Welcome to Episode 99 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast! In this episode, Joleen welcomes mixed media artist and creative entrepreneur Kim Pepper for a fun conversation about junk journaling, faith-based art, creativity, and finding joy in the creative process. Kim shares how she uses color, texture, everyday objects, and art journaling to express emotions, process life, and connect faith with creativity. They also discuss letting go of perfectionism, embracing experimentation, and why done is better than perfect. ✨

Guest Bio

Kim Pepper is a mixed media artist, creative entrepreneur, and passionate junk journaler who combines creativity and faith to help women create lives filled with purpose, clarity, peace, joy, and self-expression. With a background in DIY home décor and more than a decade of experience creating online, Kim now teaches art journaling and faith-based creativity through courses, memberships, and special events like Faithfest and Artistic Advent.

Follow Kim

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 13:09] – Welcome & Joleen’s Five Happy Things
[13:10 – 19:08] – Meet Kim Pepper & Faith-Based Creativity
[19:09 – 24:39] – Art Journaling, Color & Creative Practice
[24:40 – 31:54] – Mixed Media Techniques & Embracing Imperfection
[31:54 – 38:26] – Junk Journaling, Texture & Creative Expression
[38:27 – 46:09] – Kim’s Creative Journey & Junk Journal Calenda
[46:10 – 53:43] – Rapid-Fire Questions & What Brings Kim Joy
[53:44 – 54:21] – Next Week’s Guest & Closing
[54:22 – End] – Retreats, Workshops & Farewell

Quotes from the Episode

“Done is better than perfect.” — Kim Pepper
“You’ve got to do what speaks to you.” — Kim Pepper
“Maybe you just haven’t gone enough. Maybe you need to do some more layers.” — Kim Pepper
“Don’t quit.” — Kim Pepper
“Nobody is judging you.” — Kim Pepper
“Anybody can do it.” — Kim Pepper
“Creativity doesn’t require perfect conditions—it just requires a willingness to begin.” — Joleen Emery
“I think sometimes shifting the perspective of why we do this is really important.” — Joleen Emery
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

🎨 Find Kim Pepper

Visit KimPepper.com to explore Kim’s creative work, courses, membership, and resources.

Kim also mentioned:

✨ Online art classes and courses
💙 Membership community
🎄 Artistic Advent — an art-journaling experience centered around the Christmas story
🌸 Faithfest — a collaborative faith and creativity even

📖 Book Mentioned: Mixed Media Girls by Suzie Blue

Joleen recommends this older mixed-media resource for inspiration, particularly for creating expressive faces, experimenting with color, texture, and mixed-media techniques.

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Welcome to Episode 98 of Joleen's Happy Time Craft Cast! In this episode, Joleen welcomes Iowa artist Kirsten Warrick for a fun and inspiring conversation about building a creative career, making art approachable, and embracing the joy of painting. Kirsten shares her journey from graphic designer to full-time artist, offers beginner-friendly painting tips, recommends affordable art supplies, and explains how she creates whimsical animal artwork and teaches paint-and-sip classes. Together, they discuss creative confidence, upcycling thrifted canvases, letting go of perfection, and why art is a skill anyone can learn. Whether you're a beginner painter or a lifelong maker, this episode is full of encouragement, practical advice, and creative inspiration.

Guest Bio

Kirsten Warrick is an Iowa-based full-time artist and former graphic designer known for her whimsical acrylic paintings, paint-and-sip workshops, and custom pet portraits. She creates original artwork, teaches artists of all skill levels, and inspires others to embrace creativity with confidence and joy.

