Make and Design with Carina Gardner
Carina Gardner
Carina Gardner, Ph.D. unravels the everyday joys and dilemmas of design, making, and business. This inside scoop into fabric design, paper design, die cut design, and crafting will help bring more creativity and joy in your life. Carina Gardner is the founder and CEO of the University of Arts & Design. She was the Creative Director of Cartabella Paper Co. and MiniLou. She has designed everything from dishware, sewing patterns to bracelets under her brand. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs and die cutting files for Silhouette while teaching other designers how to create meaningful businesses with their design work.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2026 • 26min
Episode 589 Ten UnHinged Things I Did at the University of Arts and Design
Carina talks about the ten UnHinged things she implemented when she started the University of Arts & Design. Determined to do online school differently, these things are what makes UAD a place where students thrive.Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampTake the fun What Kind of Designer Are You? Quiz here: https://uad.education/pages/designerquiz Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Oct 13, 2026 • 30min
Episode 588 The Craft Industry Revolution with Darrin Stern
Darrin Stern, managing director of Colomessa Inc., leads major craft trade shows across North America. He explores why tactile connection and creative community keep trade shows thriving in a digital age. Topics include cosplay’s growing influence, inclusive events, specialized pavilions for small makers, practical advice for emerging businesses, and how to make the most of a large show.
Oct 6, 2026 • 31min
Episode 587 Seven UnHinged Things I Did To Start A Design Business
Ready to start your design business? Carina talks about the seven unhinged things she did to get started and helped her win.Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampTake the fun What Kind of Designer Are You? Quiz here: https://uad.education/pages/designerquiz Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 29, 2026 • 12min
Episode 586 Foundational Paper Piecing and Fabric with Liza Taylor
Carina talks to fellow Riley Blake designer Liza Taylor about her membership, books, and foundational paper piecing blocks. Her sweet style and quilt block design will delight you!Learn more about Liza at https://lizataylorhandmade.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 22, 2026 • 11min
Episode 585 The Homemade Rebellion
The Etsy states from 2025 and 2026 will tell you a lot of about the state of the crafting industry and it’s not what you think. Carina shares the data and what it means for maker’s businesses.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 15, 2026 • 23min
Episode 584 Laser Machines and Quilting with Melodie Harding
Carina talks to Melodie Harding about her innovative stencils. Learn more about a business owner who is making her own designs, how she markets them, and what it takes to start a new business. Learn more about how she has mixed laser machines with quilting.Learn more about Melodie at https://sewharmony.com/Use code: Carina20 for a discount off Melodie's products!Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 8, 2026 • 22min
Episode 583 From Doodles To Design with Amy Latta
Carina talks to Andover designer Amy Latta about her doodles, books, and more recent fabric collections.This is a cut from an hour-long interview Carina did with Amy for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about Amy at https://www.amylattacreations.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 1, 2026 • 11min
Episode 582 Taste Is The Product
Today it’s about dishing the tea on Figma and the 18% Lie. Everyone assumes that AI is eating design jobs, but the data says otherwise. Learn more in today’s episode.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Aug 25, 2026 • 11min
Episode 581 Fresh Starts
Carina talks about the power of creating your own fresh start. Jumping into something new requires several “new” things including environment, objects, and people. Learn more about how to create your own fresh start in today’s episode.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Aug 18, 2026 • 20min
Episode 580 Collaborative Design with Brooke Shankland
Carina talks to Art Gallery Fabric designer Brooke Shankland about her collaborative design group, quilt design, and so much more.This is a cut from an hour-long interview Carina did with Brooke for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about Brooke at https://eudaimoniastudio.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
