Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast

Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast

By Joleen EmeryArts
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Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast episodes

  • How Nature Speaks Through Art with Naomi Christenson – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 74

    Welcome to Episode 74 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! Broadcasting straight from her delightfully “messy” workshop, Joleen shares retreat-season updates, fresh Big Raven Yoga art, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. She’s joined by Minnesota artist Naomi Christenson—a painter, dancer, and teacher inspired by nature’s colors, patterns, and quiet rhythms. Their conversation is a warm, art-filled wander through everyday creativity—mushrooms, leaves, family traditions, and the tiny details that make life feel magical. Naomi also reflects on balancing a multi-disciplinary creative life and how nature continually shapes her process, reminding us that creativity—like the outdoors—is ever-changing, imperfect, and full of wonder.

    Guest Bio

    Naomi Christenson
    is a painter, educator, and dancer based in Duluth, Minnesota. With a BFA and current MFA studies in painting, she draws inspiration from the natural rhythms of the world—color, movement, texture, and form. When she’s not creating in the studio, Naomi teaches tap dance and explores how motion, intuition, and nature influence her art.

    Follow Naomi

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Youtube 

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 – 02:29] —Welcome from Joleen’s studio and retreat season reflections
    [02:30 – 05:44] — Big Raven Yoga Mats
    [05:45 – 07:59] —  Guest intro: Naomi Christenson
    [08:00 – 13:19] — Naomi’s creative journey
    [13:20 – 18:59] — Multidisciplinary art and the challenge of defining yourself as a maker
    [19:00 – 22:14] — How nature inspires Naomi’s work
    [22:15 – 25:59] — Mushrooms as natural art forms—unexpected beauty and texture
    [26:00 – 32:59] — Capturing inspiration: using photos, color references, and nature walks
    [33:00 – 35:59] — The joy of imperfection and working intuitively
    [36:00 – 41:59] — Community questions: favorite natural patterns, mushroom magic, and process
    [42:00 – 44:59] — Lessons from nature about growth and transformation
    [45:00 – End] — Final reflections

    Quotes from the Episode

    “I create from the rhythms and patterns I see in nature—color and movement are my language.” – Naomi Christenson
    “You don’t have to be perfect to be creative; you just have to start.” – Joleen Emery
    “Mushrooms are the best teachers—constantly changing, always surprising.” –  Naomi Christenson
    “Art is how we connect to the world and to each other.” – Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    Big Raven Yoga Mats
    Big Raven Farm Retreats
    Book Nook for Makers: Cut Paper Pictures by Clover Robin

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

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    1 hr 4 min
  • Life as Full-Time Makers with Beau & Kara Lasiewicz – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 73

    Craftonians! ✨ Welcome to Episode 73 — and it’s one I’ve been so excited to share. Fresh off a whirlwind retreat season — and after delivering Thanksgiving with a very grateful heart — I sat down with two incredible full-time artists, Beau and Kara Lasiewicz, to chat about what it means to live creatively every single day.

    From painting and pottery to woodworking and photography, these two do it all (and do it beautifully). We dive into life as makers, how they navigate burnout, what it’s like to create side by side as a couple, and the joy of discovering your own artistic truth.

    Guest Bio

    Beau & Kara Lasiewicz
    are a husband-and-wife team of full-time artists based between the Twin Cities and Green Bay. Beau crafts delightfully “weird tables” through woodworking and furniture design, while Kara brings her magic to painting and photography.

    Former art and shop teachers, they now pour their creative energy into making, teaching workshops, and inspiring others to explore their own artistry.

    Follow Beau & Kara

    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Website

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [0:00 – 05:14] — Welcome + post-retreat gratitude
    [05:15 – 06:59] — Introducing guests Beau & Kara Lasiewicz
    [07:00 – 10:19] — Life as full-time makers
    [10:20 – 13:44] — How to avoid overwhelm and stay creative
    [13:45 – 20:24] — Working together as a creative couple
    [20:25 – 23:59] — Advice for taking the leap
    [24:00 – 30:14] — Community questions
    [30:15 – 33:44] — Building a creative business
    [33:45 – 38:59] — How community shapes creativity
    [39:00 – 41:29] — Balancing art, marriage, and rest
    [41:30 – 43:49] — Creative ruts & how to get unstuck
    [43:50 – 45:59] — The courage to keep saying yes to art
    [46:00 – End] — Final reflections & gratitude 💫

    Quotes from the Episode

    “Creativity isn’t a job — it’s a way of living.” – Joleen Emery
    “We thrive in the chaos of making. It’s where the magic happens.” – Beau
    “You don’t wait for inspiration; you build a life that invites it in.” – Kara Lasiewicz
    “Living creatively means embracing uncertainty with gratitude and grace.” – Kara Lasiewicz
    “Art connects us — to each other, to ourselves, and to the world around us.” – Joleen Emery
    “Art isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy, process, and connection.” – Kara Lasiewicz
    “You just learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable — that’s where the growth is.” – Kara Lasiewicz

    Resources and Links

    🪷 Big Raven Farm 2026 Retreats
    🎁 Gift Certificates
    📖 Book Nook for Makers Recommendation: Handmade Collage with Seiko Kato
    📖 Kara's Book Recommendation:  Art and Fear by David Bayles

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

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    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    48 min
  • Joleen Emery’s Guide to Crafty Books for Gift Giving – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 72

    Join Joleen for a cozy solo episode filled with gratitude, holiday cheer, and creative inspiration. Fresh off an 11-week retreat season, she shares her favorite crafty books—from abstract watercolor to playful doodle guides—perfect for gifting or sparking your own creativity. Warm, fun, and totally Joleen, this episode is your holiday inspiration boost.

    Guest Bio

    No guest this week — just your favorite creative cheerleader, Joleen Emery, beaming positivity and practical art wisdom straight from her studio.

    Follow Joleen

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Podcast Hub
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 – 02:29] – Post-retreat gratitude and holiday energy
    [02:30 – 05:59] – A quick catch-up: reflections on 11 amazing back-to-back retreats.
    [06:00 – 07:29] – Surprise! No guest today — instead, it’s all about Joleen’s favorite crafty resources.
    [07:30 – 10:14] – Book #1: Creative Abstract Watercolor by Kate Rebecca Leech
    [10:15 – 14:44] – Book #2: Learn to Watercolor by Lacy Walker (Rebel Unicorn Crafts)
    [14:45 – 17:59] – Book #3: The Big Book of Watercolor by Mallerie Jane
    [18:00 – 21:29] – Book #4: Painting Happiness by Terry Runyan
    [21:30 – 24:59] – Book #5: Kawaii Doodle Class (from Five Below)
    [25:00 – 30:59] – Book #6: 20 Ways to Draw a Tulip
    [31:00 – End] – Wrapping with love & laughter

    Quotes from the Episode

    “I thought I’d feel relief… but I mostly just feel grateful.” – Joleen Emery
    “Creative Abstract Watercolor makes you feel successful really quickly — and who doesn’t love that?”
    – Joleen Emery
    “Let’s start with blobs, add more blobs… friends, we can do this!”
    – Joleen Emery
    “Art isn’t about perfection — it’s about joy.”
    – Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    📚 Books Mentioned:
    Creative Abstract Watercolor by Kate Rebecca Leech
    Learn to Watercolor by Lacy Walker (Rebel Unicorn Crafts)
    The Big Book of Watercolor by Mallerie Jane
    Painting Happiness by Terry Runyan
    Kawaii Doodle Class (available at Five Below or online)
    20 Ways to Draw a Tulip 

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    1 hr 1 min
  • Healing, Color, and Creative Freedom with Sarah Seidelmann – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 71

    Craftonians! Welcome to episode 71 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast! In this heartwarming episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast, Joleen broadcasts from her cozy corner at Big Raven Farm with happy updates on retreats, tarot, and yoga before welcoming the radiant Sarah Seidelmann — a fourth-generation physician turned shamanic healer, author, and artist. Together, they explore the healing magic of creativity, the joy of color, and how making art restores the soul. Sarah shares her inspiring Pocket Vision Board project, a playful blend of collage, intention, and affirmation, while the two reflect on gift-giving through art and the reminder that sometimes, the act of creating is the true medicine.

