Well friends, this was such a fun conversation! 💕 I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Emma Freeman, a Wisconsin-based mixed media and textile artist, writer, and teacher.
Emma's creative journey is such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best things happen when we slow down and stop worrying about the outcome. She discovered slow stitching during a huge transition in her life, and what started with some fabric, a needle, and thread became a meaningful practice of reflection, connection, and joy.
🌿 Letting the Stitching Unfold
One of my favorite things about talking with Emma was hearing how she approaches her work without a preconceived plan. She starts with a piece of fabric, some thread, and a little curiosity—and then simply sees where it goes.
I LOVE this idea!
We talked about how slow stitching can create space in your mind, help you process emotions, and allow the piece to emerge one stitch at a time. And honestly, that sounds pretty wonderful to me.
🧵 Creativity Is for Everyone
We also talked about that phrase I hear all the time: “I'm not creative.”
Emma's response really stuck with me. She believes we're all creative, and sometimes we just need to practice, explore, and give ourselves permission to try.
I couldn't agree more.
You don't need fancy supplies or a perfect plan. Start with some fabric that means something to you, grab some thread, and make a stitch. Then make another one. See what happens!
💛 Follow Your Curiosity
What I loved most about this conversation was Emma's belief in creativity as a way of connecting—with ourselves, with other people, and even with the stories held inside the materials we use.
I especially loved talking about fabrics that carry memories. If you're anything like me, you probably have scraps that you can look at and immediately remember where they came from. There's something pretty magical about taking those pieces of history and turning them into something new.
So go make something, friends. Don't worry about whether you're “creative enough.” Pick up the needle. Play with the fabric. Follow that weird little idea that's been bouncing around in your head.
You never know where one little stitch might take you. 🧵✨
Keep making, keep playing, and keep finding the happy. ✨
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Emma Freeman is a Wisconsin-based mixed media and textile artist, writer, and teacher with 25 years of experience as a professional artist. Her work explores stories, color, slow stitching, memory, and the beauty found in everyday moments. For Emma, creativity is a pathway to self-discovery, connection, and joy, and her work encourages others to slow down, get curious, and discover what happens when they create without worrying about the outcome.
Follow Emma
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00–08:30] — Jolene’s Five Happy Things & Creative Updates
[08:30–17:00] — New Art Kits, Trash Totes & Big Raven Farm
[17:00–23:00] — Meet Emma Freeman
[23:00–34:00] — Emma’s Journey to Slow Stitching
[34:00–44:00] — Fabric, Memory & Creative Connection
[44:00–52:00] — Finding Your Creativity & Letting Go of Perfection
[52:00–1:00:00] — Art Journaling & Creative Practice
[1:00:00–1:06:00] — Emma’s Favorite Things & Happy Time Questions
[1:06:00–1:09:00] — Where to Find Emma & Episode Wrap-Up
Quotes from the Episode
“We’re all creative. We really are.” — Emma Freeman
“There’s something about seeing what other women have made with that stitch.” — Emma Freeman
“The ‘I’m not creative’ is just this wall. It just is a prison. It just contains and confines the human soul.” — Emma Freeman
“You practice or play at being creative.” — Joleen Emery
“I want to keep expressing myself.” — Emma Freeman
“Every hug should be a masterpiece of connection.” — Emma Freeman
“There is no part of me that’s not an artist.” — Emma Freeman
Resources & Calls-to-Action
🧵 Cut From the Same Cloth — Emma's online mixed-media art community featuring monthly themes, workshops, visiting artists, prompts, and open studios.
🎨 Emma's Classes & Creative Work
📚 Emma also recommends exploring creative practice through books such as The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.
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