Craftonians! I’m so excited to share a behind-the-scenes look into the latest episode of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast—this one was extra special because it was all about your questions! We did a full Ask Me Anything covering my favorite topics (book folding, anyone?), some crafty secrets, Big Raven Farm retreat highlights, and loads of tips for keeping those creative juices flowing. Picture us hanging out, chatting over coffee, and you’ll get a feel for the fun we had!
One of the most common questions I get is where I find my books. And let me tell you—it’s not your typical bookstore haul! Libraries are my go-to (gotta love those unsold library sale books!). I’ve earned a bit of a reputation as the “book saver,” and friends and family drop off well-loved, stinky, or torn books on my porch like little gifts from the recycling fairies! Plus, free bins at yard sales and thrift stores are gold. And if you’re new to book folding, try “The Silo” fold—it’s simple and so satisfying! For hanging book art, here’s my trick: don’t just punch a hole and hope for the best. Instead, reinforce the spine or wrap florist wire for a secure hold that keeps your art looking fabulous.
Now, let’s talk tools! My favorite is my homemade glue “brew”—just a cup of Elmer’s glue and half a cup of water. It’s amazing for background paper, and it doesn’t leave things sticky. For special projects, I also use matte medium for a smooth, non-crinkly finish. And yes, I use a band saw for cutting books! I started with a Ryobi and recently upgraded to a Jet, which is a dream. Just remember to wear a respirator—book dust is real, folks!
If you know me, you know I always have a million things going on at once. I think this is a crafter’s superpower—keeping projects rolling and always having a “go bag.” I can’t sit in a car, watch TV, or wait in line without something crafty to work on! For travel, it might be embroidery or crochet, but paper projects stay in the studio (no paper explosions in the car for me!). At any given time, I have around 6–10 projects going, and each one keeps me inspired and excited.
One of my absolute favorite topics is Big Raven Farm retreats. Hosting these weekends at our family farm is truly the heart of what I do. It’s cozy weekends away from it all, with amazing food (thanks to my husband, Darren!), yoga, and plenty of time to craft. We’ve hosted everything from art journaling to tarot, and we’re planning a full 2025 lineup. There’s something for everyone, and if you’re interested, check out the upcoming retreat themes—I’d love to see you here!
And let me tell you, creativity is like a muscle—the more you use it, the better it gets! Lately, I’ve been on a bookboard circle kick, making wall hangings and garlands from cut circles. A new material or tool can keep things fresh, and I’m always thinking, “What else can I make with this?” If you have an idea for something new, go for it! Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s a learning experience.
Now, for those of you as hooked on this as I am, we have an amazing guest lined up next week! Rebecca Mojica, a chain mail artist and founder of Blue Buddha Boutique, is joining us to talk about her incredible jewelry work. She creates custom kits and tutorials that make chain mail accessible for all skill levels. Plus, I’ve got a sweet story about my son and a chain mail moment at the Renaissance Festival—prepare for the adorable!
Thank you so much for being part of this crafty journey with me! I hope this Ask Me Anything episode gave you some inspiration, a few laughs, and maybe even a nudge to start something new. If you haven’t yet, subscribe to Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast so you don’t miss a single episode, and if you enjoyed this one, please leave a review—it helps others find us and keeps our creative community growing. Until next time, keep crafting, keep creating, and I’ll see you soon! 🌟
🌟 Episode Highlights
- Book Folding 101: I talk all about where I find my books, why "The Silo" fold is perfect for beginners, and the best ways to hang up your book art.
- Favorite Craft Tools & Adhesives: You know I’m all about my DIY glue “brew” (thank you, Elmer’s!), plus my trusty band saw and some other faves for making all the magic happen.
- How I Juggle Multiple Projects: Spoiler alert—I’ve got “go bags” for every type of project so I can craft on-the-go. There’s always something in the works, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Big Raven Farm Retreat Vibes: Oh, I love talking about this! I share what guests can expect when they come to Big Raven Farm for a retreat—a little crafting, a little yoga, and a lot of community. We’ve got some fun themes planned for 2025!
- Finding Creative Inspiration: Sometimes all it takes is a new material or tool (hello, bookboard circles!) to spark a creative idea. I truly believe creativity is a muscle, and the more we play, the stronger it gets!
🌟 Quotes from the Episode
- "Creativity is a muscle—the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Playfulness is the best kind of exercise."
🌟 Episode Chapters
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 4:15 - Where to find books, what fold to start with, and how to display your art.
- 17:30 - Craft Tools & Techniques
- 29:45 - How I keep 6–10 projects organized, plus my “go bag” system.
- 37:15 - Big Raven Farm Retreats
- 50:10 - Inspiration & New Ideas: Playing with new materials
- 58:30 - Next Episode Teaser
🌟 Links & Resources
- Big Raven Farm Retreat in 2025
- DIY Glue Brew Recipe: Mix 1 cup of Elmer’s glue with 1/2 cup of water for an affordable, easy adhesive.
Thanks so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review. I love hearing from you, and it helps more people find us. See you next time on the Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast!
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