Ink & Wander: Capturing Nature’s Magic with Nicole Labonte - Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 43

Well, hey there, friends! 👋 Welcome back to another delightful, crafty adventure on Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! This week’s episode was an absolute treat—I got to sit down with the lovely and oh-so-talented Nicole Labonte, the creative genius behind Wild Slice Designs. Let me tell you—if you love art, nature, and a good origin story, you’re going to want to stick around for this one.

Nicole’s been part of the Big Raven Yoga family for a long time—like, practically since the beginning of our guest artist program. And if you’ve ever admired those gorgeous, nature-inspired designs on our yoga mats, chances are, you’ve already fallen in love with her work. But what really blew me away during our chat was learning about how it all started—and trust me, it’s a story that’s as creative and whimsical as her art itself.


From Tree Cookies to Sticker Magic

Okay, let’s talk about tree cookies—yes, that’s a real thing, and no, they’re not for eating (though I wouldn’t say no to a cookie break). Nicole’s entire artistic journey started when she took a simple walk in the woods. She spotted some fallen branches, got curious, and before you know it—Wild Slice Designs was born.

She started cutting these little wood slices (aka "tree cookies") and turning them into beautiful wall sculptures. Imagine taking something as ordinary as a fallen branch and transforming it into a stunning piece of art—how cool is that? But as Nicole shared, the art world has a funny way of evolving. When the wall sculptures slowed down, she pivoted and leaned into her love of drawing, which opened up a whole new world of creativity.

Now? She’s got over 200 sticker designs (yes, TWO HUNDRED) and does custom work like logos, pet portraits, tattoos—if you can dream it, she can probably draw it.


Custom Art with Heart

One thing that really stuck with me (besides wanting to cover my entire house in her stickers) is how much heart Nicole pours into her work. When she’s drawing, she’s not just sketching lines—she’s capturing a feeling.

She talked about how her travels—like visiting Arches National Park—inspire her artwork. It’s not just about drawing a pretty picture; it’s about bottling up those emotions and memories and translating them into something you can see and feel. And let me tell you—it shows.

Oh, and speaking of heart—Nicole created a custom portrait for me a few years back (from my 50th birthday—gulp), and it still brings me so much joy every time I look at it. She blends these beautiful natural elements into her portraits—birds, flowers, waves—and it’s like she captures not just your face, but your soul. (And hey, if she can make me look this good six years later, I’ll take it!)


Setting Hats on Fire (Kind Of)

Now, I couldn’t let Nicole go without asking about her many artistic mediums—because this girl does it all. From wood burning (yes, actual fire 🔥) to pottery, her creative curiosity knows no bounds.

And because no great art story is without a little drama, she confessed that she may have…accidentally…set a few hats on fire while experimenting with wood-burning trucker hats. (Honestly? Totally worth it for the amazing designs she’s turning out now.)

It’s this fearless approach to creativity that I love so much—she doesn’t box herself in. Whether she’s sketching on an iPad or burning designs into a hat, she’s always following the joy of creating.


What You Can Learn from Nicole

Here’s the thing—Nicole’s story isn’t just about art. It’s about being open to change and following your creative instincts, even when the path looks a little…well, weird. (I mean, tree cookies, people!)

If you’ve ever felt stuck or uninspired, this episode is a reminder to try something new—switch mediums, follow your curiosity, and trust that your creative spark will lead you somewhere magical.

And if you need a little extra encouragement? Nicole’s proof that you can turn your passion into a thriving business, one sticker (or tree cookie) at a time.

📌 Don’t Miss This Episode!

If you want to:
✅ Hear Nicole’s inspiring journey from tree cookies to a booming art business
âś… Learn how she balances creativity with running Wild Slice Designs
âś… Laugh along as we talk about wood-burning mishaps and custom art magic

…then you NEED to catch this episode!

🎧 Listen now and dive into the full conversation—I promise, you’ll walk away feeling inspired to make something beautiful (and maybe even burn a hat—safely, of course).

And hey—if you loved this episode as much as I did, be sure to check out Nicole’s collection at Big Raven Yoga and follow her on Instagram at @wildslicedesigns to see her latest creations.

Until next time—stay crafty, stay curious, and keep making magic. 💖

XOXO,
Joleen


PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:

Guest Bio

Nicole Labonte is the artist and founder of Wild Slice Designs, where she brings her love of nature to life through a variety of mediums. Her art spans custom portraits, logos, tattoos, and an impressive array of over 200 sticker designs. Inspired by her travels and a deep connection to the Earth, Nicole’s work is a beautiful reflection of her adventurous spirit and creative soul.


Follow Nicole


Episode Chapters with Timestamps:
[00:00 – 02:44] – Welcome to the Craftcast!
[02:45 – 10:29] – Nicole’s Artistic Journey: From Tree Cookies to Stickers
[10:30 – 15:54] – The Birth of Wild Slice Designs
[15:55 – 22:09] – Custom Art: From Pet Portraits to Personal Stories
[22:10 – 32:19] – Switching Mediums: Drawing, Wood Burning & Pottery
[32:20 – 39:59] – Joleen’s Custom Portrait & Its Special Story
[40:00 – 50:09] – Nicole’s Favorite Medium & What’s Next
[50:10 – 1:15:24:39] – Explore Nicole’s Designs at Big Raven Yoga
[1:15:25 – 1:20:49] – Joleen & Nicole’s Friendship and Favorite Collaboration Moments
[1:20:50 – End] – Final Thoughts: Embracing Creativity & What’s Coming Next


Quotes from the Episode:

"When I create custom pieces, I’m not just drawing—I’m telling a story through art." – Nicole Labonte
"I always come back to drawing—it’s my comfort zone, but I love exploring new tools and techniques." – Nicole Labonte
"Art is about connection—whether it’s a sticker, a hat, or a yoga mat, every piece carries a little magic." – Nicole Labonte


Resources and Links:

 

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