    Guest Bio

    Sarah Seidelmann is a fourth-generation physician turned shamanic healer, author, and artist who helps people rediscover joy and wholeness through creativity and spirit. After two decades in medicine, she now teaches that true well-being comes from connection, self-expression, and curiosity. 

    Follow Sarah

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [0:00 — 06:29] —  Joleen’s cheerful welcome + Big Raven Farm updates
    [6:30 — 07:59] —  Introduction of guest Dr. Sarah Seidelmann
    [8:00 — 14:59] —  Sarah’s fascinating journey
    [15:00 — 29:59] — The Pocket Vision Board project explained
    [30:00 — 39:59] — The spiritual beauty of impermanence (Tibetan sand art!)
    [40:00 — 47:59] — How art helps us process emotions and reconnect with purpose
    [48:00— End] — Final reflections: art as medicine and self-kindness as a practice 💕

    Quotes from the Episode

    “I used to be a professional disease hunter — now I’m interested in what makes people well.” – Sarah Seidelmann
    “You don’t have to do anything with your art. Sometimes the making is the medicine.” – Sarah Seidelmann
    “Our creativity was always meant to be a gift — something made in honor of someone else.” – Sarah Seidelmann
    “Creativity brings health and vitality — it’s how we reconnect to joy.” – Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    🌿 Download Sarah’s Pocket Vision Board Guide – Create your own mini-collage deck full of intention and affirmation!
    📚 Books by Sarah Seidelmann – Including Born to FREAK and The Book of Beasties
    🧘 Big Raven Farm Retreats – Learn more about upcoming creative and yoga retreats at Big Raven Farm.
    🛍️ Big Raven Yoga Black Friday Special – $50 off any yoga mat with code CROW50. Personalized mats available for the holidays!

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    55 min
  • Painting with Purpose: Nature, Texture & Heart with McKenna Kornowski – Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 70

    Craftonians!  In episode 70 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast, Joleen chats with mixed-media painter McKenna Kornowski, whose art beautifully blends creativity and nature. From her cozy Wisconsin studio, McKenna shares how she layers paint, lace, and found textiles to celebrate our connection to the earth. The conversation flows from farm life and Big Raven Farm retreats to creative reuse, environmental inspiration, and even the whimsical use of butterfly wings and thrifted lace — all wrapped in Joleen’s signature warmth and enthusiasm, inspiring listeners to find beauty in everyday things and create fearlessly.

    Guest Bio

    McKenna Kornowski is a mixed-media painter living on 14 acres in northern Wisconsin. Her art blends acrylic paint, lace, textiles, and natural finds — celebrating our deep connection to nature. McKenna’s pieces invite viewers to rediscover the wonder of being outdoors and to feel gratitude for the beauty of Mother Earth.

    Follow McKenna

    • Website
    • Instagram

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [0:00 — 05:59] — Welcome to the Craft Cast!
    [6:00 — 09:59] — Meet McKenna Kornowski
    [10:00 — 17:59] — Textures, Lace & Love for Old Things
    [18:00 — 23:59] — Bugs, Butterflies & Beautiful Weirdness
    [24:00 — 29:59] — Nature as Muse
    [30:00 — 35:59] — The Northern Lights & Creative Wonder
    [36:00 — 41:59] — Community Q&A: Artistic Courage & Play
    [42:00 — 47:59] — Finding Joy in Imperfection
    [48:00 — 53:59] —Creative Habits & Staying Inspired
    [54:00 — End] —Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Growth

    Quotes from the Episode

    “Mixed media just means using more than one element in your paintings — and I love giving forgotten things a second life.” – McKenna Kornowski
    “I feel like doilies deserve freedom — they’re works of art hiding under lamps and Kleenex boxes!”
    – Joleen Emery
    “If I’m feeling uninspired, I just go outside and touch grass. Literally.”
    – McKenna Kornowski
    “The beauty of mixed media is that nothing’s too precious — if something doesn’t work, I just start again.”
    – McKenna Kornowski

    Resources and Links

    🌾 Retreat Info: Big Raven Farm Retreats
    🎨 McKenna’s Creative Calendar
    💡 11 Ways to Spark Creativity
    📚 Book Nook for Makers – Featured Book Review: “Creative Doodling & Beyond” by Stephanie Corfee

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    1 hr 8 min
  • Finding Beauty in Broken Pieces: Mosaic Art with Miriam Sushman – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 69

    Craftonians, welcome to Episode 69 of Happy Time Craftcast! Joleen checks in from Big Raven Farm with cozy fall updates before chatting with mosaic artist Miriam Sushman, whose journey from photojournalism to mosaics is as vibrant as her art. Together, they explore turning found treasures — from Golden Books to vintage magazines — into beautiful, story-filled creations that celebrate imperfection and joy.

