Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carolyn Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Carolyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think to better understand my learning process, it’s helpful to understand my background. I am diagnosed with ADHD and depression, so figuring out a way to help myself feel better, in a variety of ways, was the start.

I’ve always been a creative person with a million ideas (watercolor, mosaics, photography…) and I taught myself most of these skills through trial, error, and a little obsession. I’d get deeply into one material or technique, watch tutorials, read blogs, and just start experimenting. I overcame the fear of perfection and started creating.

Looking back, I probably could’ve sped up my learning by connecting with other local artists earlier. My journey has been pretty independent, and I’ve recently discovered how collaborating with other artists can bring a whole other level to creation.

The most essential skills has been curiosity: Curiosity about how an object could be used in a new way, curiosity about how colors could blend, etc.

Learning to change direction when something isn’t working has been a process. Because I run Mosaic Picnic alongside a full-time job, time and energy were often the biggest obstacles. My ADHD also plays a role (as it can make consistency tough), but I’ve learned to work with it instead of against it. Now, I build my shop around my strengths: playfulness, variety, and creative freedom.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Carolyn, the the founder and creator behind Mosaic Picnic, a playful little shop where art, curiosity, and nature meet.

My bread and butter is handmade DIY craft kits. I also create and sell handmade items like crystal mobiles, stained glass patterns, mosaic decor, and watercolor paintings. At the heart of it, Mosaic Picnic is about sparking creativity, celebrating tiny joys, and helping people make something meaningful with their own two hands.

My journey into this world wasn’t traditional. I don’t have a formal art degree, but rather through pure fascination.

I’ve always had this insatiable pull toward learning. I started out as an elementary teacher, then moved into leadership roles within the adult learning space.

This learning especially manifested in artwork. I’d get curious about a new material (like stained glass, crystals, or soapstone), fall down a rabbit hole of tutorials and trial-and-error, and then slowly shape it into something of my own. That creative chaos eventually turned into a brand.

Mosaic Picnic started because I wanted to share that joy: not just of having handmade things, but of making them. Many believe art is something you’re either “good at” or not; however, I deeply believe that creativity is for everyone.

That’s why I design kits and products that are welcoming, non-intimidating, and fun. Whether you’re painting a floral card, piecing together a tiny mosaic, or hiding little treasures from a DIY crystal kit. You’re part of the creative process!

What sets Mosaic Picnic apart is the mix of earthy materials, thoughtful design, and a sense of wonder. I lean into imperfection, into play, and into slow, tactile moments that feel grounding (especially in this faster than ever paced world). I also care deeply about sustainability (leaning into my science master’s), using repurposed or ethically sourced materials whenever I can, and minimizing plastic.

I’m most proud of creating a brand that reflects my values: curiosity, courage, and care. Mosaic Picnic is more than a shop; it’s a tiny movement that says YES to exploration, YES to handmade joy, and YES to creativity without pressure. I hope people who find my work feel a little spark of possibility, as they think, “Hey, maybe I can try that too.”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’ve had to unlearn perfectionism, and it’s still an ongoing process.

For a long time, I believed that if something wasn’t flawless, it wasn’t worth sharing. I’d spend hours tweaking tiny details that no one else would notice, or I’d avoid finishing a project altogether because I was afraid it wouldn’t turn out “right.” That mindset held me back creatively and made it hard to take risks.

But once I started Mosaic Picnic, I realized that perfectionism and progress don’t go hand in hand, especially in handmade work. Pieces that I previously might not have finished are now finished and include some of my favorite little quirks or flaws, giving them character. I’ve had to learn that done is better than perfect, and sharing something honest is way more powerful than waiting for perfect timing.

Overcoming perfectionism has helped me create more freely, launch ideas faster, and be gentler with myself. And you know what? People connect with the imperfect. The messy edges, the handmade feel, honestly, that’s where the magic is.

Today, I try to model that through my brand. Mosaic Picnic is about creativity without pressure: not needing to be perfect to be proud of what you made.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. At the heart of Mosaic Picnic is a mission to make creativity feel approachable, joyful, and fueled by curiosity.

I want people to feel like they can play again! Try new things without pressure, to explore materials they’ve never used, and to reconnect with that childlike sense of wonder we often lose as adults.

Whether it’s through a DIY embroidery kit, a DIY mosaic kit, or a tiny DIY watercolor kit, I design my work to invite curiosity: What happens if I try this? What if I mix these colors? Can I make something I’ve never seen before?

Curiosity is what drives my own process. I’m constantly experimenting, learning new skills, and following those little creative sparks. I aim to pass that same permission on to my customers.

I also care deeply about sustainability, resourcefulness, and meaning. I use natural or repurposed materials when I can, and many of my products are designed to help people slow down and create something with intention, whether that’s arranging a crystal garden or carving a small animal from soapstone.

Ultimately, Mosaic Picnic is about more than handmade goods. It’s a space that celebrates imperfect creativity, playful exploration, and the joy of making, especially for people who may not always see themselves as “artists.” If it sparks curiosity and brings a moment of magic, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mosaicpicnic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosaic.picnic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12CeWMRQf9M/
• Other: Etsy: http://themosaicpicnic.etsy.com/

Image Credits

@pinkcactusphotoaz