Crafting the Case

This week on Crafting the Case, Tara covers the tragic case of Kristin Johnson, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Nicholas Butcher in a devastating case that shocked many following the story. While Tara takes us through the case, Sandi fully embraces the craft chaos by bringing back a fan-favourite activity: bedazzling oversized Diet Coke cans ✨🥤 (aka piggy banks… technically 😂). Between rhinestones flying across the table, emotional moments, and our usual aftershow conversations, this episode is peak Crafting the Case energy.

This week, we’re bringing you a coastal-inspired episode of Crafting the Case 🌊 Sandi takes on sea glass art, creating something beautiful from ocean treasures, while Ashley shares the heartbreaking story of the SS Atlantic shipwreck, one of the most tragic shipwrecks in Nova Scotia history. With Tara away, we’re joined by special guest co-host Devin, who jumps right into both the storytelling and the crafting (with mixed results 😉). As always, we wrap things up with our after show — chatting, crafting, and catching up. A little bit cozy, a little bit chilling — just the way we like it.

Episode 36… or 37?? honestly who knows at this point 😂 This week on Crafting the Case, Sandi dives into the disturbing story behind the FLDS group and Samuel Bateman, unpacking the events leading up to the recent Netflix documentary and how it all connects back to the ongoing legacy of control, power, and manipulation within the FLDS. While the story unfolds, Tara leads us through a calming (and much-needed) acrylic painting session on canvas 🎨✨ — a slight emotional contrast to the case, to say the least. We’re not done yet though… next week we’re continuing the project by adding molding clay to create a full picnic scene 🧺🌼 As always, we wrap things up with our aftershow — chatting books, shows we’re loving lately, and exchanging some very on-brand little gifts 💅🎁 Dark stories, cozy crafts, and a little bit of chaos — just how we like it. 

This week on Crafting the Case, we’re bringing you a little bonus chaos with Episode 35.5 💅 Ashley dives into the story of the Bannister brothers — their crimes, the path that led them to Dorchester Penitentiary, and the chilling details surrounding their deaths. It’s a case that hits a little different… especially considering where we’ve been lately 👀 Meanwhile, Sandi is fully in her seasonal era, leading us through a cozy and creative spring wreath craft 🌸✨ We also spill all the details from our real-life sleepover at Dorchester Jail (yes… actually 😳), plus a classic after show catch-up filled with laughs, snacks, and a little bit of chaos. True crime, crafts, and questionable decision-making — just the way we like it.      

his week on Crafting the Case, we cover the abduction and recovery of Elizabeth Smart — the search, the breakthrough, and the powerful story of survival that followed. And because we cannot sit still without a glue gun in our hands, we’re still deep in our junk art phase, decorating picture frames with whatever random treasures we can find. Serious case. Sparkly chaos. Classic CTC. Subscribe for new episodes every week 💀✨

Conspiracies, crafts, and chaotic snacks? Yep, it’s that kind of episode. Ashley breaks down the recent news and conspiracies around Kurt Cobain’s death, while Tara leads us in one of our favourite crafts yet: junk crafting! We hot glue random items onto hair clips, lighters, and picture frames with wildly fun results. Plus, in the after show, Sandi brings Japanese peach drinks and we do a Doritos taste test you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to Episode 32 of Crafting the Case — our first episode in the new studio!! 🎉 We’re celebrating the glow-up with a Valentine’s-themed episode. Tara brings the case energy, Ashley walks us through making adorable DIY roses using Q-tips (we were shocked how cute they turned out), and we wrap things up with a chill aftershow where we share what we’ve been up to behind the scenes and how the studio came together. Craft along with us, hang out, and welcome to our new creative home 🖤 ✨ New studio 🌹 Easy Valentine craft 🎧 Aftershow catch-up

This episode of Crafting the Case takes us to New Brunswick for the story of Bennie Swim, a case remembered for its shocking ending and the conversations it sparked across Canada. We explore what happened, why the community reacted so strongly, and how this moment became part of a larger discussion about justice and capital punishment. While we talk, the girls create mosaic trays using broken plates, a craft that perfectly mirrors the themes of fracture, repair, and making something meaningful out of pieces. True crime, history, and cozy crafting — all in one episode.

