Hey Craftonians! ✨
Oh my gosh, I am still buzzing from this week’s episode of Happy Time Craftcast. You know those conversations that light you up in the best, most unexpected ways? This was one of those.
Before I even introduced my guest, I had to share some big personal news (because when joy shows up, you celebrate it with your people, right?). At the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts building, my sculpted paper piece Cerebral was not only accepted into the juried show, but it was awarded too! 🏅 When I saw that little pink sticker on my work, my heart practically leapt out of my chest. The best part? My kids standing there saying, “Mom, I’m so proud of you.” Cue all the happy tears. 💛
But friends… let’s talk about my guest.
Meeting Emily Victory
Emily Victory is not your typical painter. She’s a math-minded, geometry-loving, bold-acrylics kind of artist who takes numbers, grids, and circles and transforms them into radiant, joyful works of art. And yes—I know a lot of us (me included!) often joke about not mathing… but after talking with Emily, I can honestly say she made me look at math in a completely new way.
Her work has been featured on HGTV, PBS, Twin Cities Public Radio, and she even has an Emmy under her belt for her PBS Minnesota Original episode. But what I loved most about Emily wasn’t her list of accolades—it was the way she talked about curiosity. Every painting starts with a spark of “I wonder what that would look like?” and then she dives headfirst into the math, turning proofs and geometry into vibrant patterns.
Lessons from Emily
One of the things that stuck with me is when Emily said: “Obsession is art.” That just hit me right in the heart. She believes any deep dive—whether it’s yarn, color, quilting, or geometry—can become art if you let yourself fully explore it. Isn’t that beautiful?
She also showed me that math is way more visual than I ever gave it credit for. Proofs and patterns on a circle? They’re not just equations—they’re art waiting to happen. And honestly, it made me realize that sometimes the things we think we “don’t do” (like math) just need to be presented in a way that clicks for us.
Most importantly, Emily reminded me that creativity isn’t about fitting into a box—it’s about following your curiosity wherever it leads. Whether you’re pulling inspiration from Home Depot pegboard, quilt patterns, or your kids’ favorite toy colors, it all counts. It’s all art.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever thought math was intimidating… if you’ve ever wondered how numbers and creativity could possibly mix… or if you just want to listen in on two artists geeking out about obsession, curiosity, and color—Episode 61 is for you.
We cover:
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How Emily blends geometry with bold acrylics 🌈
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Why obsession isn’t something to hide—it’s the spark of creativity ✨
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How math can actually be visual (yes, really!) 🔵
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The joy of turning proofs and patterns into bold artwork 🎨
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Why following curiosity leads to the most magical creations 💡
So grab your favorite drink, cozy up in your craft corner, and press play. Because if Emily’s story proves anything, it’s that creativity can come from the most unexpected places—even geometry.
Big hugs,
Joleen 🎉
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Emily Victory is a Minnesota-based, Emmy award–winning painter who blends her love of math and geometry with bold acrylics and intricate patterns. Her work has appeared on HGTV, PBS, and Twin Cities Public Radio. Known for transforming mathematical proofs and shapes into vibrant, eye-catching art, Emily brings a unique perspective that bridges creativity and logic. Beyond her art career, she’s a mom of four energetic sons and continues to inspire others with her bold curiosity and love for all things colorful.
Follow Emily
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 05:29] – Joleen’s recap: Art award surprise at the Minnesota State Fair
[05:30 – 07:59] – Introducing Emily Victory
[08:00 – 14:59] – Emily’s artistic style
[15:00 – 24:59] – How math sparks creativity & curiosity
[25:00 – 37:59] – The beauty of obsession: when math becomes art
[38:00 – 41:59] – Emily explains how math is visual and approachable
[42:00 – 46:59] – Math + art
[47:00 – 50:59] – How curiosity turns into doodles, designs, and bold paintings
[51:00 – 53:59] – Wrapping up with inspiration for crafters
[54:00 – End] – Closing thoughts and heartfelt thanks
Quotes from the Episode
“Math isn’t just numbers—it’s visual, it’s creative, and it can be absolutely beautiful.” – Emily Victory
“Obsession is art. The deeper you dive into what fascinates you, the more creative you become.” – Emily Victory
“Curiosity is the spark. It starts with ‘I wonder what that would look like?’—and suddenly you’re creating something brand new.” – Emily Victory
“Every circle, every proof, every pattern—it’s not just math, it’s a doorway into wonder.” – Emily Victory
Resources and Links:
✨ Follow Emily Victory’s artwork
💛 Join Joleen’s Craft Club
📺 Watch Emily’s “Minnesota Original” episode on PBS
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