    Guest Bio

    Miriam Sushman is a Milwaukee-based artist who discovered her love for mosaic art after careers in photojournalism and graphic design. Her vibrant pieces blend stained glass, collage, and reclaimed materials, weaving together nostalgia and heart. When she’s not in the studio, Miriam brings her playful spirit to gardening, cooking, and improv comedy — creativity truly shines through everything she does. 

    Follow Miriam

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Etsy

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 — 04:29] — Welcome from Joleen at Big Raven Farm (and goodbye to fall!) 
    [04:30 — 09:14] — The behind-the-scenes hustle of hosting creative retreats
    [09:15 — 10:59] — Introducing guest artist Miriam Sushman
    [11:00 — 16:39] — From photojournalist to mosaic maker — Miriam’s creative evolution
    [16:40 — 21:59] — The joy of stained glass and the temptation of new mediums 
    [22:00 — 27:29] — Rediscovering beauty in old magazines and Golden Books
    [27:30 — 32:59] — Experimenting with collage, adhesives, and glass-on-glass techniques
    [33:00 — 39:44] — Tools of the trade: from glue sticks to mosaic glue (and a few surprises!)
    [39:45 — 46:19] — The art of embracing imperfection and creative play
    [46:20 — 53:59] —How creativity connects memory, materials, and meaning
    [54:00 — End] — Joleen’s reflections and closing thoughts

    Quotes from the Episode

    “Sometimes the most beautiful art starts with something someone else threw away.” — Miriam Sushman
    “A glue stick can be a gateway to magic — who knew?” — Joleen Emery
    “Creativity is a balance between comfort zones and curiosity.” — Miriam Sushman
    “It’s okay to start with what’s broken — that’s where the light gets in.” — Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats — Registration for 2026 retreats is open!
    🧩 Adhesives & Tools Mentioned:
    Yohoo Glue Stick — acid-free and perfect for collage.
    MAC Glue (formerly used for mosaics; alternative recommended by artist Corey Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art).
    📚 Inspiration Source: Golden Books and vintage Life Magazines — the unexpected treasures behind Miriam’s recent works.

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    1 hr 4 min
  • Fiber Meets Ink with AJ Young – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 68

    Craftonians! Welcome to Episode 68 of Happy Time Craftcast! Joleen beams from Big Raven Farm as she chats with AJ Young, a fiber artist whose work beautifully weaves together craft, community, and identity. They share laughter, love, and creative inspiration while exploring AJ’s series “Stitching Our Histories,” which transforms LGBTQ+ archives into powerful quilted art.

    Guest Bio

    AJ Young
    (he/they) is a queer, trans fiber artist and educator from Fennville, Michigan. A lifelong maker, AJ works across knitting, quilting, weaving, bag-making, and mixed media art. With a background in sociology and LGBTQ+ community work, AJ’s artistic mission is to blend creativity and social awareness. His series “Stitching Our Histories” reimagines archival queer documents into modern quilts — offering a vibrant, tangible way to preserve and celebrate LGBTQ+ stories through fabric and thread.

