Oh, my sweet crafty friends, do I have a treat for you! This week on Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, I sat down with the endlessly inspiring and oh-so-talented Kim DeShazo, also known as “Happy Kim.” If you’re not already following her, let me tell you—this episode is your official invitation to hop on the Happy Kim train because she is just that fabulous. Kim is the queen of art journaling, mixed media magic, and rekindling your creativity, especially for those of us navigating the beautiful chaos of midlife.
From the second we started chatting, it felt like talking to a best friend. You know that person who just gets you? That’s Kim. We dove right into the universal stress of the holidays (I’m looking at you, grown-up kids who don’t send their Christmas lists!) and how creativity can help lighten that load. Kim is all about finding those little moments of joy, whether it’s through a splash of watercolor or a swipe of acrylic. She has this incredible way of making creativity feel accessible—like something you can (and should) sprinkle into your everyday life.
The heart of our conversation? Kim’s five-minute morning routine. Friends, it’s a game-changer! She spends just a few minutes each morning with her art supplies, adding little by little to her journal, and by the end of the week—voila!—she has a gorgeous spread. Hearing her talk about this simple yet impactful practice was like a breath of fresh air. I could practically feel my own creative energy bubbling up as she explained it. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy studio or a million supplies to make it happen. Kim’s advice is to keep it simple—just grab a few favorite tools, set them somewhere accessible, and make a little magic every day. That’s it!
One of my favorite moments from this episode was when we nerded out over supplies. From her go-to NeoColor II crayons to her recent obsession with gouache paints, Kim had me dreaming about new ways to play with my stash. We even got real about our shared struggle to find the perfect white pen—anyone else feeling this eternal quest? And don’t get me started on her genius tip about using white India ink with a fine brush for crisp, beautiful marks. Friends, the inspiration was flowing.
But what really struck me about Kim—and I think you’ll feel this too when you listen—is her focus on connection. Creativity, for her, isn’t just about making pretty things. It’s about connecting with yourself, your emotions, and the world around you. And when you share your art? That’s where the real magic happens. She’s built this beautiful community of people who cheer each other on and share their creative journeys, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of thing that fills your cup right up.
I also loved how we got to swap stories about our own creative quirks. I may or may not have confessed my ongoing obsession with finding the perfect box (you all know what I mean—there’s just something about a good box), and Kim shared her love for making her own stencils. It was the kind of chat that leaves you buzzing with ideas and itching to create.
This episode isn’t just fun—it’s packed with takeaways that you can start using today. Whether you’re looking for a way to fit creativity into your busy life or just need a little nudge to dust off those supplies, Kim’s wisdom will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to dive into your own five-minute morning. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.
So, if you’re ready to let your creativity shine (and have a good laugh along the way), head over and listen to the latest episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast. Be sure to follow Kim on TikTok, sign up for her Five Happy Things newsletter, and, as always, let me know how this chat inspires you. I can’t wait to hear about the creative sparks it sets off in your world. Happy crafting, friends!
🌟 Meet the Fabulous Kim DeShazo
Kim is an art journaler, mixed media lover, and creative cheerleader who believes everyone has an artist inside them—even if you don’t think so. She’s the genius behind the Five-Minute Morning practice, where she shows you how just a few minutes of art a day can transform not only your journal pages but also your mood and mindset.
She’s all about helping us midlife creatives reconnect with our artistic spark while making the most of the here and now—with joy, color, and a little glue on our fingers.
And let me just say—her weekly “Five Happy Things” newsletter is like a little gift in your inbox. You’re going to love her as much as I do.
🌟 Want to hang out with Kim online? You should!
🌟 What We Chatted About:
- 2:00 - Kim’s Creative Journey
- 5:00 - Connecting Through Art
- 7:20 - The Five-Minute Morning Magic
- 10:30 - Organizing Your Supplies (Without Stress)
- 14:00 - What’s Lighting Kim Up Right Now
- 20:00 - The Hunt for the Perfect White Pen
- 33:00 - Treasures in Trash
- 40:59 - What’s Happening at Big Raven Farm
- 47:30 - My New Favorite Toy
- 54:00 - The Lightning Round
🌟 Favorite Moments:
- “Five minutes a day is enough to change everything. Just start—no plan, no pressure.” – Kim DeShazo
- “There’s no wrong way to art journal—just use what you have and let it flow.” – Kim DeShazo
- “Good boxes are treasures, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” – Joleen Emery
🌟 Links & Goodies You’ll Love:
- Kim’s Weekly Newsletter
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Art Supplies Mentioned:
- Ranger Ink Delusions Journal
- Neo Color II Water Soluble Crayons
- Dina Wakley Scribble Sticks
- White India Ink for mark making
- DIY Stencils from Tyvek Envelopes (check your local post office!)
- Big Raven Farm Retreats
What’s Next?
I’m beyond thrilled for next episode because Royce Hunt of Roycycled Papers is joining me! If you love upcycling, junk journaling, and thrifting magic, you are going to LOVE Royce.
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