Oh friends… this episode of the Happy Time Craft Cast filled me all the way up. You know when you meet someone and immediately feel like you’ve known them through at least three past creative lifetimes? That’s exactly how it felt chatting with the absolutely delightful McKenna Kornowski — mixed-media painter, texture lover, lace rescuer, and all-around creative soul who brings so much heart into everything she makes.
From the very first hello, I could feel her warmth, her curiosity, and her deep love for the natural world. And I have to say: getting to peek into her creative process was like stepping into a beautifully layered art piece — full of surprises, textures, and tiny sparks of joy tucked into every corner.
The Art of Layering Life Into Your Work
One of the things I loved most in my conversation with McKenna was hearing how she layers not just paint and lace… but life.
She talked about rummage sales and thrift stores — wandering with an open heart and finding old lace, handkerchiefs, vintage fabrics, forgotten bits of someone else’s story. And instead of letting those treasures sit in boxes (you know how I feel about doilies trapped under Kleenex boxes), she gives them new life in her artwork.
There’s something so special about that — honoring the old, blending it with the present, and letting something entirely new emerge.
It reminded me that art is not just about materials.
It’s about memories, wanderings, people, places, and the textures of a life well-loved.
The Joy of Using Unexpected Materials
Okay… the bug wings.
I have to talk about the bug wings.
When McKenna held up a dragonfly wing like it was the most normal thing in the world, I nearly fell out of my chair. In the best way.
Her willingness to use unexpected (and sometimes eyebrow-raising) materials was such a refreshing reminder that creativity doesn’t have rules — WE get to choose the story our art tells.
And frankly? It made me feel a lot better about the time I briefly considered cyanotyping a giant grasshopper I found in my workshop. (Don’t judge. I know some of you would’ve done the same.)
Creativity as Connection
What struck me most is how deeply connected McKenna is to the outdoors.
When she said she goes outside to “touch grass” when she feels uninspired, I laughed — but I also felt the truth in it.
Nature isn’t just her muse.
It’s her anchor.
And as someone who’s also deeply influenced by seasons, sunlight, and skies that behave like magical watercolor paintings… I felt that in my bones.
Art isn’t something we do separate from life.
It’s woven right into the way we move through the world.
What I Learned From McKenna
Talking with her taught me so much — little gems I’ve been carrying around since recording the episode:
✨ Follow your curiosity wherever it leads.
Whether it’s lace at a thrift store or a dragonfly wing on the sidewalk — if it sparks something, pick it up.
✨ Nothing is too precious to play with.
McKenna reminded me not to treat materials like museum artifacts. Make a mess. Try the weird idea. Cover it up. Start again.
✨ Inspiration comes from living, not from waiting.
Walk. Touch grass. Look up at the sky. Notice the tiny things.
✨ Creativity thrives when we drop perfection.
Art doesn’t have to be careful to be meaningful.
✨ Connection — to nature, to materials, to people — makes our art richer.
And McKenna embodies that so beautifully.
A Creative Spirit Worth Celebrating
When we wrapped the episode, my heart felt warm and buzzy (like I’d sipped a perfectly steeped cup of tea and immediately had to run to the studio because I was so inspired).
McKenna brings a gentle boldness to her work — a willingness to honor nature, embrace texture, and trust her instincts. And that kind of creative spirit is contagious in the very best way.
I hope when you listen to this episode, you feel encouraged to experiment.
To repurpose things.
To notice beauty in unexpected places.
To walk outside and breathe deeply.
And to make something — anything — that brings you joy.
Because that’s what this whole creative life is about:
Joy. Curiosity. And the courage to make something that feels like you.
Until next time, friends — keep creating from the heart.
xo,
Joleen 🌸
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
McKenna Kornowski is a mixed-media painter living on 14 acres in northern Wisconsin. Her art blends acrylic paint, lace, textiles, and natural finds — celebrating our deep connection to nature. McKenna’s pieces invite viewers to rediscover the wonder of being outdoors and to feel gratitude for the beauty of Mother Earth.
Follow McKenna
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[0:00 — 05:59] — Welcome to the Craft Cast!
[6:00 — 09:59] — Meet McKenna Kornowski
[10:00 — 17:59] — Textures, Lace & Love for Old Things
[18:00 — 23:59] — Bugs, Butterflies & Beautiful Weirdness
[24:00 — 29:59] — Nature as Muse
[30:00 — 35:59] — The Northern Lights & Creative Wonder
[36:00 — 41:59] — Community Q&A: Artistic Courage & Play
[42:00 — 47:59] — Finding Joy in Imperfection
[48:00 — 53:59] —Creative Habits & Staying Inspired
[54:00 — End] —Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Growth
Quotes from the Episode
“Mixed media just means using more than one element in your paintings — and I love giving forgotten things a second life.” – McKenna Kornowski
“I feel like doilies deserve freedom — they’re works of art hiding under lamps and Kleenex boxes!” – Joleen Emery
“If I’m feeling uninspired, I just go outside and touch grass. Literally.” – McKenna Kornowski
“The beauty of mixed media is that nothing’s too precious — if something doesn’t work, I just start again.” – McKenna Kornowski
Resources and Links
🌾 Retreat Info: Big Raven Farm Retreats
🎨 McKenna’s Creative Calendar
💡 11 Ways to Spark Creativity
📚 Book Nook for Makers – Featured Book Review: “Creative Doodling & Beyond” by Stephanie Corfee
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