Stories on Wood with Heidi Heather – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 51

Hey hey, Craftonians! 💛

Okay, let me just start by saying: this week has been a lot. Like, dramatic chicken saga meets shiny new Mini Cooper levels of a lot. If you listened to the episode, you already know — we had a raccoon incident at Big Raven Farm that ended in a very sad (and very emotional) chicken funeral. But that’s another story for another blog.

Because the real joy of this week? I got to sit down with the wonderfully whimsical, deeply soulful, and beautifully messy (in the best way!) Heidi Heather from HKH Studios for Episode 51 of the Happy Time Craftcast — and friends, I am STILL glowing from this conversation.

Art with Heart (and Wax. And Fingers.)

Heidi is an intuitive artist, a storyteller, and a Minnesota gal (just like me!) who makes these absolutely magical works using oil, cold wax, and reclaimed wood. I know, right?! She literally paints on cabinet doors and salvaged panels, and somehow turns them into pieces that feel like dreams, memories, and little soul-hugs all wrapped into one.

And the best part? She starts her process by fingerpainting. WITH HER PALMS.
I can’t. It’s too good. 

She takes these old wood panels — each one already carrying its own little story — and layers color and texture, letting shapes and characters emerge on their own, like spotting shapes in the clouds. She says she never knows what’s going to show up, and that just lights my heart on fire. That’s the kind of creativity that feels like freedom.

What I Learned from Heidi (and What You’ll Love Too!)

Here’s what totally stuck with me:

  • Your materials can have a past. Reclaimed wood brings history and soul — and makes every piece one-of-a-kind.

  • Creativity isn’t always about control. Sometimes the story just shows up, and our job is to make space for it.

  • It’s okay to be messy. Heidi literally paints with her hands and embraces the unpredictability of the process.

  • Art can help people reconnect with themselves. Her goal isn’t just to make “pretty things” — it’s to help people feel something.

  • She’s a book lover too! She dropped some fabulous recommendations in the episode (don’t worry — I made a list for you below!).

 Resources Heidi Shared

  • Favorite Supplies:

    • Golden Fluid Acrylics (for that juicy fingerpainting layer!)

    • Gamblin Cold Wax Medium

    • Winsor & Newton Series 7 Watercolor Brush

  • Book Recs:

    • Thistlefoot

    • The Heroine with 1,001 Faces

    • If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland

    • Life, Paint and Passion

  • Discount Alert!
    Use code episode51 at checkout on her website for 10% off through June 18! Go snag your own dreamy piece of Heidi’s heart.

  • See Her Live!
    Catch Heidi at these upcoming events:

    • 🖼️ Excelsior Art Fair – June 14–15

    • 🎨 Wayzata Art Experience – June 21–22

 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your creative process, unsure of where to begin, or like you just want to paint your feelings onto something with your whole palm — THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU. 

Heidi reminded me that art isn’t about polish — it’s about presence. It’s about listening, following curiosity, and letting your hands lead you home.

Go listen to Episode 51, bring your coffee, and let yourself breathe a little deeper while we talk about stories, doors, and what happens when we make space for magic.

Trust me — your creative heart will thank you.

Until next time,

Stay cozy. Stay curious. And maybe go fingerpaint something. 

xo,
Joleen

PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:

 

Guest Bio

Heidi Heather is a Minnesota-based intuitive artist and founder of HKH Studios. She creates emotionally rich, dreamy works using acrylics, oil, and cold wax on reclaimed wood. Whether it’s her signature Stories on Wood or her moody abstracts, Heidi’s work invites viewers to reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Her creative process is rooted in play, layers, and the magic of letting stories emerge naturally.

Follow Heidi


Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[0:00 – 07:44] – Joleen’s wild chicken & raccoon story
[07:45 – 10:11] – Meet Heidi Heather + intro to HKH Studios
[10:12 – 14:44] – “Stories on Wood” – how her art is born
[14:45 – 19:29] – Finger painting, texture & magic layers
[19:30 – 24:09] – Reclaimed doors as canvases – “The First Door”
[24:10 – 35:39] – Storytelling through intuitive art
[35:40 – 40:19] – Heidi’s exciting art announcements! 
[40:20 – 41:59] – The magic of reclaimed wood
[42:00 – End] – Closing giggles and gratitude 

Quotes from the Episode

“Art gives people a moment to pause, breathe, and remember who they are.” — Heidi Heather
“I don’t need a fancy canvas — I need something with character, with history.” — Heidi Heather
“I’m a storyteller who helps people reconnect with themselves through my art.” — Heidi Heather
“Creating is like looking at clouds — characters just emerge.” — Heidi Heather

Resources and Links:

  •  Visit Heidi's website to explore her dreamy art and storytelling magic
  •  Use the exclusive discount code "episode51" to get 10% off until June 18
  •  See Heidi in person at these upcoming live events: Excelsior Art Fair June 14-15, Wayzata's Art Experience June 21-22
  • Heidi's favorite art supplies: Winsor Newton watercolor brush series 7, Gamblin cold wax medium
  • Books Heidi Loves & Recommends:  Thistlefoot, The Heroine with 1,001 Faces, If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland, Life, Paint and Passion: Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous


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