Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
This week's Happy Time Craftcast is overflowing with colorful inspiration, creative encouragement, and one of my favorite topics—collage and jelly plate printing!
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with mixed media artist Kristy Evans, whose award-winning work blends collage, monoprinting, and joyful experimentation into beautiful layered artwork.
If you've ever been curious about gelli printing—or wondered whether you're "creative enough" to try mixed media—this episode is your invitation to simply begin.
The vibe?
Creative. Curious. Encouraging. 💙
What Makes Jelly Printing So Much Fun?
Gelli plate printing is one of those magical art techniques where every pull is a surprise.
Using acrylic paint, texture tools, found objects, and a soft gel printing plate, you can create one-of-a-kind papers that become beautiful collage materials.
Kristy shares beginner-friendly advice for getting started without feeling overwhelmed, including inexpensive ways to experiment before investing in professional tools.
Creativity Doesn't Need to Be Perfect
One of my favorite moments from our conversation had very little to do with supplies.
Instead, we talked about why making art matters.
Kristy shared how daily creative practice helped her navigate a difficult season of life while preparing for brain surgery.
Her artwork became more than finished pieces—it became evidence of healing.
That idea really stayed with me.
Sometimes creating isn't about making something to sell.
Sometimes it's simply about showing up for yourself.
The Joy of Everyday Making
Throughout the episode we swap favorite techniques for:
✨ Collage warm-ups
✨ Gelli printing
✨ DIY texture tools
✨ Backgrounds, focal points, and sentiments
✨ Watercolor doodles
✨ Organizing collage papers
✨ Creating without perfection
Whether you're working in an art journal or making large mixed media pieces, the message remains the same:
Play first.
Judge later.
Why You'll Love This Episode
If you've ever wanted to:
✨ Try gelli plate printing
✨ Learn collage techniques
✨ Build a creative habit
✨ Explore mixed media
✨ Find inspiration to create every day
✨ Remember why making art matters
This conversation is filled with encouragement, practical ideas, and plenty of laughter.
Because creativity isn't about making perfect art.
It's about making time for joy.
Until next time, Craftonians...
Keep experimenting.
Keep creating.
And keep saying yes to making happy things. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Kristy Evans is an Iowa-based mixed media artist, curator, educator, and lifelong creative. Her award-winning artwork combines collage, monoprinting, and layered abstraction inspired by curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. A self-taught artist and former English teacher, Kristy also curates gallery exhibitions throughout Iowa while teaching workshops that encourage artists to embrace play, process, and creative exploration. Her work demonstrates that meaningful art often begins with simple materials and a willingness to experiment.
Follow Kristy
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 01:07] – Welcome & Summer Chat
[01:08 – 02:59] – Five Happy Things: Dragon Eggs & Creative Joy
[03:00 – 11:36] – Collage Warm-Ups and Creative Practice
[11:37 – 14:36] – Meet Guest Kristy Evans
[14:37 – 24:19] – Getting Started with Jelly Plate Printing
[24:20 – 33:29] – Favorite Texture Tools & Creating Unique Prints
[33:30 – 42:14] – Creativity, Healing & Mental Wellness
[42:15 – 52:34] – DIY Texture Tools Anyone Can Make
[52:35 – 55:48] – Upcoming Workshops & Art Events
[55:49 – 1:03:07] – Favorite Learning Resources
[1:03:08 – End] – Next Week's Guest & Farewell
Quotes from the Episode
"Background. Focal point. Sentiment. It's a formula I use over and over again whenever I'm feeling stuck." — Joleen Emery
"Sometimes the journey is the making—and that's enough." — Joleen Emery
"I make the best art when I'm not thinking about selling it. I'm just playing." — Joleen Emery
"Creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets." — Joleen Emery
"Your art doesn't always need a purpose beyond bringing you joy." — Joleen Emery
"Once you have your source material, creating becomes so much easier." — Kristy Evans
"Patience is what takes your gelly print to the next level." — Kristy Evans
"Art making became how I maintained balance and found peace." — Kristy Evans
"You can be creative in so many different ways." — Kristy Evans
"Give yourself the freedom to create without worrying where it's going." — Kristy Evans
Resources and Links
✨ Kristy's Upcoming Events
🎨 Sagewood Gallery Demo
🛍️ St. Paul's Presbyterian Artisan Fair
✨ Supplies Mentioned
🖌️ Gel Press & Jelly Arts Plates • Acrylic Paint • Brayer • Deli Paper • Copy Paper • Bristol Paper
✨ Favorite Texture Tools
🫧 Bubble Wrap • 🥢 Wooden Skewers • 🧻 Paper Towel Roll + Rubber Bands • 🛠️ Drywall Tools • ✂️ Craft Foam Texture Plates
✨ Creative Inspiration
📖 Daily Doodle Journal
🎨 Carolyn Dube
🌿 Rachel Davis (Botanical Gel Printing)
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