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Brewtifully Made

Tracy Dawn Brewer

This endeavor started off with sharing and exploring all of my creative pursuits...retiring to open my beautiful art studio and sharing art throughout my community.

In 2026, my world collapsed around me...imploding after the suicide of my husband. I lost my business, my home, my friends, my community, my livelihood...with a move from Canton, Ohio to Seattle, Washington to be near two of my children and grandchildren. At 56 years old I am literally starting completely over.

I am trying to find myself because I don't know who I am now. I am not the same person. I am struggling to make art out of my broken spirit and heart. I am navigating how to work through everything new, from where I live, what I do and more. In the middle of it all, I hope I can find a glimmer of light. 

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  • 23 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 12 min
  • English

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Episodes 23

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  • S4 · E64
    January 22 · 8 min

    January Check-In And A Fresh Start

    Send us Fan Mail New years rarely unfold the way we script them, and that’s the point. I’m kicking off 2026 with a refresh that actually works: fewer public hours, more focused days for art, teaching, and community projects, plus a renewed commitment to play as a creative tool. That simple shift unlocked a cascade of good things—mahhjong nights at the shop, a monthly hidden art helmet you can hunt for around town, and a lineup of collaborations that stitch art into everyday life. I walk through how I audited my slowest days, moved to reservation-only windows Sunday through Wednesday, and used that space to plan spring classes, summer camps, and a returning block of private lessons. You’ll hear about students who are stepping into real community work, a group paint night for 16 to 20 women, and an art-meets-music series with the symphony that pairs visual stories with performance. There’s also a peek at upcoming township projects, holiday window painting wins, and commercial work expanding to a nationwide scale—all the ways visibility grows when you show up consistently and keep the process human. Underneath the updates is a message I needed to learn the hard way: don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. The shop still has its highs and lows, but the larger ecosystem—classes, events, collaborations, public art—keeps the momentum steady and the joy high. If you’ve been thinking about protecting a day for your craft, launching a small community project, or making a bigger leap into the work you love, consider this your nudge. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review to help more makers find the show. What one change would free your time for the work that matters? Support the show Catch the doodles on YouTube My socials: Sign up for my monthly newsletter Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com Instagram: /Brewtifully Facebook: /brewtifully TikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandma LinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer

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  • S3 · E63
    Nov 14, 2025 · 12 min

    Math Has One Answer; Art Has Yours

    Send us Fan Mail Creativity isn’t a side dish; it’s the main course for building sharper thinking and genuine confidence. We sit down with Madeline, a homeschooled teen who treats art as both a learning engine and a way to find her voice. Together we unpack why open-ended making exercises different mental muscles than subjects with single right answers, and how that challenge translates into autonomy, resilience, and better problem-solving. Madeline shares how an unschooling mindset lets her master core subjects through formats that fit—listening, researching, reading, then making—while pursuing passions like public speaking and psychology. We talk about facing stage fright through community theater, turning nerves into fuel, and using performance to practice presence, recovery, and clarity. Along the way we link sketching and mindful doodling to focus and memory, and explore the growing movement to “prescribe art” as preventative care. Art for wellness isn’t fluff; it’s a practical tool for stress regulation, connection, and self-knowledge. We also dig into originality in the age of AI and remix culture. Your voice is the differentiator, and the only way to find it is to make more—try new mediums, accept critique, and iterate. From micron pens to needle felting to movie-inspired projects and holiday ornaments, the studio becomes a sandbox for curiosity and courage. The result is a class culture where friendships form, ideas travel beyond the room, and students feel safe to speak up and stand out. If you care about youth empowerment, homeschooling, arts education, mental health, or the craft of public speaking, this conversation delivers practical insights and plenty of heart. Listen, share it with someone who needs a nudge to create, and tell us: what’s the next small, brave thing you’ll make? Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation so we can bring more voices to the mic. Support the show Catch the doodles on YouTube My socials: Sign up for my monthly newsletter Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com Instagram: /Brewtifully Facebook: /brewtifully TikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandma LinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer

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  • S3 · E62
    Nov 7, 2025 · 13 min

    How A Leap Into Clay Became A Blooming Creative Business

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how a single creative pivot can bloom into a multi-venue art business? We sit down with exhibiting artist Rachel Blakney and trace her path from early painting classes to a pandemic-era leap into polymer clay that reshaped her practice and presence in the community. Rachel’s world is rooted in nature—florals, animals, and organic textures—and she brings that love to both canvas and jewelry with moody palettes, crisp outlines, and tiny sculpted details that people can’t stop talking about. We unpack why acrylic has become her medium of choice over oil and watercolor, digging into dry times, layering, finish, and the confidence that comes with working fast. Rachel explains how black backgrounds and bold lines make petals read like stained glass, and how value mapping helps students and collectors see the structure beneath the beauty. On the clay side, she reveals the process behind her miniature florals and playful food pieces—croissants, cupcakes, and tiny ice cream cones—and how tailoring designs to each venue boosts sales and connection. From bakeries to farms to a bustling mall shop, her location-aware merchandising shows what happens when product storytelling meets audience intent. If you’re a maker, you’ll appreciate her candid tips on switching mediums, building a cohesive style, and balancing wholesale with direct sales. If you’re a collector, you’ll find out exactly where to shop locally and how to snag her seasonal drops online. We also preview her upcoming classes focused on florals and still lifes, plus an open house where you can meet her in person and see the work up close. Subscribe for more artist stories, share this with a friend who loves tiny details, and leave a review telling us your favorite medium—acrylic, oil, or watercolor. Your feedback helps us bring more thoughtful, creative voices to your feed. Rachel’s Clay Cafe- Instagram Rachelannee on Etsy Support the show Catch the doodles on YouTube My socials: Sign up for my monthly newsletter Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com Instagram: /Brewtifully Facebook: /brewtifully TikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandma LinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer

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Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes