Well, hey there, sweet creative souls! 🌿🧵It’s me, Joleen—and I’m still floating on a leafy little cloud after recording this week’s Happy Time Craftcast episode. I had the absolute honor of chatting with the wise, gentle, plant-loving powerhouse that is Deborah D’Onofrio—and y’all, I’m not exaggerating when I say this episode soothed my nervous system and sparked my creative heart in all the best ways.
Before we even pressed record, Deborah had me breathing deeper. She’s just got that vibe—like a cozy quilt, a mug of wildflower tea, and a gentle whisper from the woods saying, “Hey, you’re doing great. Let’s make some beautiful things together.”
Let’s Talk Leaves, Silk & Feelings 🍃
Deborah is an art therapist, eco-printing artist, and soul-led slow stitcher who creates art in collaboration with actual plants. I’m talking about dye baths made from eucalyptus, delicate leaf imprints on silk, stitches that feel like meditation. It’s all grounded in presence and healing—and I was here. for. it.
We talked about sacred journaling, the power of sitting in silence with fabric, and how every leaf print is like a little love note from the earth.
Cue me, melting into a puddle of botanical joy.
🌱 Things Deborah Taught Me (and Will Totally Teach You Too):
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Eco-printing isn’t fussy or fancy—you don’t need a ton of tools, just curiosity and a few leaves.
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“Mistakes” are part of the magic. The best surprises happen when you let go of the outcome.
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Slow stitching is like therapy with thread. One stitch at a time, one breath at a time.
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Nature is always collaborating with us. Even when it’s muddy, wrinkly, or unexpected. Especially then.
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Creative healing is a birthright. You don’t have to be a “real” artist—you just have to show up and make something.
Deborah shared stories of working with clients in art therapy, how stitching has helped her move through grief, and why she loves teaching others to trust the rhythm of their own creativity. Every moment of this episode felt like a reminder that we’re allowed to slow down, tune in, and make things that mean something.
🌸 Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever collected leaves on a walk, stitched something just for the feeling of it, or stared longingly at your stack of fabric scraps thinking maybe today’s the day—you are going to LOVE Deborah’s gentle, grounded wisdom.
This convo is a soft, sensory-rich invitation to get quiet, get curious, and get your hands messy in the most beautiful way.
💬 My Favorite Quote from Deborah?
“There’s no rush in healing. There’s no rush in making art. Sometimes the most powerful thing is to sit with the fabric and just... listen.”
YES MA’AM. Stitch that on a sampler, frame it, and hang it by the kettle, please.
🌼 Want to Feel a Little More Alive Today?
Put on this episode. Deborah’s energy is like forest air for your creative spirit—and I think we could all use a little more of that.
And hey—if you end up foraging for leaves or eco-printing a tea towel this weekend, please tag me. I’ll be the one in the comments cheering you on with muddy hands and a big leafy grin.
Big hugs and happy stitching,
xo Joleen 🌿✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Deborah D’Onofrio is a nature-inspired artist who believes in art as healing. She founded Artful Recovery to guide people through creative practices like slow stitching and eco-printing, especially for those navigating recovery from illness or big life shifts. Her work invites gentle presence, playful exploration, and soulful connection.
Follow Deborah
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 02:14] – Welcome & warm intro
[02:15 – 06:39] – Deb shares her early art therapy beginnings
[06:40 – 11:04] – Dive into slow stitching—ritual and intuition
[11:05 – 15:29] – Sacred journaling: weaving words + fabrics
[15:30 – 20:59] – Eco-printing: leaf pigments, process, patience
[20:50 – 25:09] – Embracing mistakes & the beauty of imperfection
[25:10 – 27:59] – Healing through nature-inspired art
[28:00 – 32:19] – How to start your own eco-printing practice
[32:20 – 36:44] – Community, resources & finding your creative voice
[36:45 – 39:59] – Deb’s upcoming workshops & final tips
[40:00 – End] – Joleen's joyful wrap-up & listener call to create
Quotes from the Episode
“Radically different kinds of life changes can make you question what truly matters to you.” – Deborah D'Onofrio
“When life changes, you have choices about how you want to live moving forward creatively.” – Deborah D'Onofrio
“Art journaling allowed me to access deeper layers of my emotions during my healing journey.” – Deborah D'Onofrio
“Your art can transform lives, not only your own but those you share it with.” – Deborah D'Onofrio
“It’s the simple beauties in life that often bring the most significant sources of joy.” – Deborah D'Onofrio
Resources and Links
🖌️Deborah's Tools: Graphite watercolors
📌 Deborah's Favorite Projects: Slow stitching as part of Art Journaling, Alcohol Ink on Fabric
💬 Deborah's Magical Monthly Messages
🍃 Big Raven Farm Retreats
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