Well hello, sweet friends!
I hope you’re having a sunshiney kind of day—even if you’re currently inside dodging the sweltering Minnesota summer heat like I am (seriously, it’s like soup out there). But enough about the weather. Let’s talk about this week’s absolutely delightful guest on the Happy Time Craft Cast: the one and only Natalie Keller Pariano, the wildly creative soul behind Natoodle. ✨
I’ve been a longtime admirer of Natalie’s work—the colors, the sass, the sheer JOY that radiates from every one of her stickers and prints—but this conversation? Oh my gosh. It made me fall in love with her heart just as much as I adore her art.
Meet the Hand-Lettering Wizard Behind Natoodle
If you don’t already know Natalie (and if not, hello! where have you been?!), she’s a lettering artist and designer whose work is all about big expression, bold colors, and spreading delight. Her art blends pop culture, nostalgia, and empowerment—and I swear, even her website sprinkles metaphorical confetti.
She creates the kind of stickers and prints that feel like they see you—the kind that say just the right thing at the right time. Like her bestselling sticker that celebrates the Book It! reading program (remember that personal pan pizza prize?! )—I mean, come on! That hit my 80s kid soul in the best way.
Art with Heart (And a Side of Pep Talks)
One of my favorite parts of our convo was when Natalie shared the story of her 100 Days of Heart-to-Hearts project. Every day for 100 days, she created an art piece based on something someone had written to her—a message they needed to hear, a gentle nudge, a pep talk wrapped in glitter and ink.
What I love most? These pieces were created for one person, but had this universal quality that made them feel like they were written for all of us. That’s what makes Natalie’s work so powerful—it’s deeply personal, but also beautifully relatable.
Sticker Anxiety is a Thing… And We All Have It
Okay, real talk. Have you ever bought a sticker, loved that sticker, and then… never used it? Because you’re saving it for the “perfect” spot? SAME.
Natalie calls that sticker anxiety, and it turns out, we’re not alone. We talked about how we hoard stickers like treasure, afraid to commit, as if placing it on the “wrong” water bottle is a life-altering mistake. But Natalie has the most gentle and joyful reminder:
✨ “Stickers are low-risk joy. Use them!”
I swear, I want that tattooed on my soul.
5 Fresh Ways to Use Those Precious Stickers
Feeling seen by your sticker drawer full of untouched joy? Natalie shared some super creative ways to actually use those babies:
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Stick them on thrifted mugs and turn your coffee moments into happy moments
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Decorate your tackle box or sewing kit—yes please!
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Add a sticker when you’re sending a card or happy mail
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Label your pen jars or crafty storage bins
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Include a sticker as a tiny gift—it’s simple, sweet, and extra
I’ve already stickered a mug since we recorded, and let me tell you—it made my morning better. Just seeing it made me smile.
So What Can YOU Take Away From This Episode?
If you're a fellow creative, or just someone who loves finding joy in the little things, here's what I hope you walk away with after listening:
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Creativity is emotional—and that’s what makes it magical
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Your art doesn’t have to be “perfect”—it just has to be true
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Use the stickers. Burn the candles. Wear the glittery shoes. Live joyfully now.
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And lastly…
💗 “Put yourself in the path of joy.” — Natalie (my new life motto)
You are going to love this episode, I just know it. Natalie is as kind as she is colorful, and she brings a sparkle to everything she touches. 💫
And please—if you have sticker anxiety, tell me about it. If you’ve found a brilliant way to use a sticker, share it! This community of creators, makers, and joy-bringers is just the best. 💕
With confetti and creativity,
— Joleen 🌈
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Natalie Keller Pariano is a hand-lettering artist, sticker designer, and joyful magic-maker behind Natterdoodle, a brand known for its bold designs, pop culture flair, and delightful vibes. From sassy stationery to vibrant prints, Natalie’s creations aim to uplift, celebrate uniqueness, and sprinkle color into the everyday.
Follow Natalie
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 02:29] – Welcome & Weather Chit-Chat
[02:30 – 5:19] – Retreat Week Vibes at Big Raven Farm
[05:20 – 07:59] – Meet the Lettering Queen: Natalie Introduced
[08:00 – 13:44] – Natalie's Elevator Pitch + Philosophy
[13:45 – 18:19] – Heart-to-Hearts Project: Art with Intention
[18:20 – 20:59] – Top-Selling Stickers & Viral Hits
[21:00 – 25:39] – What is Sticker Anxiety?!
[25:40 – 33:59] – 5 Fun, Fresh Ways to Use Stickers
[34:00 – 37:19] – Crafting a Brand Around Emotion
[37:20 – 38:59] – Final Craft Hack: Sticker Mosaics
[39:00 – End] – Final Words of Encouragement & Joleen’s Big Thank You
Quotes from the Episode
"I want my art to sprinkle color, creativity, and connection into people’s lives." — Natalie Keller Pariano
"Crafting is emotional—there’s so much heart in the handmade. That’s what makes it powerful." — Natalie Keller Pariano
"Sometimes the smallest pieces carry the biggest feelings." — Natalie Keller Pariano
"Put yourself in the path of joy." — Natalie Keller Pariano
"The fact that we can turn art into joy, and then joy into connection—that’s everything." — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🔗 Natterdoodle
🏕️ Learn more about Big Raven Farm retreats
🎨 Project Highlight – 100 Days of Heart-to-Hearts (Natalie’s love letter series to the world ❤️)
📦 Crafty Tip – Use stickers on mugs, mail, tackle boxes, storage jars, or send them as surprise gifts!
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