    Follow AJ

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Instagram

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 — 04:59] — Big Raven Farm updates & new cooking retreat news
    [05:00 — 08:44] — 2026 retreat calendar opens
    [08:45 — 09:59] — Meet today’s guest: AJ Young
    [10:00 — 15:59] — AJ’s creative journey — from yarn to weaving and quilting
    [16:00 — 19:59] — The inspiration behind Stitching Our Histories
    [20:00 — 30:59] — Joleen shares a heartfelt story
    [31:00 — 33:59] — “Poly-craftual” — AJ’s joyful take on loving all crafts
    [34:00 — 39:59] — Favorite tools and creative materials
    [40:00 — 45:59] — How community influences creativity
    [46:00 — 48:59] — The emotional thread behind Stitching Our Histories — honoring queer voices
    [49:00 — 51:59] — The beauty of imperfection — learning through making
    [52:00 — 58:59] — Favorite moments in AJ’s creative journey
    [59:00 - End] — Closing thoughts — creativity as courage and kindness

    Quotes from the Episode

    “I’m never afraid to try anything at least once — and if I can do it with fabric and yarn, even better!” — AJ Young
    “Creativity gives us another way to tell our stories — one stitch, one layer, one moment at a time.” — AJ Young
    “The experiences of one generation change the world for the next — and that’s something to celebrate.” — Joleen Emery
    “I identify as poly-craftual — I just love making in every way possible.” — AJ Young
    “Art has this quiet power to heal and connect us — especially when it comes from the heart.” — Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    🌿 Big Raven Farm Retreats — Explore creative retreats for 2025–2026!
    💸 Exclusive Discount for Listeners! Use code "happytime" on AJ’s website to save $20 on Quilt As You Go Virtual Class!
    📚 Book Nook for Makers: The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    1 hr 9 min
  • Joleen’s Favorite Crafting Tools – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 67

    Craftonians! In Episode 67 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast,  Joleen shares her favorite crafting tools and what makes each one indispensable in her creative process. Broadcasting from her workshop, she also gives fun updates from Big Raven Farm, talks about upcoming retreats (including her collaboration with crochet superstar Tamara Kelly), and kicks off a new segment — Book Nook for Makers — featuring her latest read, The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman.  With her signature laughter, warmth, and practical tips, Joleen reminds us that sometimes the best inspiration starts with the right tool and a little curiosity.

    Guest Bio

    No guest this week — just Joleen sharing her creative essentials, book recommendations, and crafty insights with her signature warmth and humor.

    Follow Joleen

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Podcast Hub
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 – 03:59] – Welcome & technical hiccups
    [04:00 – 07:29] – Retreat update: Pick Your Projects with Crochet
    [07:30 – 09:59] – Retreat sneak peek: 2026 calendar live!
    [10:00 – 11:59] – New segment: Book Nook for Makers
    [12:00 – 17:59] – Book review: The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman
    [18:00 – 24:59] – Joleen’s craft experiments inspired by collage prompts
    [25:00 – 29:59] – Favorite tools: the trusty bone folder
    [30:00 – 38:59] – Scissors talk — Tim Holtz vs. the rest
    [39:00 – 42:59] – Adhesives Joleen swears by (and which ones to skip!)
    [43:00 – 46:59] – Organizing tools in a creative space — her go-to system
    [47:00 – 49:59] – Favorite splurge vs. budget-friendly craft tools
    [50:00 – 52:59] – A few quirky tools she didn’t love but had to try anyway
    [53:00 – 55:59] – Reflections on creativity: it’s not about perfection
    [56:00 – 57:59] – Encouragement to try something new this week
    [58:00 – End] – Wrapping up & sharing where to find retreat info

    Quotes from the Episode

    “Sometimes you just need a little push to get yourself going — and the right book or tool can do exactly that.” – Joleen Emery
    “Creativity doesn’t always start with a grand idea — sometimes it starts with a pair of scissors.” – Joleen Emery
    “When you find a tool that fits your hand just right, it’s like finding a new friend.” – Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    🧶 Big Raven Farm Retreats — 2026 calendar now open!
    📘 The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman — Highly recommended for creatives of all levels.
    ✂️ Favorite tools mentioned: Bone Folder (plastic and genuine bone options), Tim Holtz 7” Serrated Scissors, Visual Journals & Bookbinding Supplies

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    57 min
  • Book Folding Tutorial: The Corset Fold with Joleen Emery – Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 66

    Craftonians! Welcome to Episode 66 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! Joleen broadcasts from her workshop to share her favorite book folding pattern: the Corset Fold. She gives updates on life at Big Raven Farm, including the newly released 2026 retreat calendar, introduces a new book review feature with Creative Collage by Naomi Vona, and walks listeners through a hands-on demo showing that this beautiful fold only requires two simple folds.