Follow Kirsten

• Website
• Instagram
• Tiktok

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:20 – 13:09] – Welcome & Joleen's Five Happy Things
[13:10 – 14:20] – Meet Guest Kirsten Warrick
[14:21 – 15:19] – Kirsten's Artistic Journey & Style
[15:20 – 22:03] – Favorite Art Supplies & Paint Pens
[22:04 – 24:39] – Building Confidence as an Artist
[24:40 – 26:45] – Upcycling Thrifted Canvases
[26:46 – 31:01] – Pet Portrait Paint Classes
[31:02 – 33:08] – Common Beginner Painting Mistakes
[33:09 – 38:26] – Can Anyone Learn to Be Creative?
[38:27 – 39:42] – Workshops, Festivals & Where to Find Kirsten
[39:43 – 46:09] – Happy Time Rapid-Fire Questions
[46:10 – 51:02] – What Being an Artist Means
[51:03 – 54: 21] – What Brings Kirsten the Most Happiness
[54:22 – End] – Closing Thoughts

Quotes from the Episode

"Perfect isn't fun." — Joleen Emery
"There's room for all of us to create." — Joleen Emery
"The junkier the outside, the more freedom we have on the inside." — Joleen Emery
"Art should feel accessible—not intimidating." — Joleen Emery
"I don't feel quite right if I'm not making something." — Joleen Emery
"Art is a learned skill—you can get good at whatever you choose to practice." — Kirsten Warrick
"I want people to know their paintings don't have to be perfect." — Kirsten Warrick
"Being an artist means I don't have to work a 9-to-5." — Kirsten Warrick
"Too much paint is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make." — Kirsten Warrick
"I wasn't born knowing how to paint—it came with practice." — Kirsten Warrick

Resources and Links

🎨 Art Supplies: Artist's Loft Paint Pens (Michaels), Apple Barrel Paint Pens (Walmart), Top Notch Paint Pens, Hobby Lobby Acrylic Paints, acrylic paint, paint brushes, gesso, thrift-store canvases
🐾 Events: Paws & Pints Pet Portrait Paint Night (Des Moines), NewBo Art Festival (Cedar Rapids)
🖌️ Creative Projects: Paint-and-sip classes, custom pet portrait workshops, tiny watercolor portraits, upcycled canvas art
📱 Connect with Kirsten: Instagram and her website for upcoming classes, workshops, and festival appearances.

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Welcome to Episode 97 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! In this inspiring episode of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen welcomes mixed media artist Kristy Evans for an engaging conversation about collage, jelly plate printing, creative experimentation, and why making art is about so much more than the finished piece. Kristy shares practical advice for beginners, favorite texture-making techniques, and how she creates her own collage papers using gel printing. Together, they discuss daily creative practice, overcoming perfectionism, organizing art supplies, and the therapeutic role art played during Kristy's health journey. Whether you're brand new to mixed media or a seasoned maker, this episode is filled with encouragement to embrace curiosity, play, and the joy of creating simply for the sake of creating.

Guest Bio

Kristy Evans is an Iowa-based mixed media artist, curator, educator, and lifelong creative. Her award-winning artwork combines collage, monoprinting, and layered abstraction inspired by curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. A self-taught artist and former English teacher, Kristy also curates gallery exhibitions throughout Iowa while teaching workshops that encourage artists to embrace play, process, and creative exploration. Her work demonstrates that meaningful art often begins with simple materials and a willingness to experiment.

Follow Kristy

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 01:07] – Welcome & Summer Chat
[01:08 – 02:59] – Five Happy Things: Dragon Eggs & Creative Joy
[03:00 – 11:36] – Collage Warm-Ups and Creative Practice
[11:37 – 14:36] – Meet Guest Kristy Evans
[14:37 – 24:19] – Getting Started with Jelly Plate Printing
[24:20 – 33:29] – Favorite Texture Tools & Creating Unique Prints
[33:30 – 42:14] – Creativity, Healing & Mental Wellness
[42:15 – 52:34] – DIY Texture Tools Anyone Can Make
[52:35 – 55:48] – Upcoming Workshops & Art Events
[55:49 – 1:03:07] – Favorite Learning Resources
[1:03:08 – End] – Next Week's Guest & Farewell

