Support

How to Support an Independent Artist, Educator & Creative Community

Not everything I make fits neatly into a product listing. and quite honestly art SHOULDN'T. You SHOULD be MOVED to purchase it. and how does that happen? By seeing the inspiration & emotion behind it, not

This little corner of the internet runs on curiosity, creativity, and community. Most of the tutorials, resources, essays, and encouragement I share are offered freely because I believe creativity should be accessible. 

If something here has inspired you, taught you something, saved you a Google search, or simply made your day a little brighter, there are plenty of ways to help keep the lights on and the ideas flowing.

No pressure. No hustle. Just old-fashioned community support.


1. Join the Newsletter

Stay in the Loop

My newsletter is where I share studio notes, new projects, classes, resources, behind-the-scenes stories, and the occasional rabbit trail.

It's the best way to keep up with what I'm making without relying on social media algorithms.

→ Join the Newsletter


2. Become Part of the Community

Hang Out Around the Digital Campfire

The real conversations happen inside my live and Facebook community, where creative folk gather to share projects, swap ideas, ask questions, and encourage one another.

Think less "influencer culture" and more "bring your stuff and pull up a chair."

→ Join the Community


3. Shop Small

Browse the Shop

Purchases help support the free tutorials, articles, videos, and resources I create.

You'll find:

  • Jewelry from small and fair-trade makers, many who relationships I have made over my last 20 years as an artist.
  • Original art
  • DIY kits
  • Digital downloads
  • Vintage treasures
  • Handmade odds and ends

Every order helps fund the next creative adventure.

→ Visit the Shop


4. Buy Me a Coffee (or Help Pay for Website Gremlins)

Leave a Tip

Running an independent website means paying for hosting, software subscriptions, cameras, supplies, and all the invisible bits that keep things running.

If you'd like to toss a few dollars into the tip jar, I appreciate it more than you know.

Venmo, Cash App, and Ko-fi donations help keep this weird little corner of the internet alive.

→ Tip Jar


5. Share My Work

Tell a Friend

Honestly, word of mouth is still magic.

You can help by:

  • Sharing a blog post
  • Sending a tutorial to a friend
  • Pinning projects on Pinterest
  • Following on social media
  • Leaving kind comments
  • Tagging me when you make something inspired by my work

Every share helps new creative friends find their way here.


6. Take a Class or Workshop

Learn Together

I occasionally offer workshops, craft kits, and creative experiences designed to get your hands moving and your brain off the internet for a while.

Whether we're making friendship bracelets or exploring mixed media, I'd love to create alongside you.

→ View Classes & Events


7. Read, Watch, and Lurk

Truly, Just Being Here Helps

Not everyone is in a season for spending money. I get that.

Reading an article, watching a video, opening a newsletter, or quietly following along still means a great deal.

Creative communities have always been built by people showing up however they can.


A Little Note

Some folks bring soup. Some bring stories. Some bring a folding chair and stay until dark.

However you choose to participate, thank you for being part of this community.

We're keeping old traditions alive around here: making things with our hands, sharing what we know, and proving that creativity is better when it isn't done alone.

Hi! I'm B!

Hi, I’m Barbara — the maker behind bmakesthings & Wild Marigold.

My creative path has never fit neatly into one box.

Even with a formal degree in art, I was always told that creativity had to fit into a traditional 9-to-5 job or stay tucked away as a weekend hobby. Over the years, I did a little bit of everything—painting, graphic design, jewelry making, writing, and spending nearly 20 years managing retail operations.

Eventually, I realized that true creativity rarely fits into a rigid box—and it isn't something you just churn out on an assembly line. It’s a skill, a practice, and a meaningful way of connecting with people.

Today, all those paths finally cross in the work I share.

About bmakesthings

Here. at bmakesthings, I bring everything else together. It’s a home for my original mixed-media art, handpicked vintage finds, and practical creative education.

Rather than overwhelming you with complicated tools, I focus on sharing easy online learning, basic mixed-media techniques, and approachable craft tips. My goal is to help you build confidence, make the best work you can with the materials you already have, and trust your own unique creative voice.

Around here, you’ll find:

  • Accessible art & craft techniques that fit into real life
  • Permission to make things imperfectly (think camp crafts for grown-ups)
  • A warm space for lifelong artists, curious beginners, or anyone who misses making things just for the fun of it

    Pull up a chair—there’s always room at the table.

About Wild Marigold

These days I've been working from transitioning my jewelry line (Soul Collective Studio) into a full lifestyle project, showcasing my own handmade aesthetic mixed with a curated mix of diverse handmade folks I've met making excellent work. While many know me for my symbolic jewelry and talismans inspired by history, devotion, and the divine feminine, my line is expanding. Wild Marigold is excited to launch to include new accessory designs, apparel, and intentional goods made for everyday life both designed by myself & other small maker brand.

Behind The Scenes

I'm also passionate about publishing projects that give back and tell meaningful stories. Right now, I’m working on a children’s book project centered on robots and neurodiversity, as well as a tribute album project created to benefit food insecurity.

To read more about these projects, please visit my blog.

Read the Blog →

Shop Wild Marigold