Hey friends!
Welcome back to the Happy Time Craftcast! I’m still buzzing with excitement from my recent conversation with the incredible Angie Bryant, and I can’t wait to share all the juicy details with you. If you’ve ever been curious about alcohol inks or you’re just looking for a little creative inspiration, this episode is for you!
Meet Angie Bryant
Okay, so let me just say—Angie is as lovely as her vibrant floral artwork! We’ve known each other through Big Raven Yoga (she’s one of our amazing guest artists), but chatting with her on the Craftcast gave me a whole new appreciation for her journey and her craft. Angie shared how she turned to art to heal after losing her father, and wow, that really hit me in the feels. Her story of resilience and finding joy in creativity is so inspiring, and I know you’ll love it as much as I did.
Did you know Angie’s been an art teacher for over 20 years? Twenty! She’s taught everything from watercolors to oils, but it wasn’t until she discovered alcohol inks that her true passion clicked. She calls alcohol inks her "therapy," and honestly, after hearing her describe the vibrant colors and fluidity of the medium, I’m convinced it’s magical.
What I Learned About Alcohol Ink (and You Can Too!)
Let me tell you, Angie is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to alcohol ink art. I mean, I’ve dabbled with it myself (inspired by her TikTok, of course!), but there’s so much more to it than I realized. Here are a few highlights from our chat:
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It’s All About the Substrate
Alcohol inks work best on non-porous surfaces like ceramic tiles, glass, or synthetic paper (like Yupo). Angie even suggested grabbing inexpensive tiles from the hardware store—hello, budget-friendly art projects! -
Fast Drying = Instant Gratification
Unlike other mediums that take forever to dry (cough oils), alcohol inks dry almost instantly. Angie said this was a game-changer for her as a busy mom of three—it allowed her to finish a piece in just a couple of hours. -
Sealing Is Tricky
Oh, friends, if you use a sealer with alcohol in it, you’re in for a disaster. Angie shared some tips on using Krylon Kamar Varnish or UV Archival Spray to seal your work without reactivating the inks. -
Beginner-Friendly Tools
If you’re just starting, Angie suggests keeping it simple—stick to what comes in the bottle, play with colors, and don’t worry about fancy tools. But if you’re ready to level up, try an airbrush! (I bought one after watching Angie’s TikTok, and let’s just say there’s a learning curve, haha!)
The Heart Behind the Art
One thing I loved most about chatting with Angie was hearing how personal her art is. Her floral designs aren’t just beautiful—they’re meaningful. She creates vibrant, joyful pieces that reflect her journey of healing and hope, and that really spoke to me. Angie reminded me that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up, expressing yourself, and letting the process bring you joy.
What You’ll Love About This Episode
In this episode, Angie and I talk about everything from her favorite alcohol ink techniques to hilarious moments (like me trying to use an airbrush for the first time). Whether you’re an experienced artist or just curious about trying something new, there’s so much to learn from Angie’s tips, stories, and passion for art.
Ready to Dive In?
Listen to the full episode now and get inspired to grab some alcohol inks and create your masterpiece. Don’t forget to check out Angie’s beautiful designs on Big Raven Yoga! You can also follow her on TikTok for demos and more tips—seriously, her videos will make you want to run to the craft store ASAP.
Thank you for joining me on this colorful journey! I hope you feel as inspired by Angie’s story as I do. And hey, if you decide to try alcohol inks, send me a pic—I’d love to see what you create!
Until next time, happy crafting!
xo,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
[0:00 - 3:44] Welcome and Updates
Quotes from the Episode
- “Alcohol inks are like watercolors on caffeine—they dry instantly and deliver incredible vibrancy!” – Joleen Emery
- “Art is my therapy, and sharing it with others brings joy to my darkest days.” – Angie Bryant
- “If you have alcohol in your sealer, kiss your artwork goodbye!” – Angie Bryant
- Big Raven Yoga Mats: Angie’s exclusive designs
- Alcohol Ink Supplies: Krylon Kamar Varnish and UV Archival Spray are Angie’s top picks.
- Beginner-Friendly Substrates: Ceramic tiles, glass, and synthetic papers like Yupo.
👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!