Quotes from the Episode

"Background. Focal point. Sentiment. It's a formula I use over and over again whenever I'm feeling stuck." — Joleen Emery
"Sometimes the journey is the making—and that's enough." — Joleen Emery
"I make the best art when I'm not thinking about selling it. I'm just playing." — Joleen Emery
"Creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets." — Joleen Emery
"Your art doesn't always need a purpose beyond bringing you joy." — Joleen Emery
"Once you have your source material, creating becomes so much easier." — Kristy Evans
"Patience is what takes your gelly print to the next level." — Kristy Evans
"Art making became how I maintained balance and found peace." — Kristy Evans
"You can be creative in so many different ways." — Kristy Evans
"Give yourself the freedom to create without worrying where it's going." — Kristy Evans

Resources and Links

✨ Kristy's Upcoming Events
🎨 Sagewood Gallery Demo
🛍️ St. Paul's Presbyterian Artisan Fair

✨ Supplies Mentioned
🖌️ Gel Press & Jelly Arts Plates • Acrylic Paint • Brayer • Deli Paper • Copy Paper • Bristol Paper

✨ Favorite Texture Tools
🫧 Bubble Wrap • 🥢 Wooden Skewers • 🧻 Paper Towel Roll + Rubber Bands • 🛠️ Drywall Tools • ✂️ Craft Foam Texture Plates

✨ Creative Inspiration
📖 Daily Doodle Journal
🎨 Carolyn Dube
🌿 Rachel Davis (Botanical Gel Printing)

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Welcome to Episode 96 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! This week, Joleen catches everyone up on exciting studio projects, including preparations for her upcoming Whatnot shop, before sitting down with ceramic artist and educator Rachelle Miller. Together they chat about developing your artistic voice, finding inspiration through color and pattern, embracing mistakes as part of the creative process, and why making with your hands helps us grow as artists—and as people. Whether you work in clay, paper, fabric, or paint, this conversation is full of encouragement to keep creating, experimenting, and sharing your work with the world.

Guest Bio

Rachelle Miller is a Madison, Wisconsin-based ceramic artist and educator creating functional and sculptural pottery inspired by mid-century modern design. Known for her bold geometric patterns, layered monoprint techniques, and vibrant color palettes, Rachelle combines wheel throwing, hand-building, and printmaking to create one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces. She also teaches ceramics at Madison College and co-hosts the Altered Potters Podcast.

Follow Rachelle

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 03:59] – Welcome Back & Choosing Optimism
[04:00 – 11:14] – Preparing for Whatnot: Art Supplies, Handmade Goods & Vintage Finds
[11:15 – 14:29] – Meet Ceramic Artist Rachelle Miller
[14:30 – 19:29] – Finding Your Artistic Voice Through Clay
[19:30 – 28:59] – Monoprinting, Surface Design & Layering Techniques
[29:00 – 38:59] – Color Theory, Creativity & Trusting Your Eye
[39:00 – 47:59] – Favorite Tools & Getting Started with Ceramics
[48:00 – 52:59] – Workshops, Art Tours & Where to Find Michelle
[53:00 – 1:02:59] – Creative Inspiration & Favorite Art Books
[1:03:00 – End] – Happy Time Questions: Creativity, Growth & Sandwiches

Quotes from the Episode

"Creativity is a muscle. The more you practice it and the more you stretch it, the stronger and more comfortable you become." — Joleen Emery
"The people who my work is for get really excited because they'll say they've never seen work like this before. As an artist, that's the best thing you can hear." — Rachelle Miller
"You are not growing unless you're making mistakes and failing. In order to grow, you have to do hard stuff." — Rachelle Miller
"I always tell my students: You don't learn to play the violin in one lesson. You won't learn to throw pottery on the wheel in one lesson either." — Rachelle Miller
"The one hat I never take off is being an artist. It's how I see the world and how I solve problems." — Joleen Emery
"My gift is taking something complicated, breaking it into manageable parts, and making it accessible so other people can create it too." — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

Mentioned by Rachel

• Instagram: @handsinclaymadison
• Lake Loop Art Tour (Madison, WI)
• Shaller Gallery (Michigan) – Geometric Ceramics Exhibition
• Madison College Ceramics Program
• Altered Potters Podcast

