Hey sweet Craftonians! ✨
I just had the most delightful time chatting with mosaic artist and fellow craft-lover Bailey Tessier in Episode 54 of the Happy Time Craftcast, and I cannot wait to tell you all about it. This episode is full of broken plates, heartfelt gifting, sparkly glass shards, and more "aha!" moments than I can count.
It All Started with a Rainy Day...
Bailey’s mosaic journey began in the most perfect way — at her cabin on the Gunflint Trail during a rainy day in 2007. Her mom had all the materials ready (plates, glue, books, the works) and basically said, “We’re doing this.” As a 17-year-old, Bailey went along with it. She thought it was just a random cabin craft... but y’all. She never stopped.
And the way she described that first crack of a plate? I felt it in my bones. There’s something so satisfying about turning broken bits into something whole and beautiful again — and I think we can all relate to that, right?
Yes, She Makes Pet Portraits... in MOSAIC!
You all know how much I love animals (hi Auggie), so when Bailey told me she makes custom pet portraits out of tile and glass, I just about squealed. Her very first one was a gift for a friend — a little French bulldog named Hank — and from that moment on, Bailey realized her art could be more than a passion. It could be a way to connect, to give, and to tell stories through texture and color. And honestly? I teared up a little. It’s that beautiful.
What I Learned from Bailey (and What You Will Too!)
✨ Mosaic is 100% beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be fancy. You just need the want to try. A little glue, a few supplies, and a heart full of curiosity is more than enough.
✨ Art is a love language. Whether she’s gifting a pet portrait or creating something to process tough emotions, Bailey reminded me that crafting is so much more than making—it’s a way to feel, to connect, to heal.
✨ Grout mistakes happen. We’ve all been there. Bailey once left grout overnight and had to chip it off the next morning. Crafting: humbling and hilarious, every time.
✨ You don’t have to fill every space. Bailey’s use of white space in her pieces gave me life. It was such a good reminder that we don’t always need to “fill in the gaps”—in art or in life.
✨ Gift-giving is magic. Bailey’s philosophy? If she likes you, she’s probably going to make something for you. And honestly, I love that energy. Let’s all be more like Bailey.
Favorite Quote from the Episode?
“You just need the want to try. That’s it. The rest falls into place with glue and patience.” – Bailey Tessier
Yes. Yes. Yes. Put it on a tote bag, tattoo it on my craft table, let’s go.
Thanks for being here, friends. And remember: you’re never too old, too new, too messy, or too busy to make something beautiful — even if it starts with a broken plate. 💖
Big crafty hugs,
xo, Joleen 🎀
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Bailey Tessier is a St. Paul–based mosaic artist who has been working with glass, broken plates, and found objects since she was 17. Known for her whimsical pet portraits and nature-inspired compositions, Bailey’s work has been commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra, Bank of America, and more. She’s a graduate of Luther College and blends deep artistic intuition with joyful storytelling. Bonus: she's a proud pet parent and enthusiastic gift-giver.
Follow Bailey
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 06:14] –Welcome back! Meet Bailey Tessier
[06:15 – 09:39] – The rainy-day origin story
[09:40 – 12:59] – Bailey’s first mosaic pieces
[13:00 – 17:44] – The grout journey
[17:45 – 20:59] – Is mosaic beginner-friendly? Spoiler: YES 🙌
[21:00 – 24:39] – Favorite glue, tools and getting prepped
[24:40 – 27:59] – Bailey’s signature “long sky pieces” & love for gouache painting
[28:00 – 32:59] – Pet portraits
[33:00 – 37:59 ] – Art as connection, gifts as love, and the joy of crafting for others
[38:00 – End ] – Final reflections: just start where you are—with joy and glue!
Quotes from the Episode
“You just need the want to try. That’s it. The rest falls into place with glue and patience.” – Bailey Tessier
“It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just intentional.” – Joleen Emery
“Mosaic helped me get through hard stuff. You lose yourself in the pieces... and put yourself back together.” – Bailey Tessier
er
“Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Just start with what you’ve got.” – Joleen Emery
“Mosaic is 100% beginner-friendly—you just need the want to try.” – Bailey Tessier
Resources and Links:
📌 Tesserae – The tiny tile/glass pieces used in mosaics
🛠️ Basic Supplies for Mosaic Beginners – Cutters, glue, tiles, grout (and a fearless heart!)
🐾 Pet Portraits by Bailey Tessier
🖌️ Gouache Paints – Bailey’s pandemic-era creative obsession
Love "Happy Time Craftcast"?
👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community
👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!
👉FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB