Craftonians! I just have to tell you about the latest episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast—it was so much fun! I got to sit down with the incredible Christy Nelson, the creative genius behind Makit Takit, a super cool drop-in craft studio in Lincoln, Nebraska. Let me just say, if you’re someone who loves creating, laughing, and connecting with others, you’re going to adore this conversation as much as I did.
From the very start, it felt like chatting with an old friend who totally gets it. Christy shared how Makit Takit became a haven for crafters of all kinds—a place where you can pop in, pick a project, and let your imagination run wild. No prep, no cleanup, no stress. Just you and your creativity. And her studio? It’s full of endless possibilities: splatter painting (she even has a mobile splatter unit!), knitting, metal stamping, fiber arts—you name it, she’s got it. I could practically picture myself there, grabbing supplies and diving into something fun.
One of the things we bonded over was how crafting is so much more than just making pretty things. Christy put it perfectly—it’s therapy. We talked about how the repetitive motions of crafting, whether you’re knitting, painting, or even making slime (yes, slime!), can calm your mind and help you feel more like yourself. It’s like the best kind of self-care. We laughed about the moments when it’s not all zen—those times when you’re ripping out stitches or redoing a tricky piece and you just know some colorful language might slip out. But even then, it’s still part of the joy, right? Because we love making, even when it’s messy.
Speaking of genius moments, Christy shared the best tip ever—keeping different projects in different parts of her home. Like, she has a "TV project" for cozy couch time, a bedside project for quiet moments, and a little portable project in her purse. How smart is that?! It’s such a simple idea, but it completely changed how I think about my crafting time. No more fumbling for the right project at the wrong time. Thanks to Christy, I’m rethinking my whole system!
But what really warmed my heart was hearing Christy talk about the community she’s built through Makit Takit. Families come in to splatter-paint together, knitters meet up for year-long make-alongs, and kids dive into slime-making (which, let’s be real, is every kid’s dream). It’s not just a studio—it’s a place where people connect, laugh, and share creative energy. Listening to her, I couldn’t help but think about how much I love the crafty community we’ve built together here. There’s just something so special about being surrounded by people who get it—who love making as much as you do.
This chat left me feeling so inspired. It reminded me that crafting isn’t just about finishing a project—it’s about the joy of the process, the connections we make, and the little moments of peace and happiness that come with creating something with our own two hands. Plus, it gave me some fresh ideas (and a much-needed push) to organize my own creative chaos and try new things.
If you didn’t catch the live episode, don’t worry—you can watch it below! Trust me, this one will leave you smiling, nodding along, and ready to dive into your next project.
Happy crafting, my friends! 🌸
—Joleen
🌟 Guest Bio:
Christy Nelson is the owner of Makit Takit, a drop-in craft studio where creativity meets connection. At Makit Takit, crafters of all ages can try their hand at splatter painting, fiber arts, metal stamping, and more. Christy’s passion for creativity goes beyond making; she’s dedicated to fostering a welcoming space where people can explore their imaginations and connect with others. When she’s not at the studio, Christy loves knitting, family time, and indulging in Diet Dr. Pepper.
🌟 Follow Christy on Social:
- Instagram: @makittakit | @makittogether | @christynelson1
- MakitTakit Website
🌟 Episode Chapters:
- (0:01) Welcome Back! – Joleen shares post-holiday vibes and introduces Christy Nelson.
- (2:13) The Magic of Splatter Painting – Christy explains the mobile splatter unit and how it’s bringing joy on the go.
- (4:44) Christy’s Crafting Roots – From childhood bead sales to running Makit Takit, Christy shares her journey.
- (8:52) How Drop-In Crafting Works – Christy details the Makit Takit experience, including the “Make It Fancy” wall.
- (17:33) Crafting as Therapy – A heartfelt discussion about how creativity can soothe the mind and soul.
- (22:59) Portable Craft Projects – Christy shares her brilliant system for keeping projects organized by location.
- (36:41) Embracing the Process – Why long-term projects are worth the time and effort.
- (40:08) Building a Creative Community – How Makit Takit has become a hub for connection and joy.
- (50:43) Fun Favorites – Sandwiches, scary animals, favorite words, and more lighthearted fun.
- (57:09) Wrapping Up – Joleen and Christy reflect on crafting, joy, and what truly makes them happy.
🌟 Quotes from the Episode:
- “Crafting isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the joy in the process.” – Christy Nelson
- “Busy hands create a quiet mind.” – Joleen
- “Why wouldn’t you spend your time making beautiful things? It’s good for the soul!” – Christy Nelson
- “The power of crafting is in its ability to bring people together.” – Joleen
🌟 Links & Resources:
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