Mentioned by Joleen

• Whatnot marketplace for art supplies, handmade goods, vintage finds, and creative kits
• Collage Ideas Book by Alena Hennessy
• Northern Clay Center (Minnesota)
• Mason Stains (ceramic colorants)
• Silhouette cutting machine
• Cricut cutting machine

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
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Welcome to Episode 95 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this special demonstration episode, Joleen walks viewers through the basics of indoor cyanotype printing, making this beautiful photographic process approachable for beginners. She explains the essential supplies, demonstrates how to mix cyanotype chemicals, apply emulsion to paper, and prepare prints without relying on perfect weather or outdoor sunlight. Along the way, she shares inspiring examples of cyanotype projects on paper and fabric, from botanical prints to tote bags and mixed-media artwork. The main takeaway? Cyanotype printing is easier than it looks, and the best way to learn is to jump in, experiment, and have fun with the process.

Guest Bio

No guest this week! This is a special solo teaching episode featuring Joleen sharing her cyanotype process, favorite materials, and practical tips for getting started with this magical art form.

Follow Joleen

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 02:59] – Welcome + What Is Cyanotype Printing?
[03:00 – 07:59] – Examples of Finished Cyanotype Projects
[08:00 – 10:59] – Paper vs. Fabric: Different Results Explained
[11:00 – 14:59] – Advanced Cyanotype Possibilities (Masks, Turmeric & More)
[15:00 – 17:59] – Supplies You'll Need to Get Started
[18:00 – 20:59] – Bostick & Sullivan Cyanotype Chemistry Overview
[21:00 – 23:59] – Mixing Solution A & Solution
[24:00 – 27:59] – Choosing Brushes & Non-Reactive Tools
[28:00 – 31:59] – Applying Emulsion to Watercolor Paper
[32:00 – 35:59] – Working with Premium Papers
[36:00 – 39:59] – Creative Emulsion Techniques & Brush Effects
[40:00 – 42:59] – Drying, Storage & Beginner Tips
[43:00 – End] – Final Encouragement + Start Experimenting!

Quotes from the Episode

“Not every cyanotype that you print is a slam dunk, and that’s okay.” — Joleen Emery
“I like using people and greenery together—it creates such interesting stories in the prints.” — Joleen Emery
“The best way to learn is to start experimenting and see what happens.” — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

💙 Bostick & Sullivan Cyanotype Kit – Joleen's preferred source for classic cyanotype chemistry, including Solution A and Solution B.

🎨 Materials Mentioned
✨ 140 lb Watercolor Paper
✨ Strathmore Fine Art Paper
✨ Muslin Fabric
✨ Tote Bags
✨ Botanical Elements (wheat, asparagus, leaves, flowers)

🖌️ Tools Mentioned
✨ Non-reactive mixing bowl
✨ Plastic makeup brush
✨ Foam brush with wooden handle
✨ Distilled water

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Welcome to Episode 94 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this colorful and inspiration-filled episode, Joleen shares creative updates from the farm, including cyanotype printing on unconventional materials, portable embroidery projects, reverse appliqué apparel, and new ideas for the Big Raven Farm gift shop. She’s then joined by Minnesota artist and designer Marlo Graham, whose vibrant work blends cityscapes, storytelling, nostalgia, and bold color palettes inspired by everyday life. Together, they explore creativity, finding inspiration in ordinary moments, and the role color plays in shaping emotion and connection. The takeaway? Creativity is everywhere—you just have to stay curious enough to notice it.

Guest Bio

Marlo Graham is a Minnesota-based artist and designer known for her colorful, whimsical artwork inspired by cityscapes, architecture, everyday moments, and nostalgic memories. A graduate of Pratt Institute with a background in interior design, Marlo combines bold color palettes, playful compositions, and thoughtful storytelling to create uplifting artwork that celebrates community, creativity, and joy.

Follow Marlo

• Website
• Instagram
• Etsy

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 01:59] – Welcome + Summer Creative Updates
[02:00 – 05:59] – Cyanotype Printing on Tea Bags
[06:00 – 09:5] – Portable Embroidery Projects & Creative Happiness
[10:00 – 13:59] – Vintage Girl Scout Treasure Discovery
[14:00 – 17:59] – Reverse Appliqué Sweatshirts & Gift Shop Updates
[18:00 – 20:59] – New Cyanotype Apparel Experiments
[21:00 – 23:59] – Introducing Marlo Graham
[24:00 – 28:59] – Marlo’s Creative Journey & Interior Design Background
[29:00 – 34:59] – Color Theory, Cityscapes & Storytelling
[35:00 – 40:59] – Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
[41:00 – 47:59] – Nostalgia, Community & Artistic Voice
[48:00 – 54:59] – Building a Creative Career
[55:00 – End] – Final Thoughts + Encouragement for Makers

Quotes from the Episode

“It doesn’t have to have a purpose other than making you happy.” — Joleen Emery
“I don’t believe in garbage—I believe in possibilities.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes the best projects start with simply trying something you’ve never done before.” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity is often about being willing to experiment until something works.” — Joleen Emery
“I love using color to create emotion and tell stories.” — Marlo Graham
“Inspiration is everywhere when you pay attention to the details around you.” — Marlo Graham
“I’m drawn to nostalgic subjects because they connect people through shared memories.” — Marlo Graham
“There isn’t a bad color—I just try to use them all.” — Marlo Graham

Resources and Links

🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats – Cyanotype, eco-printing, art journaling, and mixed-media creative experiences.
🎨 Marlo Graham Art – Explore Marlo’s colorful cityscapes, nostalgic illustrations, and design work inspired by architecture and everyday life.

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Welcome to Episode 93 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this creativity-packed episode, Joleen shares recent studio adventures, including upcycled apparel made from her grandmother’s quilts, creative solutions to unexpected fabric mishaps, cyanotype collage experiments, tea bag printing, and innovative ways to repurpose everyday materials. She also introduces guest Madelyne Adams of Good Letters Design, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans graphic design, hand lettering, and murals. The episode celebrates creative problem-solving, embracing experimentation, and finding new possibilities in materials that others might overlook. The big takeaway? Creativity thrives when we stay curious, adapt when things go wrong, and give ourselves permission to play.

Guest Bio

Madelyne Adams is the artist and designer behind Good Letters Design, where she combines hand lettering, graphic design, illustration, and mural work to create vibrant, meaningful artwork. Her creative practice blends traditional and digital techniques, helping brands, businesses, and communities tell stories through thoughtful design and custom lettering.

Follow Madelyne

• Website
• Instagram
• Substack

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 07:59] – Welcome + Summer Updates
[08:00 – 11:59] – Saving a Project After Fabric Bleeding Mishaps
[12:00 – 16:59] – Cyanotype Collage Experiments
[17:00 – 22:59] – Using Masks & Reverse Negatives in Cyanotypes
[23:00 – 26:59] – Repurposing Packaging & Found Materials
[27:00 – 30:59] – Tiny Cyanotype Prints on Tea Bags
[31:00 – 36:59] – Art Journaling, Layers & Creative Recipes
[37:00 – 38:59] – Introducing Madelyne Adams
[39:00 – 44:59] – Madelyne’s Journey into Lettering & Design
[45:00 – 51:59] – Building a Creative Career Through Art
[52:00 – 57:59] – Creativity, Community & Artistic Growth
[58:00 – End] – Final Thoughts + Encouragement for Makers

Quotes from the Episode

“Sometimes the project doesn’t go the way you planned, but it can still become something beautiful.” — Joleen Emery
“I don’t believe in garbage—I believe in possibilities.” — Joleen Emery
“The best creative discoveries often happen when you stop being precious with your materials.” — Joleen Emery
“Every mistake is just an opportunity to find a new solution.” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity grows when you give yourself permission to experiment.” — Madelyne Adams
“Lettering is more than words—it’s a way of communicating personality and feeling.” — Madelyne Adams
“The projects that challenge us often teach us the most.” — Madelyne Adams

Resources and Links

🎨 Good Letters Design – Explore Madelyne Adams' work in hand lettering, graphic design, illustration, and mural painting.
✍️ Madelyne's Favorite Lettering Tools & Supplies:
Kuretake Zig ClickArt Pens (purchased from Wet Paint)
Fountain Pens for both writing and sketching
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens (Madelyne mentions preferring a mid-range tip size and specifically carries an 01 Micron)
Sharpie Markers for everyday sketching and lettering practice

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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In Episode 92 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen sits down with artist, designer, and maker Beth Erickson for a colorful and encouraging conversation about acrylic pouring, functional art, and the courage it takes to share your creativity with the world. Inspired by the beauty and movement of the Pacific Northwest, Beth creates joyful artwork ranging from fluid abstract paintings and resin art to charcuterie boards, stationery, and handmade pieces designed for everyday life. Together, they talk about creative vulnerability, building a handmade business one market at a time, and why experimenting without fear can lead to meaningful connection. The big takeaway? Your art doesn’t have to be perfect to matter — it simply has to be shared.

Guest Bio

Beth Erickson is an artist, designer, and maker whose work spans acrylic pour painting, abstract mixed media, stationery design, resin art, and functional handmade pieces. Inspired by the movement, color, and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Beth creates art designed to bring joy into everyday life — from painted cribbage boards and charcuterie trays to greeting cards, stickers, and fluid abstract artwork. Through her creative business, Beth encourages others to embrace experimentation, creativity, and the courage to share their work with the world.

Follow Beth

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Etsy

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 05:29] – Welcome & creative life updates
[05:30 – 8:59] – Introducing Beth Erickson
[09:00 – 15:44] – Acrylic pouring & resin art beginnings
[15:45 – 21:59] – Finding inspiration in the Pacific Northwest
[22:00 – 28:29] – Creating functional art people can use every day
[28:30 – 34:59] – Selling handmade work at markets & events
[35:00 – 41:14] – The vulnerability of sharing your art publicly
[41:15 – 47:59] – Encouragement for creatives building a business
[48:00 – End] – Final reflections on courage, creativity & connection

Quotes from the Episode

“Some of the most meaningful art is the kind people get to use every day.” — Beth Erickson
“Putting your work out there can feel vulnerable, but it’s also how connection happens.” — Beth Erickson
“Acrylic pouring taught me to embrace unpredictability instead of fighting it.” — Beth Erickson
“I want my art to feel joyful, approachable, and lived with.” — Beth Erickson
“Every market taught me something new about confidence and creativity.” — Beth Erickson
“Creativity grows when we stop waiting for perfect and just start sharing.” — Joleen Emery
“Art becomes even more meaningful when it’s woven into everyday life.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes courage looks like simply showing up with your work.” — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

🎨 Explore Beth’s work:
🌐 www.bethericksondesigns.com

🏕️ Learn more about retreats & creative workshops:
🌐 https://bigravenfarm.com/

🛍️ Shop Joleen’s creative products & art kits:
🌐 https://bigravenyoga.com/

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
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Welcome to Episode 91 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this creativity-filled episode, Joleen shares studio updates, handmade apparel projects, and exciting plans for interactive live-stream crafting experiences. She’s joined by ceramic artist Elsa Stutzman, who opens up about her journey back to pottery and the joy of creating functional ceramics meant to be used and loved every day. Together, they explore creativity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful connection behind handmade art.

Guest Bio

Elsa Stutzman is a functional potter and ceramic artist whose handmade pieces are designed to bring beauty and meaning to everyday routines. Inspired by the idea that art should be held, used, and loved, Elsa creates thoughtful ceramics that blend craftsmanship with storytelling. After first discovering pottery in college, she rediscovered her passion for ceramics in 2020 and has since built a growing creative practice centered around connection, functionality, and joy.

