Summary

Scrolling through Instagram craft rooms with perfect lighting and organized supplies can make you feel like you need a dedicated studio to be a "real" artist. But here's the truth: some of the most beautiful, meaningful creative work happens on kitchen tables, in corners of bedrooms, on couches with kids nearby.

In this episode, Kathleen shares how she's run her embroidery business from her kitchen table for years, why creating in shared spaces actually has advantages you might not realize, and exactly how to set up a functional creative practice in whatever space you have right now. This is permission to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start creating in the middle of real, messy life.

You'll hear about:

1. Why the "studio myth" keeps us waiting (and why it's holding you back)
2. What creativity actually looks like in real life (kitchen tables, couch corners, baskets)
3. Practical strategies for making it work in small or shared spaces
4. How to protect your creative practice when your family shares your space
5. The surprising advantages of creating in the middle of everything else
6. Kathleen's actual kitchen table setup (spoiler: it's not glamorous)
7. How to start exactly where you are tonight—no studio required

Takeaway: The perfect creative space is the one you actually use. You don't need a dedicated studio, elaborate storage, or ideal conditions. You just need a basket, a corner, and a willingness to create in the middle of real life. Stop waiting for someday and start where you are right now—because that's exactly where the magic happens.

More from Artsy Lyons

1. Start stitching with the Stitch Deck
2. Free DIY name sweater video tutorial
3. Free Canva templates to create DIY name designs
4. Check out the shop: artsylyons.shop
5. Follow me on Instagram: @artsylyons

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🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to The Artsy Ambition Podcast! See you next week!