Hey Craftonians! ✨
Oh my gosh, I am still buzzing from this week’s episode of Happy Time Craftcast. You know those conversations that just fill you up in the best way? This was one of those.
Before I even got to my guest, I had to share some very happy personal news (because when good things happen, you have to tell your people, right?). First, I opened the door to find a big, beautiful box of art book treasures from my neighbor Renee—yes, the same Renee who always seems to know exactly what kind of creative magic to drop on my porch. Inside? Everything from Van Gogh to Michelangelo to the holy grail of paper sculpture books by Irving Harper. Swoon! 📚
And then… the Minnesota State Fair! 🎡 I was accepted into the juried Fine Arts Collection, which means my giant 44-inch sculpted book paper piece will be on display. Cue all the happy dancing. I’m also putting it out into the universe that I’d love to be chosen for their “12 Artists for 12 Days” program—because what could be better than making art all day in the middle of the fair?
Now… let’s talk about my guest.
Meeting Kate Rebecca Leech 🌿
I’ve been a fan of Kate Rebecca Leech for years. I actually remember the very first time her art scrolled across my feed—gold accents, dreamy watercolor textures, those nature-inspired shapes—and I slammed that “follow” button faster than you can say “pass the paintbrush.”
Kate is a UK-based watercolor artist, the founder of A Solo Designs, and the author of Creative Abstract Watercolor. Her journey is so inspiring—she went from corporate life to a full-on art career, selling in 35+ countries, designing fabric collections, and leading retreats around the globe. And here’s the best part: she did it by leaning into what she loves most, not what she thought she was “supposed” to do.
Lessons from Kate 🎨
One of the things I loved about talking to Kate is how honest she is about her start. Lockdown 2020 wasn’t easy for anyone, but for Kate, it was the moment she dusted off an old set of watercolors and started playing again. And when I say “playing,” I mean exactly that—no rules, no perfection, just splashes, experiments, and happy accidents.
She also taught me something about limited color palettes. At first, it was out of necessity (hello, lockdown supply shortages), but now it’s a deliberate creative choice. Limiting colors can actually make your work stronger—and help you avoid that dreaded watercolor “mud.”
Most importantly, Kate reminded me—and I think all of us—that you don’t have to be a “realistic” artist to make something beautiful. You don’t have to draw the perfect cat or the perfect flower. If you can make a line, a blob, or a leaf, you can make art. And if you make a mess? Even better. That’s where the magic happens.
Why You’ll Love This Episode 💌
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by a blank page… if you’ve ever thought you “weren’t good enough” to be an artist… or if you just want to soak in some creative energy from two people who really love talking about making things—Episode 60 is your jam.
We cover:
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How Kate turned lockdown into a creative turning point
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Why messy making is a superpower, not a flaw
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The magic of happy accidents
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How constraints can actually spark creativity
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The joy of building a creative community (and how retreats make it happen)
So grab your favorite drink, cozy up in your art nook (or wherever you listen to your podcasts), and get ready to feel inspired. Because if Kate’s story proves anything, it’s that art isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the joy you find along the way.
Stay creative,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Kate Rebecca Leach is a UK watercolor artist, founder of A Solo Designs, and author of Creative Abstract Watercolor. Since rediscovering painting in lockdown, she’s sold worldwide, led global art retreats, and shown that anyone—messy or not—can create beautiful art.
Follow Kate:
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 08:09] – Welcome & Small-Town Art Book Treasures
[08:10 – 13:59] – Introducing Kate Rebecca Leach
[14:00 – 18:19] – The Joy of Abstract Watercolor & Messy Making
[18:20 – 22:04] – Limited Color Palettes & Happy Accidents
[22:05 – 25:14] – Painting as a Tool for Managing Anxiety
[25:15 – 29:39] – Embracing Constraints to Spark Creativity
[29:40 – 34: 09] – Why Perfectionism Holds Artists Back
[34:10 – 39:54] – How Travel & Nature Inspire Kate’s Work
[39:55 – 44:29] – Teaching Art Retreats & Building Community
[44:30 – 49:14] – Behind the Scenes of Writing Creative Abstract Watercolor
[49:15 – 52:59] – Kate’s Upcoming Projects & Exciting Announcements
[53:00 – End] – Final Words of Encouragement for Aspiring Artists
Quotes from the Episode
“Art is less about the final piece and more about who you become while making it.” – Kate Rebecca Leach
“You don’t have to be perfect to make something beautiful.” – Kate Rebecca Leach
“Every brushstroke is a little act of bravery.” – Kate Rebecca Leach
“If it brings you joy, it’s worth creating.” – Kate Rebecca Leach
Resources and Links:
📖 Pre-order Kate's newest book Creative Abstract Mixed Media
🛒 Kate's Etsy Shop, use code CRAFTCAST to get 10% off
🖌️ Kate's Favorite Tools: Windsor Newton & Daniel Smith watercolor, Posca Paint Pen 0.7mm, Uniball Signo Pen
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