Bringing Nature to Life with Maria Overlay – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 50

Well hey there, crafty friends! 👋

I cannot believe we’ve made it to Episode 50 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! I’m over here covered in bits of wood chipper dust and flower petals (Minnesota spring life is wild), and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this milestone with such a magical, gentle, and joy-filled guest — the one and only Maria Overlay.

If you don’t know Maria yet, ohhh get ready to fall in love with her work and her wonderfully whimsical soul. Maria is a multidisciplinary artist who creates dreamy, nature-inspired pieces that somehow feel both enchanted and deeply rooted in the real world. Think butterflies, forest creatures, lush florals — and just a touch of storybook magic.

A Little About Maria...

Maria's journey started with photography (which she taught herself — how cool is that?) and eventually blossomed into a full-blown love affair with gouache painting. What I adore most about her is how she doesn’t just create beautiful things — she creates with emotion, intention, and a whole lot of heart.

She talked about how painting helps her manage anxiety, how she feels grounded and present when she’s mixing colors or layering tiny details into her work. And that just resonated so deeply. Art isn’t just what she makes — it’s how she stays connected to herself. I felt that in my bones, y’all.

What We Talked About

In this episode, Maria and I covered so much creative ground:

  • How nature, books, and even the colors she feels like using guide her inspiration 🎨

  • What it’s like to let go of perfectionism (ugh yes, this one hit home)

  • Why she started doing timed creative sessions — and how it changed everything

  • Her very first live painting experience (spoiler: it went better than expected!)

  • The difference between creating for joy vs. creating for an audience

  • And that never-ending urge to keep making things. You know that itch, right?

One of my favorite moments was when she said, “I painted some really bad stuff — and it was awesome.” YES, MARIA. That’s the magic right there. The freedom to just play and see what happens.

What I Learned From Maria

Honestly, Maria reminded me of something really simple but super important: You don’t need a plan to make something beautiful. Sometimes you just need a brush, a timer, and the courage to let go of the outcome. As someone who bounces between crafting for myself, crafting for others, and running multiple creative businesses — I needed that reminder. Maybe you do too?

Art doesn’t have to be precious. It just has to be yours.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going...

  • What’s one way you let go of perfection in your art?

  • Have you ever tried a “creative reset”?

  • Or — what’s your favorite nature-inspired thing to make?

Drop a comment or send me a message — I seriously LOVE hearing what inspires you. And if this episode gave your creative soul a little spark, would you share it with a friend who needs it?

Thank you so much for showing up, listening, and being part of this joyful, messy, wonderful craft-loving community.

Until next time — keep making magic.
xo,
Joleen 🎨💫

PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:

 

Guest Bio

Maria Overlay is an Indiana-based multidisciplinary artist whose work celebrates magic, healing, and the beauty of the natural world. Her creative practice blends photography, gouache painting, and whimsical character design. Maria’s art is shared through originals, licensed products, collaborations, and live events—including a guest artist design with Big Raven Yoga.


Follow Maria


Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00 – 03:09] –A Warm Welcome & Farm Life Update
[03:10 – 04:44] – Introducing Guest Artist Maria Overlay
[04:45 – 08:29] – From Photography to Painting
[08:30 – 10:59] – Nature, Whimsy & Everyday Inspiration
[11:00 – 13:39] – Art Mediums & Mindful Creation
[13:40 – 16:29] – Sharing Her Work: Instagram, YouTube & In-Person Events
[16:30 – 19:19] – Facing Fear & Finding Flow During Live Art
[19:20 – 22:44] – Perfectionism vs. Play: A Turning Point
[22:45 – 27:14] – The Two-Week Creative Reset That Changed Everything
[27:15 – 29:59] – Joleen on Creative Purpose vs. Productivity
[30:00 – 33:39] – Art as Identity: Makers Can’t Not Make
[33:40 – 36:19] – When Inspiration Slows Down: Recognizing Burnout
[36:20 – End] – Final Thoughts: Art as Healing, Joy, and Connection

Quotes from the Episode

“When I’m painting, I feel very present — it helps my mindset.” — Maria Overlay
“I started setting a timer and just letting go. That’s when the magic happened.” — Maria Overlay
“Makers have to make — it’s like a creative calling that never shuts off.” — Joleen Emery
“Art doesn’t always need a plan — sometimes it just asks to be made.” — Joleen Emery


Resources and Links:


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