    Guest Bio

    There’s no guest in this episode — just host Joleen Emery sharing her passion for retreats, art books, and the joy of folding discarded books into beautiful art.

    Follow Joleen

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Podcast Hub
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 – 01:29] – Welcome & why I’m broadcasting from the workshop
    [01:30 – 04:59] – Life on the farm + retreat updates (hello, 2026 calendar!)
    [05:00 – 05:59] –New feature: Book reviews
    [06:00 – 14:59] – Creative Collage by Naomi Vona — review & first impressions
    [15:00 – 17:59] –Demo setup: favorite tools & books for folding
    [18:00 – 21:59] – Why I love Reader’s Digest Condensed books
    [22:00 – 29:59] – Corset Fold tutorial — only TWO folds needed!
    [30:00 – End] – Tips for using bone folders & hanging your finished folded books

    Quotes from the Episode

    “Book folding isn’t about perfection; it’s about the joy of seeing something discarded turn into something beautiful.”  – Joleen Emery
    “I love supporting other artists — even if a book isn’t full of tutorials, just seeing someone’s portfolio can light a fire in your own work.”
    – Joleen Emery
    “Sometimes you don’t need step-by-step instructions. You just need to open a book and feel inspired.”
    – Joleen Emery
    “Creative practice doesn’t have to be a big, serious production — sometimes it’s a drive-by collage or a quick fold that sparks joy.”
    – Joleen Emery

    Resources and Links

    ✨ Big Raven Farm Retreats – 2026 Calendar
    ✨ Creative Collage by Naomi Vona (available on Amazon)
    ✨ Tools mentioned: bone folders (plastic and cattle bone versions)
    ✨ Joleen’s favorite base books: Reader’s Digest Condensed Books

    Love "Happy Time Craftcast"? 

    👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
    👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!

    👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
    👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB

    58 min
  • Design, Photography & Glass Art with Allison Kreft - Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 65

    Welcome back to Episode 65 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! In this episode, Joleen chats with multi-talented artist Allison Kreft, whose creative journey spans scrapbook design, bold patterns, photography, glass art, and laser-cutting with her Glow Forge.  Together, they talk about balancing art with family life, experimenting with new mediums, and the joy of making beautiful, functional pieces that inspire creativity every day.

    Guest Bio

    Allison Kreft
    is a designer and artist with over 15 years of experience in art direction, photography, and surface pattern design. She’s known for her bold, vibrant scrapbook papers, her passion for glass-blowing, and her knack for finding vintage treasures. She’s also a busy mom of three who continues to weave creativity into her everyday life.

    Follow Allison

    • Website
    • Instagram

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00 – 04:29] – Warm welcome & farm retreat updates 
    [04:30 – 05:59] – Introducing Allison Kreft 
    [06:00 – 08:59] – Allison’s creative space & gallery wall
    [09:00 – 12:59] – Balancing motherhood with art and design
    [13:00 – 16:29] – From scrapbooking to bold pattern design 
    [16:30 – 19:59] – Glass-blowing and hands-on artistry 
    [20:00 – 25:59] – Glow Forge fun: laser cutting earrings, dog tags & more
    [26:00 – 31:59] – Why investing in tools like Glow Forge can transform creativity
    [32:00 – 37:59] – Playful experiments with acrylic, wood, and bookboard
    [38:00 – End] – Encouragement to take the leap into new creative tools 

    Quotes from the Episode

    “The more things I have going on, the more I can get done.” – Allison Kreft
    “Sometimes I stop everything just to make something fun — and that’s the best part of being creative.” – Allison Kreft
    “I sit with these amazing people at the farm and think — this is my job. How lucky am I?” – Joleen Emery
    “Art doesn’t always have to be perfect — sometimes it’s just about trying, playing, and seeing what comes out of it.” – Allison Kreft

    Resources and Links

    Big Raven Farm Retreats 🌿
    Allison and Joleen's Favorite Cutting Tool: Glow Forge
    Allison Kreft’s Portfolio

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    1 hr

About Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Happy Time Craft Cast with Joleen Emery, the podcast where crafting meets inspiration, laughter, and the wonderful art of making. Join Joleen, your crafting companion, as she takes…