Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast

Craftonians! ✨ In Episode 86 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen sits down with Turkish water marbling artist Vesile Yilmaz for a dreamy, soul-soothing conversation about flow, surrender, and the magic of creating without control. Vesile shares the beauty of Ebru—an ancient art form where paint dances on water—and how it teaches us to release perfectionism, trust the process, and stay present. Together, they explore creativity as a spiritual practice, the power of intuition, and why some of the most beautiful art happens when we simply let go.

Guest Bio

Vesile Yilmaz is a Turkish Ebru (water marbling) artist who blends traditional techniques with an intuitive, meditative approach to creativity. Her work reflects a deep connection to presence, flow, and surrender, using water as both canvas and collaborator. Through her art and teaching, Vesile invites others to experience creativity as a pathway to mindfulness and inner calm.

Follow Vesile

• Website 
• Instagram
• Facebook

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[0:00 – 07:43] – Welcome, Updates & introducing Vesile Yilmaz
[7:44 – 10:45] – What is Ebru (Turkish water marbling)?
[10:46 – 15:20] – Flow states and creative presence
[15:21 – 20:10] – Creativity as a spiritual practice
[20:11 – 24:30] – Perfectionism vs. play
[24:31 – 27:59] – Trusting intuition in art and life
[28:00 – 34:28] – The Happy Ten with Vesile
[34:25:01 – End] – Final thoughts + where to find Vesile

Quotes from the Episode

“You cannot control what happens on the water.” – Vesile Yilmaz
“The moment you let go… that’s when the magic begins.” – Vesile Yilmaz
“Creativity is not something you force—it’s something you allow.” – Vesile Yilmaz
“Every piece is a collaboration with the present moment.” – Vesile Yilmaz
“There are no mistakes, only new patterns.” – Vesile Yilmaz 

 Resources and Links

📖 Joleen's Book Recommendation: Botanical Line Drawing by Peggy A. Dean
Tools Mentioned for Ebru:
🐴 Horsehair brushes (traditional Ebru brushes made from horsehair and rosewood branches)
🪮 Earth pigments
🌿 Carrageenan powder (seaweed-based thickener for the water surface)
🧺 Marbling tray (shallow basin for the process)
🪡 Stylus or needle tools for shaping designs
🎨 Beginner Ebru/marbling kits for trying the practice at home
🖌️Join Ebru Workshop with Vesile

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Craftonians! ✨ In Episode 85 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen kicks things off with her “Five Happy Things,” from Cricut-made retreat toolkits and vintage paper treasures to an upcycled tote bag project and the completion of her giant bookboard circle art piece. She’s then joined by Minneapolis encaustic painter Kathleen Kvern, who shares how she creates luminous layered artwork using molten wax inspired by Lake Superior landscapes. Together they explore creativity, resilience, and the joy of making.

Guest Bio

Kathleen Kvern is a Minneapolis-based encaustic painter whose work explores transformation through molten wax and layered processes. Inspired by the landscapes of northern Minnesota and Lake Superior, her paintings capture the emotional essence of place using texture, translucency, and color. Kathleen exhibits her work regionally, is represented by galleries in Wisconsin, and teaches encaustic workshops and retreats focused on creativity, connection, and personal resilience.

Follow Kathleen

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 02:09] – Welcome back + why being off last week felt strange
[02:10 – 08:59] – Five Happy Things segment begins
[9:00 – 10:00] – Introducing guest Kathleen Kvern
[10:00 – 20:25] – What is Encaustic Art?
[20:26 – 21:20] – Teaching workshops and building creative community
[21:21 – 37:59] – Kathleen’s encaustic painting journey
[38:00 – 45:59] – Inspiration from Lake Superior and Minnesota landscapes
[46:00 – 55:00] – The Happy Ten 
[55:00 – End] – Retreat Announcements + Thank You

Quotes from the Episode

“It makes me ridiculously happy to turn something ordinary into something beautiful.” – Joleen Emery
“Sometimes the best creative supplies come from the recycling center.” – Joleen Emery
“Working with encaustic feels like painting with fire.” – Kathleen Kvern
“Art has this incredible ability to transform not just materials, but the artist too.” – Kathleen Kvern
“Creativity is really about staying curious.” – Kathleen Kvern

