Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
This week’s episode of Happy Time Craftcast is all about one of my favorite creative topics: figuring it out as you go.
Because let’s be honest—sometimes projects don’t go according to plan.
In fact, one of the biggest stories I shared in this episode started with a project that felt completely heartbreaking. I’d been creating upcycled jackets using pieces of my grandmother’s vintage quilts, and after all that careful work, some of the fabric color unexpectedly bled onto the garment. Not exactly the happy ending I had imagined.
But instead of giving up, I got creative.
The vibe? Resourceful. Experimental. Full of second chances. ✨
When Creativity Calls for a Pivot
One of the things I love most about making art is that every problem has the potential to become part of the solution.
Rather than scrapping the jacket, I redesigned it. I incorporated painted elements, repurposed fabrics, and new stitching details to create something entirely different—and honestly, I ended up loving the final result even more than the original idea.
It was such a good reminder that creativity isn’t about avoiding mistakes. It’s about responding to them.
Falling in Love with Cyanotypes All Over Again
Another big theme in this episode was cyanotype experimentation.
Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to stop treating my cyanotype prints as precious objects and start using them in new ways. That led to collages, journal pages, masking techniques, and even tiny cyanotype prints on used tea bags.
Yes—tea bags.
And you know what? They turned out adorable.
Sometimes the best creative breakthroughs happen when we stop worrying about making something perfect and simply start playing.
Meeting Madelyne Adams
I was also thrilled to welcome Madelyne Adams of Good Letters Design to the show.
Madelyne’s work spans hand lettering, graphic design, illustration, and murals, and our conversation explored what it means to build a creative life around curiosity and continuous learning.
What I loved most was her willingness to embrace experimentation and growth—something every creative person can relate to.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever:
✨ Had a project go completely off track
✨ Found yourself saving scraps “just in case”
✨ Wanted to try cyanotypes, journaling, or mixed media art
✨ Needed a reminder that mistakes can become opportunities
This episode is for you.
Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and finding beauty in unexpected places.
Until next time, Craftonians—keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep believing that every scrap has potential. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Madelyne Adams is the artist and designer behind Good Letters Design, where she combines hand lettering, graphic design, illustration, and mural work to create vibrant, meaningful artwork. Her creative practice blends traditional and digital techniques, helping brands, businesses, and communities tell stories through thoughtful design and custom lettering.
Follow Madelyne
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 07:59] – Welcome + Summer Updates
[08:00 – 11:59] – Saving a Project After Fabric Bleeding Mishaps
[12:00 – 16:59] – Cyanotype Collage Experiments
[17:00 – 22:59] – Using Masks & Reverse Negatives in Cyanotypes
[23:00 – 26:59] – Repurposing Packaging & Found Materials
[27:00 – 30:59] – Tiny Cyanotype Prints on Tea Bags
[31:00 – 36:59] – Art Journaling, Layers & Creative Recipes
[37:00 – 38:59] – Introducing Madelyne Adams
[39:00 – 44:59] – Madelyne’s Journey into Lettering & Design
[45:00 – 51:59] – Building a Creative Career Through Art
[52:00 – 57:59] – Creativity, Community & Artistic Growth
[58:00 – End] – Final Thoughts + Encouragement for Makers
Quotes from the Episode
“Sometimes the project doesn’t go the way you planned, but it can still become something beautiful.” — Joleen Emery
“I don’t believe in garbage—I believe in possibilities.” — Joleen Emery
“The best creative discoveries often happen when you stop being precious with your materials.” — Joleen Emery
“Every mistake is just an opportunity to find a new solution.” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity grows when you give yourself permission to experiment.” — Madelyne Adams
“Lettering is more than words—it’s a way of communicating personality and feeling.” — Madelyne Adams
“The projects that challenge us often teach us the most.” — Madelyne Adams
Resources and Links
🎨 Good Letters Design – Explore Madelyne Adams' work in hand lettering, graphic design, illustration, and mural painting.
✍️ Madelyne's Favorite Lettering Tools & Supplies:
Kuretake Zig ClickArt Pens (purchased from Wet Paint)
Fountain Pens for both writing and sketching
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens (Madelyne mentions preferring a mid-range tip size and specifically carries an 01 Micron)
Sharpie Markers for everyday sketching and lettering practice
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