I wanted to feature a few more things that I loved in the city of Amsterdam on my recent trip there. I went with my friends Nikki and Natalie who also own companies, and it was such a great getaway. Be sure to read my other blog posts about the trip, and watch my Design Around the World videos on YouTube! The city of Amsterdam is a global hub for creativity and innovation. It’s filled with iconic architecture, art, and urban planning. There is an old world charm and contemporary flare that sets it apart from the rest of the…

Welcome to a curated collection of tools and resources designed to fuel your creativity and elevate your craft! From practical planners to innovative crafting machines, each item in this selection is carefully chosen to inspire and support your creative endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these products are here to help you unlock your creative potential and bring your ideas to life. So, let's embark on this creative journey together! 1. Ciao Bello Light Blue 365 Design Suite Daily Planner: 384 Pages of Practical Planning (Design Suite Planners) This planner is like a helpful friend that…

I have exciting news for all of you! In my recent YouTube short video, I was in San Antonio on the beautiful Riverwalk, announcing a new series I’m starting: Design Around the World! I’m talking about design in specific cultures and areas of the world. I’m starting off the series in Market Square in San Antonio, Texas.   My first stop on this adventure was at the Mi Terra Café. As I looked around, every detail told a story in the restaurant. It was so beautiful and vibrant inside!   The Mi Terra Café is a feast for creative designer’s…

I'm trying to get better at updating you on some of the fun things in my life, and this post has been long overdue. You should see more posts and videos from me that inspire my creativity, in the hopes that it inspires you too! Last August (2023), I took a trip with my husband and two of my kids (my third was taking summer classes and did not come) to the Greek Islands. My brother-in-law is from the small island of Lipsi, and we wanted to meet his family as well as attend his sister’s Greek wedding. The overall…

Welcome to the Make and Design Podcast Episode 417: Illustration for Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser.  On this podcast episode Carina chats with Ashton Rodenhiser, a professional sketch-noter who provides graphic notes in the form of drawings in meetings, strategic planning sessions or conferences. Basically any place where someone is conveying information to a group or having a conversation about something.   Carina learns about the fascinating process of taking notes using drawings in order to more clearly remember the ideas and information presented in meetings. Ashton can do this in all types of business environments and industries. She does research…

In a world where the pursuit of creativity often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life, Dawn K gives inspiration on a podcast with Carina Gardner by sharing her heartfelt journey of pursuing her dreams. This led to the unexpected events of making money, along with the success and fulfillment that has changed her life.  Dawn’s story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the tug of creative longing amidst the chaos of everyday responsibilities. She had always been one who loved to sew and create, and wanted more from it. She explains the process she went…