Well friends, I had such a fun conversation with Miranda Olson of Crafty Mama Mir! Miranda is a Minnesota maker, crochet designer, and all-around creative who believes the world could always use a little more color. And after seeing her work, I have to agree!
Miranda has explored all kinds of creative mediums, from polymer clay earrings and embroidery to rug tufting, knitting, and crochet. What I love most is how she approaches creativity: with curiosity, a willingness to try just about anything, and absolutely no fear of doing things her own way.
🧶 Crochet with a Little Personality
Miranda learned to knit as a child and picked up crochet as a teenager. Her knitting background even influences the way she holds her yarn and works with a crochet hook.
Her crochet patterns are just as unique. Rather than relying on pages of abbreviations, Miranda writes in a conversational, storytelling style, explaining each step and including video tutorials to help makers along the way. It's a refreshing approach, especially for anyone who has ever felt intimidated by traditional patterns.
🎨 Follow the Creative Curiosity
Miranda's creative business began with polymer clay earrings and eventually grew into Crafty Mama Myrr. Today, she makes crochet patterns, experiments with rug tufting, embroiders, and finds new ways to turn everyday materials into something special.
She's also a big believer in listening to her community. When followers ask for a project or suggest an idea, she pays attention. Sometimes the best inspiration comes from the people who are already enjoying what you're making!
We also talked about upcycling and using what you already have. Miranda loves finding new possibilities for leftover yarn, thrifted clothing, and other materials. You know I love that kind of creative thinking!
💛 Making Time for Creativity
As a busy mom and business owner, Miranda has learned that creativity doesn't always have to happen after everyone else has gone to bed. She now finds ways to make alongside her daughters, whether that's crocheting at the park or setting up little art stations in her studio.
Her reminder is a good one: sometimes we need to rethink where creativity can fit into our everyday lives. It doesn't have to be a big production. A little time spent making something can be enough to keep that creative spark going.
✨ Supporting Small Creators
One thing Miranda really wants people to understand is how much small creators appreciate engagement. A comment, a share, a recommendation, or simply telling someone about a maker's work can make a real difference.
And I couldn't agree more! Supporting creative people doesn't always mean buying something. Sometimes it's just helping someone else's work find the people who will love it.
📚 A Little Creative Inspiration
We also talked about watercolor, creative experimentation, and the joy of trying something new. I shared Watercolor Success in Four Steps by Mariana Bakasova, a book filled with approachable exercises for building watercolor skills.
My biggest watercolor takeaway lately? Use the good paper, friends! You don't have to wait until you're an expert to enjoy your supplies.
😊 What Makes Miranda Happy?
Of course, we couldn't finish without a round of the Happy 10! Miranda shared her love of the word “groovy,” her favorite sandwiches, a dream of becoming a labor-and-delivery nurse, and the happiness her two daughters bring to her life.
It was such a lovely reminder that creativity is about more than the things we make. It's also about the people we share our lives with, the things that make us curious, and the little moments that bring us joy.
Until next time, friends, I hope you do all kinds of things that make you all kinds of happy!
Happy creating,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Miranda Olson is the creative force behind Crafty Mama Mir, a Minnesota-based maker, crochet designer, and content creator who has turned her love of making things into a thriving online business. A lifelong crafter, Miranda's creative journey has included knitting, crochet, polymer clay earrings, embroidery, rug tufting, and upcycling. She's known for her colorful style, approachable storytelling patterns, and beginner-friendly video tutorials that make learning to crochet feel accessible and fun. Miranda is passionate about encouraging creativity, supporting other small makers, and helping people discover the joy of making things with their own hands.
Follow Miranda
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 03:34] — Welcome & Big Raven Farm Updates
[03:35 – 15:59] — Five Happy Things
[16:00 – 17:14] — Meet Miranda Olson of Crafty Mama Mir
[17:15 – 21:59] — Colorful Crochet & Creative Patterns
[22:00 – 24:59] — TikTok, Community & Creative Inspiration
[25:00 – 30:29] — From Polymer Clay to Crochet & Tufting
[30:30 – 34:59] — Upcycling & Creative Experimentation
[35:00 – 40:59] — Making Time for Creativity as a Busy Mom
[41:00 – 45:59] — Growing a Creative Business
[46:00 – 50:59] — Watercolor Books & Creative Journaling
[51:00 – End] — Miranda’s Favorites & Fun Questions
Quotes from the Episode
“My goal is to make the world more colorful.” — Miranda Olson
“If people are telling you to do something, I do not think anything is coincidence.” — Miranda Olson
“I'm an artist. That's the hat I never take off.” — Joleen Emery
“Use the good paper. You deserve it, even when you are learning.” — Joleen Emery
“I absolutely love using old things in new ways.” — Joleen Emery
“If you are finding a difficulty in deciding what content to create, literally just ask, ‘What do you guys want to see?’” — Miranda Olson
Resources and Links
🧶 Miranda Olson/Crafty Mama Mir
🎨 Watercolor Success in Four Steps by Mariana Bakasova — 150 watercolor skill-building exercises
🪡 Rug Tufting Classes – Neeka Jackson / Intro to Tufting
🖌️Joleen's watercolor retreat: A collaboration with Emily Marie Watercolors.
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