meet the beautiful amy butler

image via Apartment Therapy

What a special gift and honor it's been working with Amy Butler and her fabulous team. She inspires us beyond measure not only with her eye for design, pattern and color, but also by the heart centered way in which she lives her life and runs her design studio. We couldn't agree more with her philosophy on creativity, which she shares in her own words:

"One of my core beliefs is that through who we are and what we do, we can inspire great change in ourselves, each other, and in the world. I believe that we can inspire those around us to become happier & more confident through finding their own creativity. That's the wonderful thing about making art! Finding creative fire, love, passion, excitement, and pure joy in the little everyday things... taking note and loving and appreciating every moment. I feel fortunate to be on my path nurturing my creative spark, and I love hearing about other like-minded folks who are finding theirs! It's a beautiful process, we're all in it together... growing, learning and becoming."

If that's not near and dear to our heart, I don't know what is? Wow. We are SO thrilled that Amy will be our opening speaker at the Makerie Sewing retreat, as she has abundant wisdom and love for all things creative and we are incredibly excited she'll be sharing it with all of us. Students taking her Creating YOUR Unique Color Story workshop will surely come away with new ways to incorporate color into their lives and are truly in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are just a few wee spots available in her workshops so grab 'em if you're thinking about joining in! So without further ado, get the to know the beautiful Amy Butler below. 

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What is your favorite food obsession right now?

Frozen grapes! This is so fun, I’m eating them as I write this. They have become my favorite new snack and dessert. They’re like eating mini Italian ices and are very satisfying. I buy big bunches of organic seedless grapes and place them on a plate or in a bowl and throw them right into the freezer.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Always an artist. However there were a few stints in the 70’s when I used to want to be on the Donny & Marie Show or maybe a professional ice skater. I loved Dorothy Hamil’s haircut.

What's for breakfast?

I like to mix it up. I listen to my body and see what it’s hungry for. Some days I go for straight up oatmeal with Chia seeds, stevia, cinnamon, dried fruit & nuts. Or if I’ve had a big weight work out I’ll hard boil 2 eggs and have a slice of Ezekiel raisin bread with light Laughing Cow swiss cheese. Always coffee and lots of water.

A wish that came true.

Marrying David Butler.

What risk are you glad you took?

Every one. I’m grateful for every experience. I know I’m not going to grow unless I take chances, succeed, fail, and make mistakes, it’s all so good! My life is much richer when I try new things and walk with the knowing that I’m designing my experience and I always have the power to choose what I think, how I feel and what I do. Life is happening through me not to me. I am continually in the game of honing my risk taking skills. Right now my mantras are “don’t do what fear tells me to do” and “what can I fail at today?"

If you could learn a creative skill other than your profession, what would it be?

Latin Dance.

A favorite gift you’ve received.

Molecule 01 fragrance from David. I wear it every day and mix it with other scents from my collection. I just love it! The clean, soft fragrance stays with me and brings me a lot of comfort.

A condiment you love.

Brown, grainy mustard. I use it in many of my homemade salad dressings.

What book do you keep on your coffee table?

“Bringing Nature Home” by Ngoc Minh Ngo.

What you love most about what you do.

I love making things, creating art, storytelling, connecting with folks  & with what they love, encouraging people to follow their hearts, and getting to show up every day and work alongside my soul mate.

The most challenging or difficult part about what you do.

Really not much anymore. What used to be hard has now become easier. I’ve changed my views in many areas of my life. My focus now is about staying in the game of designing my time around my passions and family first. The rest I let go and allow, delegate, empower others with, and trust. I know what I focus on grows, so my goal is to stay in my heart center, create my life from there, and enjoy where I am in the moment!

_________ is at the top of your inspiration library.

The book "Spirit Junkie" by Gabrielle Bernstein is at the top of my inspiration library along with loads of books on cultures and art from around the world.

Any tricks for finding life balance?

Define life on your own terms.

Any trade secrets/words of wisdom you’d like to divulge?

Always create anything in your life from the inside out, seeking only your own approval. Take action on your passions and the rest will fall into place.

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Thank you so much Amy!