Crafting the Case

In this week’s episode of Crafting the Case, we take you back to Sydney, Nova Scotia, during a blizzard in 1992—a night that would leave a lasting scar on the community. We unravel the tragic murder of Marie Dupe at Big Ben’s convenience store, a case that remained cold for nearly a decade before a controversial undercover operation changed everything.

While piecing together this chilling case, we soothe our nerves with a little self-care—DIY facial masks, because hey, true crime and skincare can go hand-in-hand, right?

Join us for a powerful story of persistence, loss, and justice... and a little exfoliation.

This week on Crafting the Case, we take a poignant turn toward home as we revisit the 1917 coal mining explosion in New Waterford, Nova Scotia — a tragedy that claimed lives, shook our community, and shaped local history. As we carefully craft the details of this historic event, we also reach the final brushstrokes of our third paint-by-numbers piece, finding quiet moments of reflection in every color.

Join us as we balance soot with strokes — weaving memory, mourning, and maybe a little mischief into a hometown case that’s close to our hearts.

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we paint by numbers while exploring the haunting and heartbreaking disappearance of Emma Fillipoff, a 26-year-old woman last seen barefoot and disoriented outside the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, in 2012.

We trace the strange and chilling events leading up to her vanishing — including unusual phone calls, sudden changes in behavior, and the eerie final sightings — all while chatting and crafting in our usual cozy true crime style.

If you or someone you know has any information about Emma Fillipoff’s case, please contact:

🎨 Craft along with us and let us know your theories, thoughts, or what your paint-by-numbers masterpiece looked like!

What do you get when you mix fine art, espionage, Russian business deals, and one very charismatic con man from Nova Scotia?

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive deep into the unbelievable true story of John Mark Tillmann — the antique thief who stole over 10,000 artifacts from museums, universities, and private collections, all while hiding them in plain sight in his suburban home. 

But beneath the stolen letters from George Washington and priceless first editions was something darker: political extremism, manipulation, and a life built on illusion.

Join us as we trace Tillmann’s life from Fall River to Moscow, and ultimately, to the unraveling of one of Canada’s most prolific art theft operations.

🎨 While we tell this wild tale, we’re crafting something inspired by forgery, museum aesthetics, and a little paint-by-numbers fun!

In this springy-but-spooky episode of Crafting the Case, we dive into florals and folklore! While making DIY spring wreaths, we unravel the eerie legend of Truro’s infamous Langille House — one of Nova Scotia’s most chilling ghost stories.

There’s also some classic weekend catch-up, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of hot glue 🌿👻.

In this episode, we explore the wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaq teen from Membertou First Nation who spent 11 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit.

His story reveals the deep-rooted racism and systemic failures in Canada’s justice system — from a flawed 1971 investigation to coerced testimonies. More than a legal tragedy, it’s a powerful story of resistance, colonial injustice, and the legacy of one man’s fight for Indigenous rights.

📍 Recorded in Kjipuktuk, on Mi’kmaw territory.

This week on Crafting the Case, we dive into a truly wild Titanic tale you have to hear — cast, crew, seafood chowder... and PCP?! 🫣🍲 We chat about the Titanic movie team’s unforgettable (and bizarre) visit to Nova Scotia, and while we swap seafood horror stories, we get crafty with air-dry and oven-baked clay. It’s a mix of true crime, maritime madness, and messy hands — just how we like it!

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive into tragedy and creativity— 🕵️‍♀️🎨 Ashley takes us back in time with the haunting tale of Halifax and the Maritimes’ crucial role in the Titanic disaster recovery effort: the ships, the sorrow, and the stories that stayed behind. Meanwhile, Tara and I get a little salty (literally) while crafting nautical-themed wreaths using seashells, gems, and a few whimsical trinkets from our stash. 🐚⚓️ It’s part remembrance, part art therapy, and fully us.

So grab your glue gun and maybe a tissue—you’re in for a tide of emotion and hot glue mishaps. 💔🛠️

This week on Crafting the Case, we explore the 1989 disappearance of 19-year-old Kimberly McAndrew, who vanished after leaving her shift at Canadian Tire on Quinpool Road in Halifax. It’s one of Nova Scotia’s most enduring mysteries, and we’re breaking down the timeline, the theories, and the unanswered questions that still surround her case.

While we talk true crime, we’re also getting creative with bean and legume mosaics (don’t worry — no chickpeas were harmed in the making). It’s a fun and tactile craft that gives us space to reflect while staying engaged with the story. Tune in, craft along, and help keep Kimberly’s story alive.

Any person with information regarding the person(s) responsible for the disappearance of Kimberly Ann McAndrew should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we talk about the disturbing story of Roch Thériault and the Ant Hill Kids cult—one of Canada’s most infamous and horrifying cults.

As we paint and decorate adorable rock cactuses, we unpack the shocking details of Thériault’s manipulative reign. Join us for a mix of dark history, true crime, and lighthearted crafting as we balance the macabre with creativity.

🔪🎨 Subscribe for more true crime & crafts! #TrueCrime #CraftingTheCase #AntHillKids #RochTheriault #TrueCrimePodcast #CraftingAndCrime