Follow Elsa

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 05:59] – Welcome Back + Mother’s Day Recap
[06:00 – 09:59] – Quilted Cats, Stars & Butterflies
[10:00 – 12:59] – Handmade Thread Conditioner + Gift Shop Updates
[13:00 – 15:59] – Ornament Kits + Creative Packaging Decisions
[16:00 – 19:59] – Fusible Web & Appliqué Process Explained
[20:00 – 21:59] – Introducing Guest Elsa Stutzman
[22:00 – 25:59] – Elsa’s Functional Pottery Philosophy
[26:00 – 28:59] – Discovering Ceramics in College
[29:00 – 32:59] – Returning to Clay in 2020
[33:00 – 36:59] – Building a Creative Practice from Scratch
[37:00 – 40:59] – Why Functional Art Matters
[41:00 – End ] – Final Thoughts + Encouragement for Makers

Quotes from the Episode

“Creativity is figuring it out one project at a time.” — Joleen Emery
“I love taking discarded materials and turning them into something meaningful.”  — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes you just have to try the idea that won’t leave you alone.” — Joleen Emery
“I love the idea of art that can be held, used, and loved every day.” — Elsa Stutzman
“Functional ceramics turn everyday moments into something magical.” — Elsa Stutzman
“I missed ceramics so much that eventually I realized I just needed to find a way back to it.” — Elsa Stutzman
“I want people to feel the love and care that went into every piece.” — Elsa Stutzman

Resources and Links

🧵 Techniques Mentioned – Quilting, appliqué, fusible web layering, embroidery, and handmade thread conditioner.
🏺 Functional Ceramics – Explore the beauty of handmade pottery designed for everyday use and meaningful connection.

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Welcome to Episode 90 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, where Joleen switches things up with a fun, hands-on live demo! In this episode, she walks through a step-by-step reverse appliqué process, using stick-and-stitch, thoughtful placement, and fabric layering to transform thrifted garments into custom pieces. Along the way, she shares practical tips, lessons learned, and encourages viewers to experiment and make the process their own. The takeaway? Creativity is all about trying, learning, and having fun with it.

Guest Bio

No guest this week—just Joleen in her element, sharing her creative process, tips, and behind-the-scenes magic from Big Raven Farm.

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Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 01:29] – Welcome + Episode Overview
[01:30 – 03:29] – Joleen’s Five Happy Things
[03:30 – 04:59] – Repurposed Teacup Candles
[05:00 – 07:29] – DIY Thread Conditioner
[07:30 – 09:29] – Sweatshirt Embroidery Wins
[09:30 – 11:59] – Cyanotype on Denim Experiment
[12:00 – 13:29] – Community Chat + What’s Making You Happy
[13:30 – 14:59] –Reverse Appliqué Demo Begins
[15:00 – 17:59] – Materials: Stick-and-Stitch + Canva Designs
[18:00 – 20:59] – Placement Tips for Apparel
[21:00 – 24:59] – Pinning + Fabric Prep
[25:00 – 34:59] – Step-by-Step Process + Pro Tips
[35:00 – End] –Final Thoughts + Creative Encouragement

Quotes from the Episode

“Let’s not be wastey-wastey with our resources.”  — Joleen Emery
“Progress is progress—even if it’s a little messy along the way.”  — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes it’s better to let the professionals do their thing.” — Joleen Emery
“You don’t need one more machine… you just need to start creating.”  — Joleen Emery
“Just try it—you’ll figure it out as you go.”  — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

🎨 Big Raven Farm Gift Shop – Featuring handmade items like upcycled apparel, candles, and creative kits.
🏡 Workshops & Retreats – Join hands-on experiences including cyanotype, embroidery, and mixed media projects.
🧵 Techniques Featured – Reverse appliqué, stick-and-stitch embroidery, upcycling clothing, and cyanotype experimentation.
🛠️ Tools & Materials – Stick-and-stitch sheets, Canva for design creation, thrifted garments, pins, and fabric scraps.

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👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB