Hey there, friends! 👋 It’s me, Joleen — back with another cozy, laughter-filled episode of Happy Time Craftcast! This week, it’s just you and me hanging out in my workshop as I gush (and maybe overshare a little) about the tools that make my creative life a little easier, a lot happier, and definitely more fun.
If you’ve ever found yourself deep in a project thinking, “Okay, where did I put my bone folder?” — this one’s for you!
🧰 The Tools That Spark Joy (and Save My Sanity)
I’ve been crafting for years — folding books, collaging, cutting, trimming, gluing (and occasionally talking to my supplies like they’re old friends). Along the way, I’ve discovered that the right tools don’t just make crafting easier — they make it more joyful.
In this episode, I share my go-to tools — the ones that sit closest to my right hand every day.
From my trusty bone folder (not fancy, but oh-so-essential) to my beloved Tim Holtz serrated scissors, these are the unsung heroes of my creative process. They may not sparkle, but they get the job done beautifully.
And because I’m me, we also take a few fun detours — talking about crafting retreats, creative books, and how the perfect tool can make your imagination come alive. ✨
🌿 Retreat Updates + Crochet Fun!
Big Raven Farm is buzzing! I give a little behind-the-scenes peek at our 2026 retreat calendar (yep, we’re planning ahead!) and talk about our upcoming “Pick Your Projects with Crochet” retreat with the amazing Tamara Kelly from Moogly Blog.
These retreats are where magic happens — real connections, creative breakthroughs, and plenty of laughter over coffee and yarn. I can’t wait for you to experience it with us.
📚 Book Nook for Makers — A New Segment!
I also launched something new I’m super excited about: Book Nook for Makers!
Each episode, I’ll feature a book that fuels creativity — and this week, it’s The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman. It’s packed with simple yet powerful prompts that help get your hands moving when your brain’s feeling stuck.
One of my favorite takeaways? Sometimes all it takes to get inspired is a tiny prompt and a willing heart.
💬 What You’ll Learn
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How a few simple tools can completely change your creative flow.
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Why investing in quality (and sometimes quirky!) tools can make crafting so much more enjoyable.
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That creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about curiosity and play.
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How to set up your own “maker space” so it feels inspiring every time you sit down to create.
🌈 Final Thoughts
This episode is a love letter to the little things that keep us crafting — the scissors, folders, brushes, and trimmers that somehow hold our creative lives together.
If you’ve been feeling uninspired, I hope this episode reminds you that you don’t need new ideas — you just need to pick up a tool and start. Inspiration will meet you halfway. ✂️✨
Until next time, keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep finding joy in the little details. 💕
xo,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
No guest this week — just Joleen sharing her creative essentials, book recommendations, and crafty insights with her signature warmth and humor.
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Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 03:59] – Welcome & technical hiccups
[04:00 – 07:29] – Retreat update: Pick Your Projects with Crochet
[07:30 – 09:59] – Retreat sneak peek: 2026 calendar live!
[10:00 – 11:59] – New segment: Book Nook for Makers
[12:00 – 17:59] – Book review: The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman
[18:00 – 24:59] – Joleen’s craft experiments inspired by collage prompts
[25:00 – 29:59] – Favorite tools: the trusty bone folder
[30:00 – 38:59] – Scissors talk — Tim Holtz vs. the rest
[39:00 – 42:59] – Adhesives Joleen swears by (and which ones to skip!)
[43:00 – 46:59] – Organizing tools in a creative space — her go-to system
[47:00 – 49:59] – Favorite splurge vs. budget-friendly craft tools
[50:00 – 52:59] – A few quirky tools she didn’t love but had to try anyway
[53:00 – 55:59] – Reflections on creativity: it’s not about perfection
[56:00 – 57:59] – Encouragement to try something new this week
[58:00 – End] – Wrapping up & sharing where to find retreat info
Quotes from the Episode
“Sometimes you just need a little push to get yourself going — and the right book or tool can do exactly that.” – Joleen Emery
“Creativity doesn’t always start with a grand idea — sometimes it starts with a pair of scissors.” – Joleen Emery
“When you find a tool that fits your hand just right, it’s like finding a new friend.” – Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🧶 Big Raven Farm Retreats — 2026 calendar now open!
📘 The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman — Highly recommended for creatives of all levels.
✂️ Favorite tools mentioned: Bone Folder (plastic and genuine bone options), Tim Holtz 7” Serrated Scissors, Visual Journals & Bookbinding Supplies
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