativity can be a powerful tool for transformation and connection. Her photos have been featured in Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Parents. Whether she’s writing a musical about motherhood, leading retreats like her upcoming program Resurgence, or photographing families, Brooke is deeply passionate about using creativity to transform life's challenges into meaningful art.

    Topics Discussed:

    • The beauty and significance of small, unseen creative acts

    • How motherhood can ignite and shape creative pursuits

    • Balancing creativity with the demands of family life, including parenting a child with special needs

    • The concept of intentional creativity and finding inspiration in everyday tasks

    • Brooke’s approach to translating passion into business, including her retreats and podcast, Wildly Creative Life

    • The story behind Brooke's musical about motherhood and her journey pitching it to Broadway

    • Practical strategies for fostering creativity amidst a busy lifestyle

    • The value of creating art that comes from the heart, whether or not it gains recognition

    Brooke’s wisdom and relatable approach remind us that living a creatively fulfilling life doesn’t require fame or perfection—it’s about finding joy and purpose in the art of everyday moments.

    Connect with Brooke:

    Website: https://brookebschultz.com

    Website: https://brookeschultzphotography.com

    Instagram: @brookebschultz

    Wildly Creative Life Podcast

    Connect with Margo:

    Website: www.windowsillchats.com

    Instagram: @windowsillchats

    Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Trusting Your Creative Path: Tiffany Han on Self-Belief and Gentle Productivity for High Achievers
    Jan 15 2025

    Margo is joined by Tiffany Han, life coach, business strategist, and host of the long-running Raise Your Hand Say Yes podcast, to explore the journey of self-discovery and creative authenticity. Tiffany shares her insights on navigating personal growth without rigid formulas and the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s unique needs. Together, Margo and Tiffany discuss Tiffany’s podcasting journey, her breaks from the medium, and how her themes and approaches have evolved over the years. Tiffany’s practical wisdom and her radical self-belief framework promise to inspire and empower high achievers and creatives alike.

    Topics Discussed Include:

    • Permission to Be Themselves: Encouraging authenticity and practical self-advice

    • Individual Needs Over Formulas: Emphasizing unique personal wants and necessities

    • Collective Experience: Recognizing shared struggles to combat feelings of isolation

    • Tiffany's Podcast Journey: From the beginnings in 2014 to the evolution and authenticity of her show

    • Re-evaluating "Yes": Considering the implications of commitment to avoid burnout

    • Radical Self-Belief and the five pillars comprised in DFSTAG (discernment, faith, fear attending, acceptance, and grace)

    • Reassessing Goals: Why Tiffany isn’t a believer in 5-year plans and how goals can sometimes put you in a box

    • Gentle Productivity: Promoting joy, ease, and delight over traditional productivity metrics

    • The challenges of social media use and its impact and ways to use it for good

    • Creative Work vs. Day Jobs: Balancing creative pursuits with the reality of day jobs.

    Connect with Tiffany:
    Website: tiffanyhan.com
    Instagram: @thetiffanyhan

    Youtube: @thetiffanyhan

    Raise Your Hand Say Yes Podcast

    Connect with Margo:
    Website: www.windowsillchats.com

    Instagram: @windowsillchats

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Strategies for Creatives with Singer and Coach Sancha Prowse (Part 2)
    Jan 8 2025

    In the conclusion of this two-part series, Margo continues her conversation with Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. Drawing from her experiences as a performer and her transformation into a wellness advocate, Sancha offers actionable advice and heartfelt insights for creatives looking to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their passions.

    In Part 2, Margo and Sancha dive deeper into:

    • The Creative Energy Cycle: Understanding the ebb and flow of creative energy and how to work with, not against, these natural rhythms.

    • Burnout Recovery: Practical strategies Sancha used to overcome adrenal fatigue and how you can apply them to your life.

    • Nurturing Your Inner Artist: Practices for creating a safe and supportive environment for your creativity to flourish.

    • Mind-Body Connection: Exploring how physical health directly impacts artistic expression and vice versa.

    • Nutrition and Movement for Creatives: Sancha’s tips on fueling your body with the right foods and incorporating movement into your routine to enhance focus and stamina.

    • Boundaries and Balance: Why setting boundaries with your time and energy is essential for avoiding burnout.

    • The Power of Connection: Building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires you.

    • Rituals for Renewal: Simple daily habits to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.

    • Sustainable Success: How to design a wellness plan that supports your creative dreams in the long term.

    Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.

    Connect with Sancha:

    https://www.sanchaprowse.com

    https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/

    https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives

    https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    56 mins
  • From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Strategies for Creatives with Singer and Coach Sancha Prowse (Part 1)
    Jan 1 2025

    In this two-part episode Margo is joined by Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. With a background as a professional singer, vocal coach, and visual artist, Sancha has spent years immersed in the creative world, experiencing both its highs and its challenges. After facing intense burnout and adrenal fatigue while striving to excel, Sancha felt a calling to help other creatives navigate similar struggles. Her journey from performer to wellness coach was inspired by a serendipitous moment helping her sister through a health scare, leading her to channel her passion and lived experience into supporting artists in thriving holistically.

    Margo and Sancha discuss:

    • The importance of tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you.

    • How prioritizing self-care positively impacts your creativity.

    • Identifying what gives you energy and recognizing areas where you may be losing power.

    • The transformative power of making small positive changes in your daily routine.

    • Cultivating stillness as a way to dive deeper into your artmaking.

    • Letting go of limiting beliefs that hold you back from optimal health and creativity.

    • Breaking through long-standing blockages to achieve a sense of wellness.

    • Why sleep is critical for both your overall health and your creative output.

    • The role of self-compassion and celebrating small wins in your wellness journey.

    • Building an essential wellness toolkit tailored for creatives.



    Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.

    Connect with Sancha:

    https://www.sanchaprowse.com

    https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/

    https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives

    https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    56 mins
  • Embracing Growth, Trusting Your Inner Knowing, and Rethinking Goal Setting with Margo
    Dec 25 2024

    Margo shares a personal episode, reflecting on the incredible four-year journey of the podcast and its vibrant community. She opens her heart about her own transformative experiences, the courage it takes to embrace life's uncertainties, and the magic of real connections. Whether you're a loyal listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is an invitation to celebrate growth, creativity, and the beautiful moments yet to come.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Reflecting on Growth: Finding new perspectives and embracing the lessons from the journey.

    • Trust in Connection: The value of real conversations and authenticity in building bonds.

    • Navigating Change: Margo's move to Vashon Island and the power of trusting her inner knowing.

    • Vulnerability and Handling Doubts: The role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating pivotal life decisions.

    • Impactful Feedback: How listener feedback continues to move and motivate Margo.

    • Defining Success: Encouraging listeners to focus on how they want to feel rather than what they want to achieve.

    • Celebrating Diversity: The importance of inclusivity and creating supportive environments in our communities.

    Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.



    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    22 mins