Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
This week’s episode of Happy Time Craftcast is filled with so many of my favorite things: color, creativity, experimentation, and finding beauty in the ordinary.
Before sitting down with this week’s guest, I shared a few recent studio adventures—including some successful (and not-so-successful!) cyanotype experiments, new reverse appliqué apparel designs, and a portable embroidery project that has been bringing me a surprising amount of joy.
The vibe? Colorful. Playful. Full of curiosity.
Getting to Know Marlo
This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Marlo Graham, a Minnesota-based artist and designer whose work immediately caught my eye on Instagram.
Marlo creates vibrant artwork inspired by cityscapes, architecture, nostalgia, and everyday moments. With a background in interior design and a degree from Pratt Institute, she brings a unique perspective to her art—combining thoughtful composition, storytelling, and some seriously beautiful color palettes.
One of the things I loved most about our conversation was hearing how intentionally she uses color to shape mood and emotion within her work.
What I Loved About This Conversation
Marlo reminded me that inspiration doesn't always come from grand adventures or dramatic moments.
Sometimes it's found in a neighborhood building.
A favorite street corner.
A childhood memory.
A combination of colors that simply makes you smile.
Her work celebrates those little moments that often go unnoticed, and it was such a refreshing reminder to slow down and pay attention to the world around us.
I especially loved when she shared that she doesn't believe there's such a thing as a bad color. As someone who loves experimenting creatively, that mindset really resonated with me. Creativity becomes so much more fun when we stop worrying about rules and start following curiosity.
Why You'll Love This Episode
If you love:
✨ Bright, joyful artwork
✨ Creative inspiration from everyday life
✨ Conversations about color, design, and storytelling
✨ Learning how artists build their unique style
Then this episode is for you.
Marlo's passion for creating meaningful, uplifting work shines through every part of our conversation, and I walked away feeling inspired to pay a little closer attention to the colors, patterns, and stories all around me.
Until next time, Craftonians—keep creating, keep noticing the beauty in everyday life, and don't be afraid to add a little more color to the world. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Marlo Graham is a Minnesota-based artist and designer known for her colorful, whimsical artwork inspired by cityscapes, architecture, everyday moments, and nostalgic memories. A graduate of Pratt Institute with a background in interior design, Marlo combines bold color palettes, playful compositions, and thoughtful storytelling to create uplifting artwork that celebrates community, creativity, and joy.
Follow Marlo
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 01:59] – Welcome + Summer Creative Updates
[02:00 – 05:59] – Cyanotype Printing on Tea Bags
[06:00 – 09:5] – Portable Embroidery Projects & Creative Happiness
[10:00 – 13:59] – Vintage Girl Scout Treasure Discovery
[14:00 – 17:59] – Reverse Appliqué Sweatshirts & Gift Shop Updates
[18:00 – 20:59] – New Cyanotype Apparel Experiments
[21:00 – 23:59] – Introducing Marlo Graham
[24:00 – 28:59] – Marlo’s Creative Journey & Interior Design Background
[29:00 – 34:59] – Color Theory, Cityscapes & Storytelling
[35:00 – 40:59] – Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
[41:00 – 47:59] – Nostalgia, Community & Artistic Voice
[48:00 – 54:59] – Building a Creative Career
[55:00 – End] – Final Thoughts + Encouragement for Makers
Quotes from the Episode
“It doesn’t have to have a purpose other than making you happy.” — Joleen Emery
“I don’t believe in garbage—I believe in possibilities.” — Joleen Emery
“Sometimes the best projects start with simply trying something you’ve never done before.” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity is often about being willing to experiment until something works.” — Joleen Emery
“I love using color to create emotion and tell stories.” — Marlo Graham
“Inspiration is everywhere when you pay attention to the details around you.” — Marlo Graham
“I’m drawn to nostalgic subjects because they connect people through shared memories.” — Marlo Graham
“There isn’t a bad color—I just try to use them all.” — Marlo Graham
Resources and Links
🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats – Cyanotype, eco-printing, art journaling, and mixed-media creative experiences.
🎨 Marlo Graham Art – Explore Marlo’s colorful cityscapes, nostalgic illustrations, and design work inspired by architecture and everyday life.
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