Tell Me Over Tea Podcast Episode 13 - An Artist’s Story: Curbing Perfectionism and Embracing Creativity

Show Notes Episode 13 - An Artist’s Story: Curbing Perfectionism and Embracing CreativityIn this first episode for the brand new year, I sit down with Canberra artist Julia from French Rose Studios for a lovely conversation about creativity, comfort, and becoming a ‘recovering perfectionist.’Julia shares how her love of art began early, nurtured by a wonderful high school teacher who taught her far more than technique. Through postcards, holiday paintings, and many encouraging nudges, she slowly discovered that art could be a safe place to land – somewhere free from competition, comparison, and the pressure to get everything perfect.You’ll hear Julia talk about finding flow state in her cosy home studio, why watercolour is the perfect medium for learning to let go, and how creativity can calm our busy minds and lower our stress levels. Her story is a gentle reminder that imperfection is not only normal, it’s often where the magic lives.Of course, as with all good chats, there is tea in hand. Julia reminisces about the delightful tea cafés of Lyon, France, where choosing a blend came with timers, patisserie treats, and shelves of loose-leaf possibilities. It’s enough to make any listener want to book a plane ticket and pack a sketchbook. I’m off!This episode also ties beautifully into a fresh start for 2026, with a reminder for listeners to grab my free guide, The Memory Cupboard – a bite-sized workbook designed to help you write those personal life stories in a simple, un-overwhelming way.And in perfect timing, Julia is launching her own beginner’s watercolour course, Nature’s Palette, offering podcast listeners a special discount during launch week.Here are the details for you who would love to learn how to watercolour:Nature’s Palette: Beginner’s WatercolourA self-paced course with lifetime accessUsual price: $168Launch week discount: 15% offUse code: LAUNCH (all capitals)Discounted price: $142.80Available: Jan 6 – Jan 13Pull up a chair, wrap your hands around a mug, and enjoy a heartfelt story about how creativity helps us feel a little safer in the world.If today’s episode sparked something in you – perhaps a memory, a creative itch, or the desire to try something new – let me know. I’d love to keep the conversation going.If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people discover the joy of storytelling and connection over a cuppa.Thanks for listening, and here’s to more sharing and connecting over stories.Kim xPS I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that Julia and I were sipping during our chat. It was kindly gifted to us by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co So, so yummy!If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes, Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners. It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off. (thanks so much, Tanya!).* You can find Julia online at these places:Instagram & Facebook: @FrenchRoseStudiosWebsite: www.frenchrosestudios.comConnect with meInstagram DMs: @bettymaewroteEmail: [email protected]✨ Extras* If you’d like to start writing your own stories but feel a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a free guide to help you begin: Grab The Memory Cupboard guide here.* * Join our Little Life Stories community newsletter for weekly prompts, gentle encouragement, and a space to start gathering your stories. You’ll also keep up to date with when the doors will open again to my Little Life Stories membership: Subscribe here.* I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. Oh, and of course, the Wild Wood folk too;) * If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join my snail mail exchange for women all over the world: The Lovely Letters Project* Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com* Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewroteMusic: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again!Art by Lewis Dillon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bettymaewrote.substack.com