Oh my gosh, friends — I am still beaming after Episode 64 of Happy Time Craftcast! 💖 This week, I got to sit down with the absolutely delightful Bethany Bayless, founder of Wild Wind Lane, illustrator, graphic designer, and all-around creative powerhouse. And let me just say… she’s as inspiring as she is kind.
Before Bethany popped in, I shared a few updates from Big Raven Farm. We just wrapped up our eco-printing and cyanotype retreat (so magical!), and we’re rolling right into a yoga retreat this weekend. Plus, I gave you a little sneak peek of my new personalized watercolor sketchbook kit. (I’m SO excited about this—it’s the perfect creative gift for the holidays. More on that soon!)
But let’s talk about Bethany.
Meeting Bethany
Bethany’s story truly gave me goosebumps. She used to be a public speaker and MC, traveling the country and lighting up rooms with audiences of thousands (3,000 people at once — can you even imagine?!). But life shifted when she became a mom in 2020… oh, and did I mention it was right at the start of the pandemic? Double whammy!
With a newborn, no “village” around her for support, and postpartum anxiety and depression setting in, Bethany turned to something unexpected: her iPad. She discovered digital illustration through Procreate, and it quickly became her therapy, her creative outlet, and eventually… her business. That’s how Wild Wind Lane was born, and now she spreads kindness and joy through stickers, cards, happy glass cups, and more.
What I Learned
Here are a few takeaways that stuck with me from our chat:
✨ Practice, practice, practice. Bethany reminded me that our “taste” often develops faster than our skill. We can see what we want to create, but our hands aren’t there yet. And that’s okay! The magic happens when we keep practicing until the two meet.
✨ Signature style takes time. I loved how Bethany shared her journey of sticking to a favorite brush (hi, Bardot Brush fans ) and refining her style until people could instantly say, “That’s Bethany’s work.”
✨ Creativity is therapy. Whether it’s digital art on Procreate or traditional painting, art can carry us through some of life’s toughest seasons. For Bethany, drawing at 2 a.m. during newborn feedings turned into a lifeline.
✨ Joy over perfection. My favorite reminder from our talk was this: creativity doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about joy, expression, and connection.
My Favorite Bethany Quotes
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“Often our taste is more advanced than our skill—so keep practicing until they meet.”
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“Procreate became my therapy during those long nights of new motherhood.”
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“Finding your signature style takes time, but consistency is where the magic happens.”
Wrapping Up
I walked away from this conversation feeling so inspired to lean into creativity, even in the messy seasons of life. Bethany’s story is such a beautiful reminder that art can be healing, practical, AND joyful all at once.
And don’t forget — my personalized watercolor sketchbook kit is coming soon! 🎨 It’s holiday-ready and I cannot wait to see what you all create with it.
Until next time, friends — keep practicing, keep creating, and remember: it’s not about perfect, it’s about joy. 💕
xoxo,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Bethany Bayless is a Los Angeles–based graphic designer and illustrator, a proud mom of two, and the creative soul behind Wild Wind Lane—a brand born during the pandemic that spreads joy through stickers, cards, happy glass cups, and home décor. Once a professional public speaker, Bethany shifted gears when motherhood and the pandemic collided, discovering a new outlet for her artistry through digital design. Her work blends heart, texture, and resilience, always with an emphasis on kindness.
Follow Bethany
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 04:44] – Joleen’s cozy farm updates + retreat news
[04:45 – 07:29] – Sneak peek: personalized watercolor sketchbook kit
[07:30 – 09:59] – Meet today’s guest: Bethany Bayless
[10:00 – 12:59] – Bethany’s creative elevator pitch
[13:00 – 18:44] – From public speaking to digital art
[18:45 – 23:14] – Balancing motherhood, pandemic, and creativity
[23:15 – 29:29] – Procreate love + finding a signature style
[29:30 – 35:59] – Favorite brushes + adding texture
[36:00 – 43:59] – Audience Q&A: tips for beginners
[44:00 – 48:29] – Encouragement for new creators
[48:30 – End] – Closing thoughts + holiday kit reminder
Quotes from the Episode
“Practice, practice, practice—that’s the real secret to growth.” — Bethany Bayless
“Sometimes your skill hasn’t caught up with your vision yet, but that’s part of the journey.” — Bethany Bayless
“Art can be therapy, business, and joy all wrapped into one.” — Bethany Bayless
“Embrace creativity wherever you are—it’s not about perfect, it’s about joy.” – Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🖌️ Explore Wild Wind Lane creations by Bethany Bayless
🎨 Joleen’s Personalized Watercolor Sketchbook Kit (holiday-ready—details in upcoming socials & email)
📲 Try Procreate for iPad to unleash your inner digital artist
🖋️ Brushes by Lisa Bardot at Bardot Brush (Bethany’s fave)
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