A Day in the Life: Christi Johnson of Magic Threads

Creators on Teachable come from every walk of life and share knowledge on every topic around. In our new series, A Day in the Life, we take a look at what a typical day looks like for real Teachable creators. They’ll share with us the quiet moments, the busy moments, and glimpses into what life really looks like behind the curtain. We first introduced you to Jasmine and Michael, the duo behind the Academy of Animated Art. Up next, we’re sharing a peek into the world of Christi Johnson of Magic Threads.

Christi had a career in fashion, but she craved more flexibility and frankly, creativity. To help revive her creative spirit, she started teaching live classes. After seeing success teaching, the decided to take her knowledge and expertise in the textile world online with Teachable. Now, she’s able to teach her courses full time and do what she loves every day.

Take a peek at how Teachable has helped her live the creative and inspiring life she’s always dreamed.

Read Christi’s full transcript below.

7:30-9 a.m.

I start my day waking up naturally with the sunlight. Many years ago, I decided an alarm clock is probably the worst way to start the day and have planned my life accordingly. Immediately after getting up, I’ll record my dreams if I can remember them; otherwise I stare at the blank page until I’m certain they’re gone forever.

9-10:30 a.m.

Head to the chicken coop to let the ladies out and check the state of the garden to see if anything needs harvesting.

Cook up some eggs and toast while I check Instagram and my family text messages, all while dragging a ribbon across the floor for the cat to chase. More animal humor to start the day!

10:30-12 p.m.

Catch up on all the emails I probably fell behind on; I still haven’t figured out a great system for inbox management, so I simply do my best.

Get to work! Since I’m building a new course right now, I’ll start the work day by pulling out my collection of artwork, antique embroideries, and textile art books to source images for my slideshows, and start stitching up some samples.

“This tactile element of course-building allows me to balance time on the computer with time in the real world. If it's sunny and over 50 degrees, I'll do this outside.”

1:30-4:30 p.m.

Break for lunch! Since I live in a rural area, 99% of my meals are made at home; lunch is usually the least fancy, but if it’s summertime it’s probably gonna be a garden fresh extravaganza.

Me time. When I make time for my own artwork, my lessons become so much more exciting and inspiring.

4:30 p.m.

Get ready for my weekly Q+A call with students—I make sure I’ve got my wireless headphones and laptop charged, my camera and ring light set up over my embroidery hoop, and any exciting new finds I want to show to the class within arms reach.

5-7 p.m.

Q+A call on Zoom.

More artmaking, cleaning, harvesting, basically finishing up whatever got forgotten over the day (or, if I’m making an extra extravagant dinner, cooking).

7-9 p.m.

Dinner! Preparing meals is pure creative delight for me. Mixing colors and flavors, completely transforming the qualities of vegetables and other foods, it’s an alchemical process that brings me so much joy.

9-12 a.m.

Hit the spa! Ok, ok, it’s not a spa—just a room in the basement with a clawfoot tub and a space heater. A sketchbook or journal usually accompanies me here to record any thoughts. Somehow I manage to crawl to bed after a good stretch and soak.

Curious as to what else Christi Johnson is up to? Follow her on Instagram for some inspiring work or sign up for her newsletter at Magic Threads.