Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know we don’t just talk about crafting — we talk about creating a life that feels joyful, meaningful, and just a little bit magical. And this episode? Ohhhh, this one is such a good mix of playful creativity and hands-on exploration.
I kicked things off from the farm (with a little background chaos because — retreat prep life 😄) and shared my “Five Happy Things,” which, honestly, might be one of my favorite ways to start our time together. From a bowling ball turned art piece (yes, really) to clever little crafting hacks and ideas sparked by everyday life — it’s all about finding joy in the process.
The vibe? Playful. Curious. Experimental.
The kind of energy that makes you want to try something new just to see what happens.
Then we dove into something I have been so excited to share with you — eco printing. 🌿
Now, if you’ve never tried eco printing before, let me just say this: it feels like magic. It’s one of those processes where you work with nature — leaves, paper, heat, time — and then you unwrap it all to reveal these beautiful, organic, completely one-of-a-kind prints. No two are ever the same, and that’s honestly part of the joy.
Getting Started with Eco Printing
I walked you through how I create my EcoBooks — starting with simple materials like watercolor paper, vintage papers, and (my personal favorite) eucalyptus leaves. There’s something so satisfying about layering everything together, bundling it up, and letting the process do its thing.
And here’s the truth — not every print comes out “perfect.” Some are bold, some are subtle, some are… well… learning opportunities 😄
But every single one has potential.
That’s where the creativity really begins.
Bringing the Pages to Life
Once the eco prints are done, that’s when I start to play. I add doodles, watercolor, a little gold here and there, maybe some handwritten quotes — just building layers of meaning and personality into each page.
What I love most is that this becomes a take-along project. A cozy, sit-with-your-coffee kind of creative practice. Something you can come back to again and again.
It’s not about rushing to a finished product.
It’s about enjoying the process.
What This Episode Is Really About
More than anything, this episode is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive or perfect.
Sometimes it looks like:
🍃 A leaf you picked up on a walk
📄 A piece of paper you already had
🔥 A little curiosity about what might happen
And that’s enough.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve been wanting to try something new…
If you’ve been craving a slower, more mindful creative process…
If you love the idea of turning nature into something you can hold in your hands…
This episode is going to light you up.
Eco printing is one of those practices that invites you to let go of control just a little bit — to experiment, to play, and to trust that something beautiful will come out of it.
So grab some leaves, find a pot, and give it a try.
Until next time, Craftonians — keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep saying yes to the kind of art that makes you happy. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Joleen is a mixed media artist, retreat host, and creative educator based at Big Raven Farm. Known for her joyful, resourceful approach to art, she specializes in upcycling materials into meaningful, beautiful creations — all while encouraging others to embrace creativity without fear.
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Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 01:59] – Welcome + Retreat Buzz & Energy
[02:00 – 07:59] – Five Happy Things (creative wins & fun finds)
[08:00 – 14:59] – Bowling Ball Art Project (yes, really)
[15:00 – 17:59] – Introduction to Eco Printing
[18:00 – 21:59] – What is an EcoBook? (final result walkthrough)
[22:00 – 25:59] – Materials Needed (paper, eucalyptus, tools)
[26:00 – 29:59] – The Eco Printing Process Explained
[30:00 – 33:59] – Results, Experiments & What to Expect
[34:00 – 37:59] – Embellishing Your Eco Prints
[38:00 – End] – Creative Encouragement + Try It Yourself
Quotes from the Episode
“This is not a three-hour project — this is a settle in and get yourself happy kind of project.” — Joleen Emery
“Not every print will be a keeper, but every single one has potential.” — Joleen Emery
“I love taking something simple and turning it into something meaningful.” — Joleen Emery
“Let the process surprise you — that’s where the magic is.” — Joleen Emery
“It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🌿 Eco Printing Materials – eucalyptus leaves, watercolor paper, vintage papers
🍲 Non-Reactive Pot – aluminum or camping pot for boiling prints
🪵 Wood Boards – used to press and bundle papers during printing
📚 Repurposed Bookboard – for creating EcoBook covers
🖊️ Embellishing Tools – white pen, black pen, gold paint markers
🧴 Weldbond Glue – used in earlier featured projects (multi-surface adhesive)
🎨 Fabric Medium + Acrylic Paint – for stencil work on textiles
🧵 Stick & Stitch Embroidery Paper – for turning drawings into embroidery
🛍️ Dollar Store Craft Supplies – marbles, rhinestones, and more
🛠️ Bowling Ball Stand (Amazon) – display for finished art piece
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