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
Monoprinting on Clay with Rachelle Miller – Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 96
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Welcome to Episode 96 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! This week, Joleen catches everyone up on exciting studio projects, including preparations for her upcoming Whatnot shop, before sitting down with ceramic artist and educator Rachelle Miller. Together they chat about developing your artistic voice, finding inspiration through color and pattern, embracing mistakes as part of the creative process, and why making with your hands helps us grow as artists—and as people. Whether you work in clay, paper, fabric, or paint, this conversation is full of encouragement to keep creating, experimenting, and sharing your work with the world.
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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