 Resources and Links

🔥 Encaustic Painting (Molten Wax Technique) – Kathleen Kvern works with heated beeswax and pigment to build luminous, layered paintings that capture atmosphere and landscape.
🛠️ Encaustic Tools & Materials Mentioned – Heated palette, encaustic medium (beeswax + resin), natural bristle brushes, and heat tools used to fuse wax layers together.
📚 Joleen’s Book Recommendations
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope
🎨 Encaustic Workshops & Retreats

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Craftonians! Welcome to Episode 84! ✨

In this heart-filled episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen chats with Midwest oil portrait artist Maryanne Rice about creativity, courage, and starting her painting journey at age 40. Maryanne shares why oil painting isn’t as intimidating as it seems and how practice, failure, and community shape true artistic growth. They explore capturing spirit in portraits, embracing imperfection, and the power of simply showing up — plus Joleen wraps with a book recommendation and retreat updates to keep you crafting happy. 💛

Guest Bio

Marianne Rice is a Wisconsin-based oil portrait artist known for her contemporary representational portraits that capture both likeness and spirit. A self-taught artist who began painting at age 40, Maryanne is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Portrait Society of America. She exhibits nationally, serves within the portrait community, and cultivates local artist groups in rural Wisconsin. Her work beautifully blends technical skill with emotional depth.

Follow Marianne

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 08:44] –Welcome + Joleen’s “Five Happy Things”
[08:45 – 15:29] – Retreat updates & NEW watercolor retreat announcement
[15:30 – 18:09] – Introducing guest: Marianne Rice
[18:10 – 25:39] – Starting oil painting at age 40
[25:40 – 33:14] – Why oil painting isn’t as scary as you think
[33:15 – 41:19] – Capturing spirit in portraiture
[41:20 – 48:49] – Practice vs. perfection – the real difference
[48:50 – End] – Upcoming workshops & closing thoughts

Quotes from the Episode

“You don’t really know until you try.” – Marianne Rice
“Master the art of showing up.” – Marianne Rice
“Perfection is the thief of joy.” – Joleen Emery
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” – Marianne Rice
“It’s the same impulse as cave paintings — to say, ‘I was here.’” – Marianne Rice
“Remove the feeling that it has to be great.” – Marianne Rice

Resources and Links

Artists & Learning Resources

• The Loomis Method (for drawing faces)
• Proko (YouTube drawing resource)

Book Recommendation

• Paper Collage Chinese Style (Shanghai Press, 2016)

Retreats & Workshops

• NEW Beginning Watercolor Retreat (Oct 22–25, co-led with Emily Marie)
• Cooking Retreat (with Chef Darin – limited spots available)
• Fat Pats Brewery Workshop – March 6 (Bookboard Mosaic Project)

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Craftonians! ✨ Welcome to Episode 83 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast. When Minnesota dropped 12–18 inches of snow and knocked out guest Jamie’s power, we pivoted to a cozy solo studio session at Big Raven Farm. I share updates on brewery craft nights, cyanotype and eco-print retreats, and take you step-by-step through a Robert Hunt–inspired collage technique, plus tips on mixed media, image transfers, and creative layering. The heart of the episode? Grab, create, and don’t overthink it—keep crafting happy!

Guest Update

Jamie (joining us from snowy northern Minnesota!) will absolutely be back once the power — and the 18 inches of snow — settle down. Stay tuned for that rescheduled knitting conversation!

Follow Joleen

• Website
• Instagram
• Youtube

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 04:29] Welcome + Minnesota Snowstorm Update
[04:30 – 09:14] Brewery Craft Night Project Reveal
[09:15 – 18:39]Cyanotype & Eco Print Retreat Details
[18:40 – 25:09] Swatch Books & Substrate Experiments
[25:10 – 42:29] Robert Hunt Collage Technique Demo
[42:30 – End] Next Week’s Guest Announcement

Quotes from the Episode

“Grab and go. That is the advice of the day.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes we just have to learn about technique before we start getting worried about outcome.” — Joleen Emery
“Take an idea, find what you like, and then turn it into your own.” — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

 💛 Try the Robert Hunt collage technique and share your results
 💛 Check out thrift books / used bookstores for older art resources
 💛 Join a retreat at Big Raven Farm

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Welcome back, Craftonians! In Episode 82 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen welcomes tattoo artist and muralist Audra Grosz, for a vibrant, inspiring conversation about color, craft, and community. They explore Audra’s 11-year journey in tattooing, evolving techniques, mural design with digital tools, and how creativity shows up everywhere—from skin to walls to everyday life.

