Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the Happy Time Craftcast, you already know—we love a good creative adventure. Whether it’s paint, paper, fabric, or something totally unexpected, we’re all about exploring, experimenting, and finding joy in the making. And this week’s episode? Oh my gosh… it is such a fun one.
Before we even got to our guest, I was sharing my latest “five happy things” (because you know I can’t help myself)—from cyanotype experiments with the prettiest little butterfly moments to progress on a lantern project that has been months in the making. Add in a thrifted embroidery treasure and some heartfelt stitching inspired by my kids’ artwork, and it was already a full-on creative day over here at the farm.
But then… enter Kaitlyn Luhm—and friends, just wait until you see what she creates.
The vibe? Playful. Curious. A little bit magical.
The kind of conversation that makes you want to sit down and make something immediately.
Getting to Know Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn is a Minneapolis-based artist who creates the most incredible miniature food jewelry—and when I say miniature, I mean tiny tiny. Think shrimp cocktails the size of your fingertip, perfectly textured donuts, and the cutest little food pieces you’ve ever seen.
She’s a self-taught artist (we love that!) who learned through experimenting, trying, failing, and trying again. Her work is inspired by everything from dollhouse miniatures to everyday food, and she uses polymer clay and resin to bring these teeny creations to life with amazing detail.
One of my favorite things about Kaitlyn is how approachable her process is. When I asked how she gets started, she said most of the time she just starts “squishing clay” and sees where it goes—and honestly, I loved that so much. There’s something so freeing about giving yourself permission to just begin.
What I Learned from Kaitlyn
Talking with Kaitlyn was such a good reminder that creativity doesn’t have to start perfectly—it just has to start.
We chatted about that very real “ugly phase” that happens in pretty much every project. You know the one… where you’re halfway through and thinking, What have I done? And Kaitlyn said something that really stuck with me: sometimes you just have to see it through. Because even if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, you either end up with something you love—or you learn something for next time.
I also loved hearing how she uses everyday objects—even things you’d consider trash!—to create textures and details in her work. It’s such a good reminder that inspiration is everywhere if you’re willing to look at things a little differently.
By the end of our conversation, I felt that familiar spark—that little nudge to go back into the studio, try something new, and not overthink it. Just play. Just explore. Just create.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a project…
If you’ve ever doubted whether something you’re making is “working”…
If you just want a little boost of creative joy and inspiration…
This episode is for you. 💖
Kaitlyn’s work is such a beautiful example of how far curiosity and persistence can take you. And this conversation is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful—it can be playful, experimental, and even a little messy along the way.
So grab your current project (or start a new one), settle in, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and delightfully fun.
Until next time, Craftonians—keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to embrace the “ugly phase.” You never know what it might turn into.
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Kaitlyn Luhm is a Minneapolis-based artist specializing in miniature food jewelry crafted with incredible detail and realism. Self-taught through experimentation and tutorials, her work is inspired by childhood creativity, dollhouse miniatures, and a love for tiny, intricate design. Using polymer clay and resin, Kaitlyn creates one-of-a-kind wearable pieces and is currently expanding her collections while preparing for major art events like Art-A-Whirl.
Follow Kaitlyn
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 6:55] – Welcome + Episode Intro
[07:06 – 08:26] – Introducing Guest Lindsey Ries
[8:27 – 17:00] – Miniature Food Art
[17:01 – 18:59] – Creative Process: Sketching vs. “Squishing Clay”
[19:00 – 21:59] – The “Ugly Phase” of Creating
[22:00 – 25:00] – Materials: Polymer Clay & Resin
[24:59 – 31:59] – Adding Realistic Texture & Detail
[32:00 – 36:00] – Growing as a Self-Taught Artist
[36:01 – 40:00] – Preparing for Art-A-Whirl 🎨
[40:01 – End] – Final Thoughts + Creative Encouragement
Quotes from the Episode
“Progress is progress, friends—even if it’s just a little bit at a time.” — Joleen Emery
“Just try it—you might surprise yourself with what you can create.” — Joleen Emery
“I love seeing how people take something simple and turn it into something magical.” — Joleen Emery
“Most of the time, I just start squishing clay and see where it goes.” — Kaitlyn Luhm
“There’s always that really ugly phase where you think you made a mistake.” — Kaitlyn Luhm
“You just have to see it through—you might end up loving the result or learning something new.” — Kaitlyn Luhm
“I love being able to take my time and really focus on the tiny details.” — Kaitlyn Luhm
Resources and Links
🎨 Art-A-Whirl (Minneapolis)
🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats – Upcoming Pick Your Project Retreat along with hands-on workshops focused on cyanotype and eco printing, offering a fun and immersive creative experience.
📚 Book Nook for Makers: Honey in Your Heart: Ways to See and Savor the Simple Good Things by Mary Anne Radmache
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