Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast

Painting with Purpose: Nature, Texture & Heart with McKenna Kornowski – Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 70

Joleen Emery

Craftonians!  In episode 70 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craft Cast, Joleen chats with mixed-media painter McKenna Kornowski, whose art beautifully blends creativity and nature. From her cozy Wisconsin studio, McKenna shares how she layers paint, lace, and found textiles to celebrate our connection to the earth. The conversation flows from farm life and Big Raven Farm retreats to creative reuse, environmental inspiration, and even the whimsical use of butterfly wings and thrifted lace — all wrapped in Joleen’s signature warmth and enthusiasm, inspiring listeners to find beauty in everyday things and create fearlessly.

Guest Bio

McKenna Kornowski is a mixed-media painter living on 14 acres in northern Wisconsin. Her art blends acrylic paint, lace, textiles, and natural finds — celebrating our deep connection to nature. McKenna’s pieces invite viewers to rediscover the wonder of being outdoors and to feel gratitude for the beauty of Mother Earth.

Follow McKenna

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[0:00 — 05:59] — Welcome to the Craft Cast!
[6:00 — 09:59] — Meet McKenna Kornowski
[10:00 — 17:59] — Textures, Lace & Love for Old Things
[18:00 — 23:59] — Bugs, Butterflies & Beautiful Weirdness
[24:00 — 29:59] — Nature as Muse
[30:00 — 35:59] — The Northern Lights & Creative Wonder
[36:00 — 41:59] — Community Q&A: Artistic Courage & Play
[42:00 — 47:59] — Finding Joy in Imperfection
[48:00 — 53:59] —Creative Habits & Staying Inspired
[54:00 — End] —Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Growth

Quotes from the Episode

“Mixed media just means using more than one element in your paintings — and I love giving forgotten things a second life.” – McKenna Kornowski
“I feel like doilies deserve freedom — they’re works of art hiding under lamps and Kleenex boxes!”
– Joleen Emery
“If I’m feeling uninspired, I just go outside and touch grass. Literally.”
– McKenna Kornowski
“The beauty of mixed media is that nothing’s too precious — if something doesn’t work, I just start again.”
– McKenna Kornowski

Resources and Links

🌾 Retreat Info: Big Raven Farm Retreats
🎨 McKenna’s Creative Calendar
💡 11 Ways to Spark Creativity
📚 Book Nook for Makers – Featured Book Review: “Creative Doodling & Beyond” by Stephanie Corfee

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