Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
This week's episode of Happy Time Craftcast is filled with encouragement, creativity, and plenty of laughs as I sit down with acrylic artist Kirsten Warrick. If you've ever looked at a blank canvas and thought, "I'm just not creative," this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.
Kirsten has a wonderful way of making painting feel approachable, no matter your skill level. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the very first time or returning to creativity after years away, her message is simple:
Anyone can learn to create.
🎨 Creativity Isn't About Talent—It's About Showing Up
One of my favorite parts of our conversation is how Kirsten encourages people to let go of perfection and simply enjoy the process.
So many of us worry about making mistakes before we've even started. But according to Kirsten, confidence doesn't come before creating—it comes because you create.
Every painting is an opportunity to learn something new.
Every brushstroke helps you grow.
And every finished piece, whether you love it or not, moves you one step further on your creative journey.
✨ That's such an encouraging reminder for all of us.
🖌️ Simple Supplies Are All You Need
If you're just getting started with acrylic painting, you don't need a room full of expensive art supplies.
During the episode, Kirsten shares her favorite beginner-friendly materials and explains why keeping things simple helps new artists focus on learning rather than worrying about having the "perfect" tools.
We also chat about:
✨ Affordable paint pens and acrylic paints
✨ Favorite brushes for beginners
✨ Upcycling thrift-store canvases instead of buying new ones
✨ Why organizing your supplies doesn't have to be perfect
It's proof that creativity doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful.
♻️ Giving Old Canvases New Life
One of my favorite ideas Kirsten shares is repainting thrift-store artwork.
Instead of feeling intimidated by a blank canvas, she loves transforming secondhand finds into something completely new.
It's affordable.
It's sustainable.
And it's such a fun reminder that art can always have a second chance.
I absolutely love projects that combine creativity with a little treasure hunting!
💛 Helping Others Believe They Are Creative
One question that comes up again and again is:
"What do you say to someone who insists they aren't creative?"
Kirsten's answer is both simple and powerful.
Creativity isn't something you're born with or without.
It's something you practice.
The more you create, experiment, and give yourself permission to play, the more confidence you build.
That mindset takes so much pressure off and makes art feel joyful again.
🌈 Why You'll Love This Episode
If you've ever wanted to:
✨ Start acrylic painting
✨ Build confidence as an artist
✨ Learn beginner-friendly painting tips
✨ Find affordable art supplies
✨ Turn thrifted canvases into beautiful artwork
✨ Be reminded that creativity is for everyone
...then this episode is one you won't want to miss.
Kirsten Warrick brings so much warmth, encouragement, and practical advice that you'll walk away feeling inspired to pick up a paintbrush and simply begin.
Because making art isn't about perfection.
It's about curiosity.
It's about joy.
And it's about giving yourself permission to create.
Until next time, Craftonians—keep creating, keep experimenting, and remember that every artist starts somewhere. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Kirsten Warrick is an Iowa-based full-time artist and former graphic designer known for her whimsical acrylic paintings, paint-and-sip workshops, and custom pet portraits. She creates original artwork, teaches artists of all skill levels, and inspires others to embrace creativity with confidence and joy.
Follow Kirsten
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:20 – 13:09] – Welcome & Joleen's Five Happy Things
[13:10 – 14:20] – Meet Guest Kirsten Warrick
[14:21 – 15:19] – Kirsten's Artistic Journey & Style
[15:20 – 22:03] – Favorite Art Supplies & Paint Pens
[22:04 – 24:39] – Building Confidence as an Artist
[24:40 – 26:45] – Upcycling Thrifted Canvases
[26:46 – 31:01] – Pet Portrait Paint Classes
[31:02 – 33:08] – Common Beginner Painting Mistakes
[33:09 – 38:26] – Can Anyone Learn to Be Creative?
[38:27 – 39:42] – Workshops, Festivals & Where to Find Kirsten
[39:43 – 46:09] – Happy Time Rapid-Fire Questions
[46:10 – 51:02] – What Being an Artist Means
[51:03 – 54: 21] – What Brings Kirsten the Most Happiness
[54:22 – End] – Closing Thoughts
Quotes from the Episode
"Perfect isn't fun." — Joleen Emery
"There's room for all of us to create." — Joleen Emery
"The junkier the outside, the more freedom we have on the inside." — Joleen Emery
"Art should feel accessible—not intimidating." — Joleen Emery
"I don't feel quite right if I'm not making something." — Joleen Emery
"Art is a learned skill—you can get good at whatever you choose to practice." — Kirsten Warrick
"I want people to know their paintings don't have to be perfect." — Kirsten Warrick
"Being an artist means I don't have to work a 9-to-5." — Kirsten Warrick
"Too much paint is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make." — Kirsten Warrick
"I wasn't born knowing how to paint—it came with practice." — Kirsten Warrick
Resources and Links
🎨 Art Supplies: Artist's Loft Paint Pens (Michaels), Apple Barrel Paint Pens (Walmart), Top Notch Paint Pens, Hobby Lobby Acrylic Paints, acrylic paint, paint brushes, gesso, thrift-store canvases
🐾 Events: Paws & Pints Pet Portrait Paint Night (Des Moines), NewBo Art Festival (Cedar Rapids)
🖌️ Creative Projects: Paint-and-sip classes, custom pet portrait workshops, tiny watercolor portraits, upcycled canvas art
📱 Connect with Kirsten: Instagram and her website for upcoming classes, workshops, and festival appearances.
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