Guest Bio

Audra Grosz is the owner of Tattoo Zuzu in Viroqua, Wisconsin, and has been tattooing professionally for over 11 years, previously co-owning Wayward Tattoos in Madison — the city’s first women-owned tattoo shop. A Driftless-area native and lifelong art enthusiast, Audra blends fine art, craft, and community in her work, creating tattoos, murals, and mixed-media projects while continually exploring new techniques both on and off the skin.

Follow Audra

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 10:14] – Welcome & Retreat Updates from Big Raven Farm
[10:15 – 11:59] – Introducing Audra Grosz
[12:00 – 15:29] – First Impressions of Being a Tattoo Artist
[15:30 – 21:59] – How the Tattoo Industry Has Changed in 11 Years
[22:00 – 26:29] – From Art School to Tattooing
[26:30 – 29:59] – Dabbling in Multiple Mediums
[30:00 – 34:29] – Tattoo Techniques: Stipple & Fine Line Shading
[34:30 – 39:59] – Murals, Procreate & Designing for Walls
[40:00 – 44:59] – Creativity at Home & Playing with Tools
[45:00 – End] – Community, Craft & Staying Curious

Quotes from the Episode

“Tattooing is such a great blend of fine art, craft, and community.” — Audra Grosz
“Creativity kind of does whatever is in front of our hands.” — Joleen Emery
“Art isn’t just what you make — it’s how you live and connect with your community.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes the best inspiration comes from playing and exploring without expectations.” — Joleen Emery
“Instagram completely changed how we connect, share, and inspire in the tattoo world.”  — Audra Grosz

Resources and Links
🎨 Learn more about retreats at Big Raven Farm
🖌 Support Audra's tattoo community 

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Craftonians! Joleen is back for Episode 81 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast, sharing updates from Big Raven Farm, the newly released 2026 retreat schedule, and some festive holiday project inspiration. She’s joined by watercolor artist and instructor Emily Marie for a warm, encouraging conversation about watercolor basics, creative confidence, supplies, and letting go of perfection. From pet portraits to paper talk, the big takeaway is simple—art should feel joyful, freeing, and accessible to everyone.

Guest Bio

Emily Marie is a full-time watercolor artist and instructor based in Wisconsin. A former elementary teacher, Emily now specializes in custom pet portraits, botanical watercolor, and beginner-friendly watercolor instruction. Her teaching mantra, “create gently,” shines through her classes, workshops, and online tutorials. Emily teaches both in-person classes and online through Skillshare, and she’s passionate about helping adults use watercolor as a stress-relieving, joyful creative practice.

Follow Emily

• Website
• Instagram
• Youtube

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 05:29] — Welcome to Happy Time 🎉
[05:30 – 14:29] — 2026 Retreats Are LIVE! 
[14:30 – 19:59] — Meet Today’s Guest: Emily Marie 
[20:00 – 34:59] — What It Means to Be a Full-Time Artist 
[35:00 – 54:59] — Watercolor Paper, Paint & Brushes 
[55:00 – End] — Wrap-Up & What’s Next 

Quotes from the Episode

“You don’t have to be good at art for it to be meaningful.” — Joleen Emery
“A lot of people think they’re not artistic, but art doesn’t have to be beautiful for everyone—it just has to be meaningful for you.” — Emily Marie
“Paper matters. It really, really matters.” — Emily Marie
“Practice gives you confidence, and watercolor takes practice.” — Emily Marie
“There is such a thing as too many layers, and that’s often where mud happens.” — Emily Marie
“Art can be joyful and therapeutic—it doesn’t have to be perfect or productive.” — Emily Marie
“You don’t have to turn your creativity into a career to let it change your life.” — Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

Emily Marie / Emily Watercolors

🌐 Website
🐾 Custom Pet Portrait Commissions (when open)
🖌️ Beginner Watercolor Kits (with Arches paper!)
🎥 Online Classes & Digital Downloads

💸 Listener Discount:
Use code GETMOREART for 10% off anything in Emily’s shop (kits, downloads, commissions & more!)

📖 Book Mentioned
Art Journal Freedom by Dina Wakley (2013)

🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats: 2026 Retreat Schedule is LIVE!

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

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Well hey there, Craftonians — welcome to Episode 80 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this heart-centered, creatively rich episode, I’m checking in from the farm with gratitude, a few real-life adventures, and a reminder that creativity can be a powerful anchor during uncertain times. I’m joined by Minnesota artist, educator, and Little Fish Studios founder Lisa Ackerman, and we talk about resilience, slowing down, and the healing magic of making art with your hands. Lisa shares her journey into felting, how fiber became a meditative, painterly practice for her, and why intentional, nature-inspired work can help calm the nervous system and reconnect us to ourselves. The takeaway is simple and heartfelt: keep creating, use your hands to find joy, and let art be part of your healing.

Guest Bio

Lisa Ackerman is an artist, educator, and founder of Little Fish Studios, creating nature-inspired work in fiber, paint, photography, and collage. She is a former Executive and Artistic Director of the Crossing Arts Alliance and a passionate advocate for creative community-building. Lisa’s work has been featured and sold nationally, including at the Walker Art Center and Art-o-mat, and she is known for her beautifully hand-felted stones and fiber pieces that invite touch, reflection, and mindfulness.

Follow Lisa

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 06:30]  — Welcome, gratitude, and finding calm through creativity
[06:30 – 15:00]  — Life updates from Big Raven Farm & retreat announcements
[15:00 – 18:30]  — Introducing Lisa Ackerman and discovering her work
[18:30 – 25:00]  — Lisa’s artistic journey and philosophy of art as healing
[25:00 – 34:00] — Felting as meditation: process, patience, and intention
[34:00 – 41:00] — Working across mediums and embracing slow art
[41:00 – End] — Teaching, community, maker spaces, and creative joy

Quotes from the Episode

“Art heals and provides me a voice.” – Lisa Ackerman
“Using your hands can calm the nervous system and bring you joy.” – Joleen Emery
“Felting is slow, intentional work—and that’s part of the magic.” – Lisa Ackerman
“Even in uncertain times, it’s our job to keep finding happiness where we can.” – Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

Explore Lisa Ackerman’s work at Little Fish Studios
Learn more about Big Raven Farm Retreats (2026) — limited spots available
Visit Big Raven Yoga for artist-designed yoga mats and creative community
Try felting as a mindful, low-mess art practice at home

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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Welcome to Episode 79 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this cheerful and cozy episode, Joleen Emery shares her favorite collage techniques and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming Holiday Craft Retreat at Big Raven Farm. She joyfully demonstrates how to turn everyday scraps into meaningful art — from button trees and felt ornaments to folded paper and salvaged-fabric gift tags, all made with love and upcycled materials. Using her simple collage formula — three neutrals, a focal point, and a pop of color — Joleen encourages everyone to play, create, and let go of perfection. With her signature warmth and “don’t be too precious” mantra, she makes crafting approachable, joyful, and full of heart.

Guest Bio

No guest today — just our favorite creative spirit, Joleen Emery, owner of Big Raven Yoga and Big Raven Farm, a visionary artist, crafter, and joyful teacher who believes that creativity is self-care.

Follow Joleen

• Website
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Youtube

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 02:09] — Welcome & Happy Time Happenings
[02:10 – 05:39] — Sneak Peek: Holiday Craft Retreat
[05:40 – 10:59] — Craft Prototypes: Buttons, Felt, Paper, and Pom-Poms
[11:00 – 14:24] — Joleen’s Collage Formula Explained
[14:25 – 17:59] — Adhesives That Work (and Why)
[18:00 – 24:29] — Hands-On Demo: Layering Backgrounds & Balancing Color
[24:30 – 29:59] — Creative Mindset: “Don’t Be Precious!”
[30:00 – End] — Live Chat + Community Craft Love

Quotes from the Episode

“Don’t be precious — being precious slows you down!” —  Joleen Emery
“If you overthink your collage, you miss the joy in the mess.” —  Joleen Emery
“Old receipts and handwritten notes are my favorite ingredients — they tell a story.” —  Joleen Emery
“You don’t need perfect — you need play.” —  Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

🌲 Retreat Info: Holiday Craft Retreat at Big Raven Farm – November 2026 (details coming soon!)
🧴 Supplies Mentioned:
✨ Pritt Glue Sticks (Joleen’s fave!)
📜 Salvaged Paper, Old Books, Felt Sheets
🕯️ Candlesticks, Buttons, Crystals for embellishments
💫 Join the Community: Subscribe to Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast on YouTube 🎥
🎁 Share Your Art: Tag Joleen on social with your collage creations! 💖

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Craftonians! Welcome to Episode 78 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast. Joleen is back from a little break and feeling refreshed after Broadway adventures, NYC strolls, and a heart full of gratitude. This week, Joleen chats with Minnesota artist E.J. (Eric) Klepinger, whose journey from graphic design to fine art is as inspiring as it is authentic. They dive into what it means to answer the creative call — that quiet pull to “make something beautiful” even when life says otherwise — and how E.J. turned burnout and big life shifts into a joyful, purpose-driven art career.

