Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
This week's episode of Happy Time Craftcast is all about finding your unique creative voice—and I couldn't imagine a better guest to explore that topic with than ceramic artist Rachelle Miller. 💛
When I first discovered Rachelle's work, I immediately knew I had to invite her onto the show. Her bold patterns, layered surfaces, and unmistakable style stopped me in my tracks. It was one of those moments where you instantly recognize an artist's work before you even know their name.
The vibe? Creative. Thoughtful. Incredibly inspiring. ✨
What Makes an Artist's Work Instantly Recognizable?
Rachelle creates both functional and sculptural pottery, blending wheel throwing, hand-building, monoprinting, and geometric design into pieces that feel completely her own.
Together, we chat about developing a personal style, embracing experimentation, and why making mistakes is an essential part of the creative journey.
One of my favorite moments comes when Rachelle reminds us:
"You are not growing unless you're making mistakes and failing. In order to grow, you have to do hard stuff."
I think every creative person needs to hear that once in a while. 💙
Creativity Is Built Through Practice
We also talk about something that comes up often in our community—how do you actually get started with a new craft?
Rachelle shares why she encourages beginners to start with hand-building before jumping onto the pottery wheel, comparing the learning process to picking up a musical instrument. None of us expect to master the violin in one lesson, so why should creativity be any different?
That idea really resonated with me because creativity truly is a muscle. The more we practice, the stronger it becomes.
More Than Pottery
Of course, we couldn't resist wandering into all kinds of creative rabbit holes.
We talk about color confidence, collecting inspiration, favorite studio tools, art books, teaching, creative problem-solving, and why making things helps us become better humans.
These are my favorite kinds of conversations—the ones where you leave feeling excited to head back into your own creative space.
Why You'll Love This Episode
If you've ever wanted to:
✨ Discover how artists develop their own style
✨ Learn more about ceramics and surface design
✨ Feel encouraged to embrace mistakes as part of the process
✨ Find inspiration for your own creative practice
✨ Hear an honest conversation about making, teaching, and growing
...this episode is for you.
Because every artist starts somewhere, and your unique creative voice is built one project at a time.
Until next time, Craftonians—keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep making something that feels uniquely you. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen ✨
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Rachelle Miller is a Madison, Wisconsin-based ceramic artist and educator creating functional and sculptural pottery inspired by mid-century modern design. Known for her bold geometric patterns, layered monoprint techniques, and vibrant color palettes, Rachelle combines wheel throwing, hand-building, and printmaking to create one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces. She also teaches ceramics at Madison College and co-hosts the Altered Potters Podcast.
Follow Rachelle
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 03:59] – Welcome Back & Choosing Optimism
[04:00 – 11:14] – Preparing for Whatnot: Art Supplies, Handmade Goods & Vintage Finds
[11:15 – 14:29] – Meet Ceramic Artist Rachelle Miller
[14:30 – 19:29] – Finding Your Artistic Voice Through Clay
[19:30 – 28:59] – Monoprinting, Surface Design & Layering Techniques
[29:00 – 38:59] – Color Theory, Creativity & Trusting Your Eye
[39:00 – 47:59] – Favorite Tools & Getting Started with Ceramics
[48:00 – 52:59] – Workshops, Art Tours & Where to Find Michelle
[53:00 – 1:02:59] – Creative Inspiration & Favorite Art Books
[1:03:00 – End] – Happy Time Questions: Creativity, Growth & Sandwiches
Quotes from the Episode
"Creativity is a muscle. The more you practice it and the more you stretch it, the stronger and more comfortable you become." — Joleen Emery
"The people who my work is for get really excited because they'll say they've never seen work like this before. As an artist, that's the best thing you can hear." — Rachelle Miller
"You are not growing unless you're making mistakes and failing. In order to grow, you have to do hard stuff." — Rachelle Miller
"I always tell my students: You don't learn to play the violin in one lesson. You won't learn to throw pottery on the wheel in one lesson either." — Rachelle Miller
"The one hat I never take off is being an artist. It's how I see the world and how I solve problems." — Joleen Emery
"My gift is taking something complicated, breaking it into manageable parts, and making it accessible so other people can create it too." — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
Mentioned by Rachel
- Instagram: @handsinclaymadison
- Lake Loop Art Tour (Madison, WI)
- Shaller Gallery (Michigan) – Geometric Ceramics Exhibition
- Madison College Ceramics Program
- Altered Potters Podcast
Mentioned by Joleen
- Whatnot marketplace for art supplies, handmade goods, vintage finds, and creative kits
- Collage Ideas Book by Alena Hennessy
- Northern Clay Center (Minnesota)
- Mason Stains (ceramic colorants)
- Silhouette cutting machine
- Cricut cutting machine
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