Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know we don’t just chat about paint, paper, or the occasional glue gun adventure (though, yes — I’ll always say yes to sparkle). We talk about creativity, courage, and what it means to live a life led by art and heart.
And this week’s guest — the deeply thoughtful and wonderfully grounded Lisa Ackerman — brought such a calm, nourishing energy into my day. Before our conversation, I was checking in from the farm with a full heart, a few real-life home adventures under my belt, and a deep sense of gratitude. Sitting down with Lisa felt like taking a long, steady breath — gentle, intentional, and exactly what my creative soul needed.
The vibe? Calm. Intentional. Comforting.
The perfect energy for a conversation about slowing down, using your hands, and letting art be part of your healing.
Getting to Know Lisa
Lisa is a Minnesota-based artist, educator, and the founder of Little Fish Studios. Her work spans fiber, paint, photography, and collage, but she’s especially known for her beautiful hand-felted pieces — soft stones and organic forms inspired by nature and touch. Her art feels quiet in the best way. It invites you to pause.
But what makes Lisa’s work even more meaningful is the why behind it. Art isn’t just something she makes — it’s something she lives. She shared how felting became a meditative practice for her, a way to slow her body and mind, and a place to land when the world feels heavy.
One of my favorite moments was when Lisa said, “Felting slows me down in the best possible way — it asks for patience, attention, and presence.” Isn’t that beautiful? You can feel that intention in every piece she creates.
What I Learned from Lisa
Talking with Lisa felt like sitting near a sunny window with something soft in your hands — comforting, grounding, and quietly powerful. She reminded me that creativity doesn’t have to be loud or fast to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most healing art happens when we let ourselves move slowly.
Lisa spoke about how tactile, repetitive work can help regulate the nervous system and create a sense of calm. She described fiber as a painterly medium — one that allows color, texture, and emotion to come together in a deeply physical way.
I loved when she said, “Art doesn’t have to shout to be powerful — sometimes it whispers.” That line stayed with me. It’s such a gentle reminder that creativity can be soft and still incredibly strong.
By the end of our conversation, I felt inspired — not to rush into my next project, but to slow down with it. To make space for intention. To let my hands lead for a while.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve been craving calm…
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected…
If you’ve been longing for a creative practice that feels nourishing instead of demanding…
This episode will meet you right where you are.
Lisa’s story is a beautiful reminder that art can be a form of care — for ourselves and for the world around us. Creativity doesn’t have to push or prove anything. Sometimes it simply holds us.
So grab something soft, settle into your favorite chair, and join us for a conversation that feels like a warm exhale — slow, grounding, and full of heart.
Until next time, Craftonians — keep creating, keep softening, and keep saying yes to the kind of art that heals. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Lisa Ackerman is an artist, educator, and founder of Little Fish Studios, creating nature-inspired work in fiber, paint, photography, and collage. She is a former Executive and Artistic Director of the Crossing Arts Alliance and a passionate advocate for creative community-building. Lisa’s work has been featured and sold nationally, including at the Walker Art Center and Art-o-mat, and she is known for her beautifully hand-felted stones and fiber pieces that invite touch, reflection, and mindfulness.
Follow Lisa
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 06:30] — Welcome, gratitude, and finding calm through creativity
[06:30 – 15:00] — Life updates from Big Raven Farm & retreat announcements
[15:00 – 18:30] — Introducing Lisa Ackerman and discovering her work
[18:30 – 25:00] — Lisa’s artistic journey and philosophy of art as healing
[25:00 – 34:00] — Felting as meditation: process, patience, and intention
[34:00 – 41:00] — Working across mediums and embracing slow art
[41:00 – End] — Teaching, community, maker spaces, and creative joy
Quotes from the Episode
“Art heals and provides me a voice.” – Lisa Ackerman
“Using your hands can calm the nervous system and bring you joy.” – Joleen Emery
“Felting is slow, intentional work—and that’s part of the magic.” – Lisa Ackerman
“Even in uncertain times, it’s our job to keep finding happiness where we can.” – Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
Explore Lisa Ackerman’s work at Little Fish Studios
Learn more about Big Raven Farm Retreats (2026) — limited spots available
Visit Big Raven Yoga for artist-designed yoga mats and creative community
Try felting as a mindful, low-mess art practice at home
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