Guest Bio

E.J. Klepinger is a professional artist, teacher, and president of Voyager Artists. Based in Two Harbors, Minnesota, he creates stunning acrylic and monochromatic wildlife paintings inspired by nature and emotion. His work is featured in local galleries, breweries, and public art spaces including Castle Danger Brewery and the Two Harbors Public Library, where he also serves as Artist in Residence. He’s exhibited across Minnesota and teaches workshops to help others reconnect with their creative spark.

Follow Eric

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 06:00] — Joleen’s life update
[06:00 – 10:00] — Introducing E.J. Klepinger
[10:00 – 18:00] — E.J.’s evolving journey through mediums
[18:00 – 24:00] — Finding freedom in color and falling in love with acrylics
[24:00 – 33:00] — Growing up with “art as a hobby” — how early beliefs shape our creative path
[33:00 – 40:00] — Losing everything in 2009 and rebuilding a life through art
[40:00 – 47:00] — Balancing art, business, and heart — what it takes to live creatively
[47:00 – End] — Joleen and E.J. reflect on creative callings, courage, and the joy of answering the muse

 Quotes from the Episode

“Those beliefs get planted in us so young — whether they’re true or not, we follow them almost blindly.” – E.J. Klepinger
“Art was my calling. And if I don’t answer that call, I’m just not happy.” – Joleen Emery
“You can rebuild your life through creativity. Sometimes losing everything gives you space to start painting again.” – E.J. Klepinger
“Creativity isn’t optional — it’s how we process, heal, and connect.” – Joleen Emery

Resources and Links

Follow E.J. Klepinger’s work and upcoming exhibitions at Voyager Artists
Visit Castle Danger Brewery in Duluth, MN to see his current gallery pieces
Learn more about Joleen’s retreats at Big Raven Farm
Check out Joleen’s yoga-inspired art mats and creative community at Big Raven Yoga

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Welcome to Episode 75 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast, Craftonians! In this delightful episode, Joleen welcomes the effervescent Dari Litchman, founder of The Craft Salon in Brooklyn, NY — a vibrant art space built on creativity, chaos, and community. Dari shares her journey of opening a craft studio right at the start of the pandemic, transforming challenge into joyful creation. Together, she and Joleen dive into the power of art to connect people, the beauty of imperfection, and the magic of “chaos crafting” — where glue guns, sequins, and laughter meet pure self-expression.

Guest Bio

Dari Litchman is the founder and owner of The Craft Salon in Brooklyn, New York — an arts-and-crafts studio offering after-school programs, ceramics, and joyful creative experiences for all ages. Known for her bright personality and “everyone’s invited” energy, Dari calls herself an Arts & Crafts Sommelier (and we couldn’t love that more). When she’s not teaching, she’s crafting wearable art, chaos-beaded badges, and “love bombs” filled with sparkle and self-celebration.

Follow Dari

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok

Episode Chapters with Timestamps
 
[00:00 – 05:14] — Welcome & Announcements 
[05:15 – 09:59] — Meet Dari Litchman 
[10:00 – 15:19] — The Craft Salon’s Origin Story
[15:20 – 20:39] — Teaching Kids & Building Community
[20:40 – 28:29] — Self-Congratulatory Badges & Love Bombs
[28:30 – 33:44] — The Glue Gun Deep Dive 
[33:45 – 39:59] — Chaos Crafting & Creative Freedom 
[40:00 – 44:59] — Tools of the Trade – Dari’s favorite tools and hack
[45:00 – End] — Joyful Reflection & Call to Create

 Quotes from the Episode

“Creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about joy, glitter, and a good glue gun.” – Joleen Emery
“My studio is basically my craft closet that exploded into a business — and I love it.” – Dari Litchman
“You don’t wait for the perfect moment to make art; you just start gluing.” – Dari Litchman
“The world needs more people willing to make messes with love.” – Joleen Emery
“Chaos crafting is where the real magic happens.” – Dari Litchman

Resources and Links

Visit The Craft Salon in Brooklyn
Learn more about Big Raven Farm Retreats 2026 — limited spots available!
Explore Big Raven Yoga mats featuring guest artists
Try Beacon Adhesives Gemtac Glue for your next beaded masterpiece
Pro tip from Dari: Grab a wax pencil for precise gem placement — a total game changer! 

Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

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