Big Raven Farm

Some creative sessions just flow—you cut, glue, and piece together something magical without a second thought. That’s exactly the kind of energy Emilee Stone brings to this episode! She’s the genius behind Collage Soup, a self-taught artist who went from tech support to publishing 68+ collage books that artists everywhere are obsessed with. We dive into her creative journey, her wildly popular Blind Date with a Collage Box (which sold out in a day!), and why the right paper can totally change your art-making experience. Oh, and there’s a little confession about fussy cutting in the car—because, obviously.

This conversation is packed with inspiration, crafty wisdom, and so much joy. Grab your glue stick and tune in! 

  Some places are just different. They hold a magic you can’t quite explain—a feeling that wraps around you when you arrive, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeper, and feel truly cared for. Big Raven Farm is one of those places. Nestled in the breathtaking Driftless Region of Minnesota, our retreat center is a sanctuary for self-care, creativity, and connection. But unlike traditional getaway spots, we aren’t open for casual visits—the only way to experience Big Raven Farm is by joining one of our 30 retreats in 2025. Whether you come for yoga, art, cooking, crochet, or even tarot, you’ll...

Ever feel like watercolor painting is too tricky or unpredictable? Well, guess what—that’s the best part! In this episode of Happy Time Craftcast, I sat down with the amazing Margie Samuels, an award-winning watercolor artist who believes that creativity should be fun, freeing, and full of happy accidents. 

Margie shares her best tips for embracing the magic of watercolor, letting go of perfection, and just enjoying the process. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned painter, her insights will leave you so inspired to grab a brush and start creating! Plus, we chat about my latest obsession—finding the perfect adhesive for crafting. (Because yes, glue stick drama is real.)

The world outside is quiet. The snow settles into a soft, white embrace, muffling the noise of everyday life. The days are shorter, the nights longer—a natural invitation to slow down, turn inward, and take care of yourself. At Big Raven Farm, we believe that winter is not something to be endured—it’s something to be cherished. It’s the season of warmth, creativity, nourishment, and renewal. It’s a time to retreat, reflect, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe even your partner). Why Winter is the Perfect Time for a Self-Care Retreat Winter asks us to pause—to step out of the hurried...

Hey friends!  It’s Joleen here, and I’m still smiling from ear to ear after my latest episode of the Happy Time Craftcast because—drumroll, please—I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing Shae Freeman!  If you’ve been hanging out with me for a while, you know there’s one question I love to ask every guest:"If you didn’t have the job you have now, what job would you want?"And I always say, “I’d love to be a welder,” but let’s be real—I’m way too accident-prone for that life.  But guess what? Shae has actually lived that life! Yep, she’s a...