Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know we don’t just talk about glue guns and glitter (though I’ll never turn down either!). We talk about life, creativity, and the many beautiful ways people turn everyday moments into art. And this week’s guest — the wildly talented Miriam Sushman — brought so much warmth, joy, and sparkle into my day!
Before our chat, I was cozied up at Big Raven Farm, watching the last of the autumn leaves fall (and making sure none of our toilets exploded this year — progress!). It felt like the perfect backdrop for a conversation about transformation — because that’s what Miriam’s work is all about.
Getting to Know Miriam
Miriam is a Milwaukee-based artist whose creative story is as layered as her mosaics. She started out in photojournalism and graphic design before falling head over heels for mosaic art. Now, she creates stunning works that combine stained glass, collage, and reclaimed materials — think vintage magazines, old Golden Books, and even the odd found treasure.
What I love most about Miriam is her sense of play. She’s a gardener, a cook, and an improv performer — which totally shows in the way she approaches art. Nothing’s too precious. Nothing’s too serious. Everything is an opportunity to explore, laugh, and create something meaningful.
When she said, “Every shard has a story,” my heart did a little somersault. Because yes — that’s what creativity is, isn’t it? Taking what’s been chipped, cracked, or tossed aside and seeing the beauty still shining through. ✨
What I Learned from Miriam
Talking to Miriam reminded me that the heart of creativity lies in imperfection. Whether it’s a wonky tile, a misplaced glue blob, or a piece that just refuses to line up, there’s beauty in letting go of control.
She also reminded me how powerful it is to work with materials that already have a story. Every magazine clipping or scrap of stained glass carries a little bit of history, and when you bring those together in a new way, it’s like giving those memories a second life.
And can we talk about how inspiring her joy is? There’s something about the way Miriam laughs while talking about glue drying that makes you realize — art doesn’t have to be fancy to be fulfilling. It just has to be you.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever felt like your creativity needs a little spark, this episode is for you. Miriam and I dive into:
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How to find beauty in imperfection 💎
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The joy of experimenting with reclaimed and found materials ✂️
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Why creative play (and even improv!) makes your art more alive 🎭
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How to reconnect with your creative self — even when life feels messy 🌈
So grab your tea, your glue stick (or mosaic glue!), and your favorite craft in progress, and join us for a heartwarming chat that’ll leave you smiling — and maybe eyeing your recycling bin for art supplies.
Until next time, Craftonians — keep shining, keep creating, and remember: sometimes the cracks are where the light gets in. ✨
With love and laughter,
Joleen 🌿
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Miriam Sushman is a Milwaukee-based artist who discovered her love for mosaic art after careers in photojournalism and graphic design. Her vibrant pieces blend stained glass, collage, and reclaimed materials, weaving together nostalgia and heart. When she’s not in the studio, Miriam brings her playful spirit to gardening, cooking, and improv comedy — creativity truly shines through everything she does.
Follow Miriam
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 — 04:29] — Welcome from Joleen at Big Raven Farm (and goodbye to fall!)
[04:30 — 09:14] — The behind-the-scenes hustle of hosting creative retreats
[09:15 — 10:59] — Introducing guest artist Miriam Sushman
[11:00 — 16:39] — From photojournalist to mosaic maker — Miriam’s creative evolution
[16:40 — 21:59] — The joy of stained glass and the temptation of new mediums
[22:00 — 27:29] — Rediscovering beauty in old magazines and Golden Books
[27:30 — 32:59] — Experimenting with collage, adhesives, and glass-on-glass techniques
[33:00 — 39:44] — Tools of the trade: from glue sticks to mosaic glue (and a few surprises!)
[39:45 — 46:19] — The art of embracing imperfection and creative play
[46:20 — 53:59] —How creativity connects memory, materials, and meaning
[54:00 — End] — Joleen’s reflections and closing thoughts
Quotes from the Episode
“Sometimes the most beautiful art starts with something someone else threw away.” — Miriam Sushman
“A glue stick can be a gateway to magic — who knew?” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity is a balance between comfort zones and curiosity.” — Miriam Sushman
“It’s okay to start with what’s broken — that’s where the light gets in.” — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats — Registration for 2026 retreats is open!
🧩 Adhesives & Tools Mentioned:
Yohoo Glue Stick — acid-free and perfect for collage.
MAC Glue (formerly used for mosaics; alternative recommended by artist Corey Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art).
📚 Inspiration Source: Golden Books and vintage Life Magazines — the unexpected treasures behind Miriam’s recent works.
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