In Episode 30 of Crafting the Case, Ashley explores the strange story of Granger Taylor — a man from Vancouver Island who vanished in 1980 after telling his family he was leaving to board an alien spaceship. Decades later, remains of his truck were found in the forest, but his disappearance still raises big questions: tragic accident, mental health crisis, or something truly unexplained? Meanwhile, Tara and Sandi keep things light and crafty by making simple Valentine’s Day suncatchers from everyday supplies — colourful, cozy, and full of creative chaos. If you love mysteries with a side of crafting, this one’s for you!

In Episode 29 of Crafting the Case, we’re getting cozy and creepy at the same time. 💐😈 While Sandi and Ashley make Valentine’s wreaths with dried flowers, and cozy craft vibes, Tara walks us through the disturbing true story of the Synanon cult — a group that began as a drug rehabilitation program and slowly evolved into one of the most manipulative and dangerous cults in U.S. history. We explore: How Synanon began and gained legitimacy The psychological tactics used to control and isolate members How the group escalated into abuse, surveillance, and violence And how a “self-help” movement turned into a full-blown cult It’s a chilling case wrapped in cozy crafting — the perfect blend of true crime, cults, and creativity. 🧠💐 Grab your glue gun, light a candle, and craft along with us while we unpack one of the most unsettling cult stories out there. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know what case you want us to cover next!

This week on Crafting the Case, we head out into the foggy waters of Nova Scotia to explore shipwrecks, ghost stories, and the strange mysteries of the Atlantic. We dive into the history of Scatarie Island, the dangers of the so-called “Death Coast,” and the eerie legend of the Teazer Light — a burning ghost ship said to appear in Mahone Bay. Along the way, we talk about how real tragedies turn into folklore, how places remember what people don’t, and why the ocean seems to hold onto its stories longer than we do. And because we’re us, we balance the spooky with the cozy by crafting 2026 bingo cards — a fun, creative way to map out hopes, goals, and a few ridiculous dreams for the year ahead. It’s a mix of mystery, memory, and making things — just the way we like it.

In Episode 27 of Crafting the Case, we take the show LIVE and head straight into the shadows with Nova Scotia hauntings — all while crafting decoupage Christmas ornaments alongside an incredible audience. This episode is packed with spooky local stories, festive creativity, big laughs, and that unmistakable live-show energy. It was one of those nights where everything clicked: amazing people, eerie tales, and crafts flying everywhere. Whether you’re here for the ghost stories, the crafting, or just to feel like you’re in the room with us — we’re so glad you’re listening. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and made this night so special. 🖤 🎄👻 Cozy, creepy, and completely Crafting the Case.  

This week on Crafting the Case, Ashley walks us through the unbelievable true story of Nate Norman—a small-town teen who built a full-blown marijuana smuggling ring. She picked this case because she loves the movie Kid Cannabis, and the real-life story behind it is even wilder. Meanwhile, Sandi and Tara dive into a new set of alcohol markers, colouring their way through the chaos as we catch up on: – how Tara was this close to getting kicked off the podcast 😂 – Ashley’s amazing trip to Greece – what we’re watching and reading in our barely-there free time – and of course, the countdown to our LIVE SHOW on Nov. 30th! Crafts, crime, and chaotic energy—just how we like it. 🎧✨

This week, Tara dives into the chilling case of Richard Ramirez – The Night Stalker, weaving in her mom’s memories of living in California during his terrifying spree. 🕯️ Meanwhile, Ashley and Sandi keep things creative with mindful Zentangle painting inspired by creator Lizi Phoenix – a soothing art form to balance out the chaos. 🎨🖤 In the after-show, we wish Ashley an amazing trip ✈️, chat about what we’ve been watching 📺 and reading 📚, and of course get hyped for our LIVE SHOW on Nov 30 at The Admiral Club in Spryfield! 🎟️ One craft included – tickets available now! 👉 Follow, rate, and share if you love a little craft with your crime! #CraftingTheCase #TrueCrimePodcast #NovaScotiaPodcast #RichardRamirez #NightStalker #MindfulArt #Zentangles #LiziPhoenix #PodcastLife #LiveShow #LinesAndLunacy

