The Art of Felting & Making Art Across Mediums with Lisa Ackerman – Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast 80

Well hey there, Craftonians — welcome to Episode 80 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! In this heart-centered, creatively rich episode, I’m checking in from the farm with gratitude, a few real-life adventures, and a reminder that creativity can be a powerful anchor during uncertain times. I’m joined by Minnesota artist, educator, and Little Fish Studios founder Lisa Ackerman, and we talk about resilience, slowing down, and the healing magic of making art with your hands. Lisa shares her journey into felting, how fiber became a meditative, painterly practice for her, and why intentional, nature-inspired work can help calm the nervous system and reconnect us to ourselves. The takeaway is simple and heartfelt: keep creating, use your hands to find joy, and let art be part of your healing. Guest BioLisa Ackerman is an artist, educator, and founder of Little Fish Studios, creating nature-inspired work in fiber, paint, photography, and collage. She is a former Executive and Artistic Director of the Crossing Arts Alliance and a passionate advocate for creative community-building. Lisa’s work has been featured and sold nationally, including at the Walker Art Center and Art-o-mat, and she is known for her beautifully hand-felted stones and fiber pieces that invite touch, reflection, and mindfulness.Follow LisaWebsiteInstagramFacebookEpisode Chapters with Timestamps[00:00 – 06:30]  — Welcome, gratitude, and finding calm through creativity[06:30 – 15:00]  — Life updates from Big Raven Farm & retreat announcements[15:00 – 18:30]  — Introducing Lisa Ackerman and discovering her work[18:30 – 25:00]  — Lisa’s artistic journey and philosophy of art as healing[25:00 – 34:00] — Felting as meditation: process, patience, and intention[34:00 – 41:00] — Working across mediums and embracing slow art[41:00 – End] — Teaching, community, maker spaces, and creative joyQuotes from the Episode“Art heals and provides me a voice.” – Lisa Ackerman“Using your hands can calm the nervous system and bring you joy.” – Joleen Emery“Felting is slow, intentional work—and that’s part of the magic.” – Lisa Ackerman“Even in uncertain times, it’s our job to keep finding happiness where we can.” – Joleen EmeryResources and LinksExplore Lisa Ackerman’s work at Little Fish StudiosLearn more about Big Raven Farm Retreats (2026) — limited spots availableVisit Big Raven Yoga for artist-designed yoga mats and creative communityTry felting as a mindful, low-mess art practice at homeLove "Happy Time Craftcast"? 👉Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help others discover our crafty community 👉Stay tuned for more Happy Time Craftcast with Joleen Emery. Subscribe now!👉FOLLOW  ME ON TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM 👉SIGN UP FOR THE ART KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB