Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast
Welcome to the Happy Time Craft Cast with Joleen Emery, the podcast where crafting meets inspiration, laughter, and the wonderful art of making. Join Joleen, your crafting companion, as she takes you on an exciting journey into the world of creativity.
Discover the joy of crafting and find comfort in knowing that not everything goes perfectly the first time. Joleen's good humor, contagious laughter, and 'muscle it together until it fits' attitude will keep you entertained and motivated throughout your crafting adventures.
In each episode, we explore thrilling DIY projects, converse with talented artisans, and share heartwarming stories that celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Crafting isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life that brings happiness and fulfillment.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting, this podcast is your crafting community, offering inspiration and support. Embrace the ups and downs of your creative journey, finding joy in every crafty endeavor.
Get ready for a dose of creativity, motivation, and a whole lot of crafting goodness. Tune in to the Happy Time Craft Cast and let's make some happy crafting memories together!
Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast
Finding Beauty in Broken Pieces: Mosaic Art with Miriam Sushman – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 69
Craftonians, welcome to Episode 69 of Happy Time Craftcast! Joleen checks in from Big Raven Farm with cozy fall updates before chatting with mosaic artist Miriam Sushman, whose journey from photojournalism to mosaics is as vibrant as her art. Together, they explore turning found treasures — from Golden Books to vintage magazines — into beautiful, story-filled creations that celebrate imperfection and joy.
Guest Bio
Miriam Sushman is a Milwaukee-based artist who discovered her love for mosaic art after careers in photojournalism and graphic design. Her vibrant pieces blend stained glass, collage, and reclaimed materials, weaving together nostalgia and heart. When she’s not in the studio, Miriam brings her playful spirit to gardening, cooking, and improv comedy — creativity truly shines through everything she does.
Follow Miriam
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 — 04:29] — Welcome from Joleen at Big Raven Farm (and goodbye to fall!)
[04:30 — 09:14] — The behind-the-scenes hustle of hosting creative retreats
[09:15 — 10:59] — Introducing guest artist Miriam Sushman
[11:00 — 16:39] — From photojournalist to mosaic maker — Miriam’s creative evolution
[16:40 — 21:59] — The joy of stained glass and the temptation of new mediums
[22:00 — 27:29] — Rediscovering beauty in old magazines and Golden Books
[27:30 — 32:59] — Experimenting with collage, adhesives, and glass-on-glass techniques
[33:00 — 39:44] — Tools of the trade: from glue sticks to mosaic glue (and a few surprises!)
[39:45 — 46:19] — The art of embracing imperfection and creative play
[46:20 — 53:59] —How creativity connects memory, materials, and meaning
[54:00 — End] — Joleen’s reflections and closing thoughts
Quotes from the Episode
“Sometimes the most beautiful art starts with something someone else threw away.” — Miriam Sushman
“A glue stick can be a gateway to magic — who knew?” — Joleen Emery
“Creativity is a balance between comfort zones and curiosity.” — Miriam Sushman
“It’s okay to start with what’s broken — that’s where the light gets in.” — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🏡 Big Raven Farm Retreats — Registration for 2026 retreats is open!
🧩 Adhesives & Tools Mentioned:
Yohoo Glue Stick — acid-free and perfect for collage.
MAC Glue (formerly used for mosaics; alternative recommended by artist Corey Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art).
📚 Inspiration Source: Golden Books and vintage Life Magazines — the unexpected treasures behind Miriam’s recent works.
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