This week on Crafting the Case, Ashley brings us the strange and somber Nova Scotia tale of Percy Corkum, the young boy from Hantsport who was shot and killed in 1903 after throwing a turnip — a bizarre, heartbreaking piece of local history that feels more like folklore than fact. Meanwhile, Tara and Sandi get creative with Day of the Dead–inspired vases, using paint markers to design colorful tributes while chatting about their upcoming live show on November 30th (tickets out now!). Stick around for the after-show, where the trio catch up on what they’ve been watching and reading, and share a few good laughs between the true-crime chills and crafty vibes.

Welcome back to Crafting the Case! 🎃 This week, Sandi dives into the chilling mystery of the Zodiac Killer — the cryptic letters, the unsolved murders, and the decades-long search for answers that still keeps investigators guessing. Meanwhile, Ashley and Tara are here for some seasonal crafting chaos — carving pumpkins, sipping something cozy, and occasionally gasping at just how wild this case gets. Expect history, horror, and a few pumpkin-related distractions along the way. 🧩 In this episode: The Zodiac’s confirmed crimes and taunting letters The ciphers and media frenzy that made history The suspects, the best theories, and why it’s still unsolved A cozy fall craft session gone slightly chaotic (thanks, Ashley & Tara 🎃) 💬 Drop your theories in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us next time for another creative take on true crime.

Spooky season is officially here! 👻 In our first October mini-series episode, Tara dives into the chilling history of the Ouija board and the eerie legend of Zozo, the spirit said to haunt those who dare to play. Meanwhile, Sandi and Ashley get crafty with spectral style—creating ghost wreaths that are part cute, part creepy, and 100 percent on-theme. In the after-show, we recap our TikTok LIVE, and debate whether we’d actually touch a Ouija board ourselves (spoiler: Tara would not, Ashley and Sandi - yes). Grab your glue gun, light a candle, and tune in for the start of our Crafting the Case: Spooky Series!

Crafting Conspiracies – Our Big 20th Episode Special Twenty episodes of Crafting the Case! To celebrate, we dive into some of our favourite conspiracy theories — from the spooky to the silly — and pairs them with crafts made entirely from leftover supplies in true DIY fashion. In this milestone episode we reflect on twenty episodes, share the conspiracies that fascinate us most, and challenge ourselves to make something fun, quirky, and totally unexpected with the scraps on our craft tables. It’s conspiracy chat, creativity, and plenty of laughs — the perfect way to mark our 20th!

Episode 19 is here! 🎉 Tara and Sandi are still elbows-deep in decoupaging—continuing the crafty chaos from last week—while Ashley takes us on a fascinating (and slightly morbid) detour into Nova Scotia’s strangest historical deaths she uncovered in old newspapers. 📰💀 From bizarre accidents to head-scratching obituaries, you’ll hear stories that make you say “Wait…WHAT?” all while Tara and Sandi are trying not to glue their fingers together. Stick around for the after show, where we dive into recent movies we’ve watched, share some life updates, and maybe laugh a little too hard about our own misadventures. Crafts, crime, history, and a whole lot of personality—Episode 19 has it all!

Episode 18 – Cut Outs and Close Encounters✨🛸 From Nova Scotia’s legendary Shag Harbour Incident to eerie lights over Texas and mysterious photos in the Scottish Highlands — we’re diving into five of the most famous UFO sightings in history. Sandi takes us through the cases, the witnesses, and the mysteries that still can’t be explained, while Tara keeps her hands busy with some creative decoupaging. Craft + true mystery = the perfect combo. Buckle up — this one’s out of this world! 🌌

This week, we dive into one of the most infamous true crime stories of the 2000s. Tara takes us through the heartbreaking murder of Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old student studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, whose case quickly spiraled into an international media storm. The trial and wrongful conviction of Meredith’s roommate, Amanda Knox, and her eventual acquittal became a lightning rod for debates about justice, media sensationalism, and how narratives shape public opinion. In the crafting corner, Ashley gets us into the fall spirit 🍂 we roll up their sleeves for some fall flower arranging. We chat about the shows we’re currently watching, share laughs, and in the after-show, Sandi surprises the girls with something special. Grab your headphones and some hot apple cider — this episode blends the heavy and the heartwarming in classic Crafting the Case style.

