Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the Happy Time Craft Cast, you know this show is about so much more than supplies, techniques, or whether we really need another brush (spoiler: yes, we do). It’s about creativity as self-care, curiosity over perfection, and finding joy in the making. And this week’s conversation with watercolor artist Emily Marie felt like one of those cozy, grounding chats that stays with you long after you turn off the camera.
Before we sat down to talk, my brain was happily buzzing with Big Raven Farm energy—retreat planning, holiday project ideas, and a growing village of whimsical little trees taking over my workspace. Sitting down with Emily felt like a gentle pause button. Calm. Encouraging. Thoughtful. The kind of conversation that reminds you it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and create gently.
Getting to Know Emily Marie
Emily Marie is a Wisconsin-based watercolor artist, teacher, and all-around thoughtful creative human. She’s best known for her custom pet portraits and beginner-friendly watercolor instruction, but what really shines through is her heart for teaching. A former elementary educator, Emily brings so much clarity, patience, and care into her art practice—and it shows in everything she creates.
Her journey into full-time art wasn’t a straight line. Like so many creatives, she once believed the idea that art couldn’t be a “real job.” But through persistence, practice, and listening to that quiet creative nudge, she built a career that allows her to teach, paint, and stay connected to her family in a meaningful way. Her mantra, “create gently,” isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of being.
One of my favorite moments was hearing her talk about teaching adults who think they “aren’t artistic.” That belief comes up so often, and Emily meets it with compassion and reassurance, reminding us that art doesn’t have to be perfect—or even impressive—to be valuable.
What I Took Away from Our Chat
Talking with Emily felt like sitting at a big, sunlit table covered in watercolor paper, mugs of tea, and permission to try. She reminded me (and all of us) that paper matters, practice matters, and that watercolor—beautiful, wild watercolor—takes patience. But more than that, she reminded me that creativity isn’t about getting it right. It’s about showing up.
We talked about beginner fears, muddy colors, supplies that are worth the splurge (hello, good paper), and where you can absolutely save your money. We talked about learning color theory without intimidation, practicing without pressure, and letting art be a place where stress can soften instead of stack up.
What really stuck with me was how much grace Emily gives herself and her students. She made it clear: you don’t have to turn creativity into a career for it to change your life. Sometimes it’s enough for art to help you breathe a little easier at the end of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not artistic”…
If watercolor has ever felt intimidating…
If you’ve been craving a creative practice that feels calm instead of demanding…
This episode is for you. 💛
Emily’s story is such a beautiful reminder that art can be a refuge, a hobby, a calling, or all three—sometimes at the same time. You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfection. You just need curiosity and the willingness to begin.
So grab your paints, your journal, or even just a quiet moment—and join us for Episode 81 of the Happy Time Craft Cast. I think it might just leave you feeling a little lighter, a little braver, and a lot more inspired to make something for the joy of it.
Until next time, Craftonians—
keep creating, keep practicing gently, and keep doing things that make you all kinds of happy. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Emily Marie is a full-time watercolor artist and instructor based in Wisconsin. A former elementary teacher, Emily now specializes in custom pet portraits, botanical watercolor, and beginner-friendly watercolor instruction. Her teaching mantra, “create gently,” shines through her classes, workshops, and online tutorials. Emily teaches both in-person classes and online through Skillshare, and she’s passionate about helping adults use watercolor as a stress-relieving, joyful creative practice.
Follow Emily
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 05:29] — Welcome to Happy Time 🎉
[05:30 – 14:29] — 2026 Retreats Are LIVE!
[14:30 – 19:59] — Meet Today’s Guest: Emily Marie
[20:00 – 34:59] — What It Means to Be a Full-Time Artist
[35:00 – 54:59] — Watercolor Paper, Paint & Brushes
[55:00 – End] — Wrap-Up & What’s Next
Quotes from the Episode
“You don’t have to be good at art for it to be meaningful.” — Joleen Emery
“A lot of people think they’re not artistic, but art doesn’t have to be beautiful for everyone—it just has to be meaningful for you.” — Emily Marie
“Paper matters. It really, really matters.” — Emily Marie
“Practice gives you confidence, and watercolor takes practice.” — Emily Marie
“There is such a thing as too many layers, and that’s often where mud happens.” — Emily Marie
“Art can be joyful and therapeutic—it doesn’t have to be perfect or productive.” — Emily Marie
“You don’t have to turn your creativity into a career to let it change your life.” — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
Emily Marie / Emily Watercolors
🌐 Website
🐾 Custom Pet Portrait Commissions (when open)
🖌️ Beginner Watercolor Kits (with Arches paper!)
🎥 Online Classes & Digital Downloads
💸 Listener Discount:
Use code GETMOREART for 10% off anything in Emily’s shop (kits, downloads, commissions & more!)
📖 Book Mentioned
Art Journal Freedom by Dina Wakley (2013)
🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats: 2026 Retreat Schedule is LIVE!
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