Craftonians!
I’m so excited to share the latest episode of the Happy Time Craftcast with you! Can you believe we’ve hit our 37th episode? It’s wild to think how far we’ve come together, and I’m so grateful to all of you for tuning in, supporting, and crafting alongside me every step of the way. This episode was extra special because I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the incredible Jenn Hoenig. Let me tell you—it was one of those conversations that left me feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to connect with the world in a whole new way.
Meet Jenn HoenigJenn is a certified Forest Therapy Guide, a nature enthusiast, an artist, and (surprise!) a corporate attorney. I know—how does she balance it all? She shared her story of growing up near Mount Katahdin in Maine, where her love for nature first blossomed. From there, her journey led her to blending her legal career with her passion for wellness and the outdoors. Jenn now helps people reconnect with the Earth through Forest Therapy, which is a practice rooted in the Japanese concept of Shinrin-Yoku (or forest bathing). It’s all about using nature to boost your mental and physical health, and trust me, Jenn made it sound so accessible and doable.
One of the things I loved about Jenn is her down-to-earth energy. She’s the kind of person who makes you want to grab a cozy sweater, head outside, and breathe in the fresh air (even if it’s freezing!). And her stories about camping with her family in their popup camper, lovingly named Jerry, made me want to pack up and hit the road immediately.
What is Forest Therapy?Okay, let’s talk about Forest Therapy because, wow, I learned SO much. Did you know that plants release chemicals called phytoncides that can actually improve your immune system? Neither did I! Jenn explained how these natural chemicals boost our white blood cells and help fight off precancerous cells and autoimmune issues. I mean, how amazing is that?
But here’s the cool part—Forest Therapy isn’t just about sitting outside and reaping health benefits. It’s also about building a relationship with nature. Jenn described how the forest becomes a partner, not just a resource. Think about it—when we breathe out carbon dioxide, trees breathe it in and give us oxygen in return. It’s this beautiful, symbiotic relationship that makes you stop and go, “Wow, we really are connected to everything around us.”
Art, Nature, and SimplicityNow, you all know I love a good creative project, and Jenn is right there with me! During her Forest Therapy Guide training, she started creating zines—these cute, tiny magazines that you can fold from a single piece of paper. What I loved about this is how portable and simple it is. Jenn takes her zines outside with just a piece of paper and a pen or markers and lets her creativity flow. She even uses found objects like leaves or pine needles as part of her art, which makes it feel so connected to the environment.
One of my favorite parts of our chat was geeking out about cyanotype printing. If you’ve never tried it, you need to! It’s this magical process where you coat paper with a special emulsion, press plants or objects onto it, and let the sun do the work. The result is a gorgeous blue-and-white print that feels like a little piece of the universe captured on paper. Jenn and I agreed—it’s the perfect blend of art and nature.
Winter and Body FullnessWinter can be tricky, right? It’s cold, dark, and sometimes just downright dreary. But Jenn has a way of reframing it that feels so fresh and inviting. She loves snow (yes, really!) and encourages us to embrace the season by layering up and stepping outside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. She introduced me to the concept of “body fullness,” which is all about using your senses to connect with the world around you. Close your eyes, feel the breeze on your skin, breathe in the crisp winter air—it’s such a simple but powerful way to ground yourself.
If there’s one thing I walked away with after this conversation, it’s that connecting with nature doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You don’t need a big forest or fancy equipment. It can be as simple as sitting next to a houseplant, taking a moment to listen to the birds, or folding a piece of paper into a zine and sketching whatever comes to mind. Jenn reminded me (and all of us!) that these little moments of stillness and creativity can have such a big impact on our mental and physical well-being.This episode was packed with so many gems, and I can’t wait for you to listen! Whether you’re curious about Forest Therapy, looking for new ways to incorporate nature into your art, or just needing a reminder to slow down and breathe, this one’s for you. Be sure to check out Jenn’s Instagram (@LivingCanopyLLC), where she shares nature therapy breaks that you can enjoy no matter where you are.
Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for being part of this wonderful, creative community. Now, let’s all get out there and find a little more magic in nature, shall we?
Until next time,
Stay crafty and connected!
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Jenn Hoenig is the founder of Living Canopy and a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Growing up near Mount Katahdin in Maine, Jenn developed a deep love for the natural world. She combines her background as an attorney with her passion for wellness to help others rediscover their connection with the Earth. Jenn’s creative journey includes mixed-media art journaling, and her work has been featured in Strawberry Moon Magazine. 🌳✨
Find Jenn here:
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[0:00 - 0:26] Introduction and Milestone Celebration
[0:27 - 1:30] Guest Background and Connection to Art Journaling
[2:21 - 5:15] What is Forest Therapy?
[7:26 - 10:02] Practical Nature Therapy
[10:03 - 19:18] Art and Nature: Creating Zines and Journals Outdoors
[26:25 - 32:11] Cyanotype and Ecoprinting Techniques
[35:19 - 37:44] Winter Forest Therapy and Sensory Engagement
[37:45 - 40:53] Cultivating Stillness and the Power of Disconnecting
[44:58 - 56:10] Personal Insights and Fun Questions
[56:11 - 58:46] Greatest Joys: Camping and Outdoor Memories
[58:47 - End] Closing Thoughts and Resources
Quotes from the Episode
- "Nature isn't just a resource; it's a partner." – Jenn Hoenig
- "Even one houseplant can make a difference—you're breathing life into each other!" – Jenn Hoenig
- "We need to get our tases outside and reconnect with nature!" – Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
- Learn More About Forest Therapy
- Strawberry Moon Magazine (featuring Jenn’s work): Link
- Jenn’s favorite art supplies: Simple folding paper, markers, and collaging materials
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Let me know if you try out any of Jenn’s tips or if you have a favorite way to connect with nature. I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! 💕