Why hello, friends!
You know how sometimes you meet someone and instantly feel like they’ve been part of your creative circle forever? That’s exactly how it felt chatting with Allison Kreft on this week’s Happy Time Craftcast! Episode 65 is a burst of color, inspiration, and all the creative joy you can imagine.
Allison’s career is such a beautiful mix of art direction, surface pattern design, photography, and even hand-blown glass. (Yes — glass! How cool is that?) If you were ever a scrapbooker back in the day, you might even recognize some of her designs. She has such an eye for bold, vibrant patterns, and it was so fun to hear about the journey that got her there.
✨ One of my favorite moments was when she talked about her Glow Forge adventures. She shared how a quick side project making a dog tag for her pup ended up being more than just a craft—it actually helped reunite her with her dog when she wandered out the front door! Isn’t that the perfect story of how creativity and everyday life overlap in the most magical ways?
✨ I also loved hearing how Allison balances raising three kids with all her creative projects. She said something that really stuck with me: “The more things I have going on, usually the more I can get done.” Isn’t that the truth? Sometimes the busiest seasons push us to be our most inspired selves.
✨ And let’s not forget her glass art! I was just in awe. It reminded me how important it is to have a creative outlet that’s purely for yourself — something that feels hands-on, tangible, and soul-filling.
What I learned from Allison (and what I hope you take away from this episode) is that creativity isn’t about having perfect conditions or unlimited time. It’s about finding joy in little projects, trying new mediums, and letting your curiosity lead the way. Whether it’s designing bold patterns, experimenting with a Glow Forge, or blowing glass, Allison shows us that it’s all about playing, making, and enjoying the process.
So grab your coffee (or your favorite craft project!) and join me for this super fun and inspiring conversation. I promise you’ll walk away ready to try something new — and maybe even make yourself laugh along the way. Because, let’s be real… if you can’t make yourself laugh, what’s the point?
Until next time, friends — keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep finding joy in the making. 💕
xo,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Allison Kreft is a designer and artist with over 15 years of experience in art direction, photography, and surface pattern design. She’s known for her bold, vibrant scrapbook papers, her passion for glass-blowing, and her knack for finding vintage treasures. She’s also a busy mom of three who continues to weave creativity into her everyday life.
Follow Allison
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 04:29] – Warm welcome & farm retreat updates
[04:30 – 05:59] – Introducing Allison Kreft
[06:00 – 08:59] – Allison’s creative space & gallery wall
[09:00 – 12:59] – Balancing motherhood with art and design
[13:00 – 16:29] – From scrapbooking to bold pattern design
[16:30 – 19:59] – Glass-blowing and hands-on artistry
[20:00 – 25:59] – Glow Forge fun: laser cutting earrings, dog tags & more
[26:00 – 31:59] – Why investing in tools like Glow Forge can transform creativity
[32:00 – 37:59] – Playful experiments with acrylic, wood, and bookboard
[38:00 – End] – Encouragement to take the leap into new creative tools
Quotes from the Episode
“The more things I have going on, the more I can get done.” – Allison Kreft
“Sometimes I stop everything just to make something fun — and that’s the best part of being creative.” – Allison Kreft
“I sit with these amazing people at the farm and think — this is my job. How lucky am I?” – Joleen Emery
“Art doesn’t always have to be perfect — sometimes it’s just about trying, playing, and seeing what comes out of it.” – Allison Kreft
Resources and Links
Big Raven Farm Retreats 🌿
Allison and Joleen's Favorite Cutting Tool: Glow Forge
Allison Kreft’s Portfolio
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