Hey friends! 😊 It’s Joleen here, back with some crafty goodness from Episode 56 of the Happy Time Craftcast. And oh my gosh, do I have a treat for you today!
So, here’s the thing—this week’s been a whirlwind because I’m getting ready for a mixed media collage retreat (cue the pre-retreat chaos: cooking, cleaning, packing ALL the supplies). But I managed to carve out some time to sit down with the absolutely delightful Tammy Murdock, and let me just tell you, this chat left me grinning ear to ear.
Tammy is one of us, you guys. She’s a crafter, an artist, a creative soul who can’t pick just one medium—and frankly, neither can I! From urban sketching to embroidery to making her own tools, she’s basically living the dream of "make all the things."
Meet the Lap Studio (aka: The Coolest Craft Gadget You Didn’t Know You Needed)
Tammy did something super inspiring. She took a problem we’ve all faced—you know, crafting on the couch with supplies rolling everywhere, or trying to watercolor in the car without balancing things on your knees—and she invented a solution.
Friends, meet the Lap Studio! It’s lightweight, foldable, customizable, and basically lets you set up a mini craft station anywhere.
When Tammy told me she came up with this idea because of her own crafty lifestyle and because she lives with chronic illness, it hit home. Creativity should feel good, not stressful, right? The Lap Studio makes it easier to keep creating even when you’re snuggled up in your comfy spot or stuck in the car on a road trip (been there, done that, rolled 500 paper beads in the backseat).
Why I Loved Talking to Tammy
Tammy and I are basically creative kindred spirits. We both go through craft phases—hello embroidery obsession!—and we both believe there’s no “right way” to make art. You just follow what lights you up. Right now for Tammy, that’s stitching on fabric (and sometimes bags and dresses—because why not?). For me, I’ve been poking holes in paper to do embroidery projects. Paper! Who knew?
We also talked about that magical thing that happens when you combine art with connection. Whether you’re crafting with your kids in the backseat, working through a new technique on your couch, or chatting with a friend about making stuff—you’re filling your creative cup.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
Here’s why you’re gonna love this one:
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The origin story of the Lap Studio—from messy couch crafting to a real, hold-in-your-hands product
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How crafting can be portable, cozy, and accessible (Tammy calls it your "comfy nest" crafting, and YES to that!)
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Why it’s okay to have creative phases—buy all the paints, then move on to all the threads. We get it. We do it too. 😂
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How crafting can support wellness, mindfulness, and joy (without pressure to be perfect)
Tammy even shared a special 25% off discount for all my crafty friends! You can grab a Lap Studio at embellish.com/happytime and get your discount. I mean, who doesn’t love a deal on something that makes crafting easier and way more fun?
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this episode reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place. I love hearing how other people make space for creativity in their daily lives. It’s not always fancy. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s in the car, sometimes it’s with kids climbing over you—but it’s always worth it.
So, friends—go listen to the episode, grab your supplies, and remember: there’s no wrong way to make something. Just start. 💖
Thanks for hanging out with me,
Joleen 😊
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Tammy is a Canadian artist known for her playful, curiosity-driven approach to creativity. She’s dabbled in everything—from painting to embroidery to making her own craft tools! She’s the founder of Embellish Studios and the brilliant mind behind the Lap Studio, a portable workstation for artists who like to create on-the-go (or from the couch!). Her invention is already helping artists all over the world craft more comfortably.
Follow Tammy
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 - 02:30] – Joleen’s Retreat Prep: Cooking, Cleaning, & Crafty Excitement
[02:31 - 06:45] – Meet Tammy Murdock: Artist, Inventor, Cool Kid
[06:46 - 12:10] – The Birth of the Lap Studio: Crafting On-the-Go
[12:11 - 16:30] – Craft Nesting & Chronic Illness: Making Art Comfy
[16:31 - 20:15] – Lap Studio Features
[20:16 - 28:00] – Special Discount: 25% Off Lap Studio
[28:01 - 31:15] – Embroidery Obsessions & Crafting Phases
[31:16 – 33:45] – Crafting for Mental Health & Relaxation
[33:46 – 36:20] – Embracing Craft Phases: It’s Okay to Be Obsessed
[36:21 – 39:05] – Crafting with Kids: Making Creativity a Family Thing
[39:06 – 42:10] – Material Talk: Fabrics, Threads & Paper Leather
[42:11 – End] – Final Thoughts: Staying Playful & Creative
Quotes from the Episode
“Creativity is like breathing for me—every day I’m making something, even if it’s tiny.” – Tammy Murdock
“It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to make you happy. That’s the only rule in crafting.” – Joleen Emery
“When you make something with your hands, you’re giving your brain a break and your heart a hug.” – Joleen Emery
“The best projects are the ones that bring you joy while you’re doing them—not just when they’re done.” – Tammy Murdock
Resources and Links
🛒 Shop the Lap Studio: Embellish Studios Etsy
🌐 Website: Embellish.com/happytime (Use code for 25% off! 🎉)
Joleen’s Retreats & Classes: Big Raven Farm
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