This week on Crafting the Case, Ashley takes us through the mysterious 2014 disappearance of Marty Leger, a 30-year-old cyclist who set out for a ride near Spider Lake in Nova Scotia and never returned. Despite one of the largest search efforts in the province’s history, Marty has never been found — a case that still leaves behind heartbreak and unanswered questions. Meanwhile, Tara and I break out the paints for some dot art on rocks, a calming craft to balance out the heaviness of the story. We also taste-test some incredible cookies from Phat Cookies (spoiler: 10/10 would recommend 🍪). And as a lighthearted twist, we show off our own DIY “merch” — hats with our tagline — not for sale (yet). Grab your paints, grab a snack, and join us for Episode 16: Rocks and Ride.

We're back! This week on Crafting the Case, we dive into the chilling story of Allan Legere — the “Monster of the Miramichi” — whose 201-day reign of terror in 1989 shook an entire community and changed Canadian criminal law forever. From his violent escape to the groundbreaking trial that introduced DNA evidence into Canadian courts, we unravel the case step by step with compassion and care for the victims. And because no Crafting the Case episode is complete without a little creativity, we’re working with polymer clay earrings. Swirling colors, rolling clay, and making something beautiful — even while we talk about something dark. Grab your clay, your coffee, and join us for true crime with a crafty twist. And don't forget your favorite part, the After Show!

This week on Crafting the Case, things get twisted… in more ways than one. While Ashley and Sandi channel their inner candle queens with paint markers and citronella flames, Tara takes us deep into the chilling case of Mark Twitchell—a Canadian "filmmaker" turned real-life Dexter, who blurred the line between fiction and fatal obsession. She shares the survival story of Gilles Tetreault. As the candles burn, we unpack Twitchell’s bizarre double life, his obsession with the hit show Dexter, and the horrifying crime that stunned Edmonton, but also the resilience of the survivor, and the lasting impact this crime has had on him and his healing journey. Join us for a wild blend of true crime, crafting chaos, and of course, a few laughs along the way. ✨ Grab your paint pens, light a candle (or maybe don’t...), and let’s craft our way through this creepy case. 🕯️Craft: Paint-marked citronella candles 🔪Case: Mark Twitchell aka The Dexter Killer Follow & Subscribe for new episodes weekly, and leave us a review if you love the mix of craft & crime as much as we do!

This week on Crafting the Case, we welcome back our favorite legal lawyer, and friend of the pod, Devin — but this time, he's swapping legal briefs for a story that shook the world of professional hockey. Devin takes us through the heartbreaking crash of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the Russian hockey team whose plane went down on September 7, 2011, claiming the lives of 44 people, nearly the entire team. As always, Ashley and I keep our hands moving while we listen — this time with alcohol markers and cozy coloring pages. Devin, who also hosts Recliner Sports on YouTube and socials, brings compassion, insight, and a fan’s heart to this tragic tale. Whether you're here for the sports, the stories, or the soothing sounds of markers on paper — you're in good company. 💔🖊️🏒 🔗 Follow Devin / Recliner Sports YouTube: https://youtube.com/@reclinersports4 IG/TikTok: @ReclinerSports @hali.tiki www.halitiki.com 🎨 Want to color along with us? We’re sharing a few snapshots of our pages over on Instagram! 📸 @CraftingTheCase 🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube #CraftingTheCase #LokomotivYaroslavl #ReclinerSports #TrueStory #SportsHistory #MarkerArt #CozyCrafting #ColoringAndCrime #PodcastVibes #TragicTales #HockeyHistory #PlaneCrashHistory

This week on Crafting the Case, we welcome a VERY special guest—Ashley’s daughter, the one and only Freya (12 years old and already too cool for us). While we decorate some adorable bookcase vases and catch up on life, Ashley walks us through the tragic and terrifying reality of crowd crush disasters throughout history. We cover five major incidents: 💥 The 2021 Astroworld Festival in Houston ⚽ The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster in Sheffield, UK 🔥 The 2003 Station Nightclub Fire in Rhode Island 🎆 The 2022 Itaewon Halloween Crowd Crush in Seoul 🎵 And the 2010 Love Parade Disaster in Duisburg, Germany As always, we balance heavy storytelling with light-hearted crafting, and this time Freya keeps us smiling with her hot takes on her Ontario trip and what makes her cringe. Crafts, chaos, and crowd crushes—Episode 12 is heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable.

Set sail with us for a very special episode of Crafting the Case! This week, we welcome guest host Victoria, sister of Tara and total shipbuilding aficionado, as we explore the infamous mystery of the Mary Celeste—the ship found adrift, abandoned, and shrouded in questions. While we use paint markers to decorate wooden pieces, we unravel theories and spooky details that have haunted maritime history for over a century. Grab your brushes and your best ghost-detecting hat—it’s time for “Markers and Masts.”

In this week’s episode of Crafting the Case, we take you back to Sydney, Nova Scotia, during a blizzard in 1992—a night that would leave a lasting scar on the community. We unravel the tragic murder of Marie Dupe at Big Ben’s convenience store, a case that remained cold for nearly a decade before a controversial undercover operation changed everything. While piecing together this chilling case, we soothe our nerves with a little self-care—DIY facial masks, because hey, true crime and skincare can go hand-in-hand, right? Join us for a powerful story of persistence, loss, and justice... and a little exfoliation.

This week on Crafting the Case, we take a poignant turn toward home as we revisit the 1917 coal mining explosion in New Waterford, Nova Scotia — a tragedy that claimed lives, shook our community, and shaped local history. As we carefully craft the details of this historic event, we also reach the final brushstrokes of our third paint-by-numbers piece, finding quiet moments of reflection in every color. Join us as we balance soot with strokes — weaving memory, mourning, and maybe a little mischief into a hometown case that’s close to our hearts.

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we paint by numbers while exploring the haunting and heartbreaking disappearance of Emma Fillipoff, a 26-year-old woman last seen barefoot and disoriented outside the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, in 2012. We trace the strange and chilling events leading up to her vanishing — including unusual phone calls, sudden changes in behavior, and the eerie final sightings — all while chatting and crafting in our usual cozy true crime style. If you or someone you know has any information about Emma Fillipoff’s case, please contact: Victoria Police Department (Canada) – 250-995-7654 or visit helpfindemmafillipoff.com 🎨 Craft along with us and let us know your theories, thoughts, or what your paint-by-numbers masterpiece looked like! 📧 Email us at [email protected] 📸 Tag us on Instagram: @craftingthecase

What do you get when you mix fine art, espionage, Russian business deals, and one very charismatic con man from Nova Scotia? In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive deep into the unbelievable true story of John Mark Tillmann — the antique thief who stole over 10,000 artifacts from museums, universities, and private collections, all while hiding them in plain sight in his suburban home.  But beneath the stolen letters from George Washington and priceless first editions was something darker: political extremism, manipulation, and a life built on illusion. Join us as we trace Tillmann’s life from Fall River to Moscow, and ultimately, to the unraveling of one of Canada’s most prolific art theft operations. 🎨 While we tell this wild tale, we’re crafting something inspired by forgery, museum aesthetics, and a little paint-by-numbers fun!

In this springy-but-spooky episode of Crafting the Case, we dive into florals and folklore! While making DIY spring wreaths, we unravel the eerie legend of Truro’s infamous Langille House — one of Nova Scotia’s most chilling ghost stories. There’s also some classic weekend catch-up, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of hot glue 🌿👻.  

In this episode, we explore the wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaq teen from Membertou First Nation who spent 11 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. His story reveals the deep-rooted racism and systemic failures in Canada’s justice system — from a flawed 1971 investigation to coerced testimonies. More than a legal tragedy, it’s a powerful story of resistance, colonial injustice, and the legacy of one man’s fight for Indigenous rights. 📍 Recorded in Kjipuktuk, on Mi’kmaw territory.

This week on Crafting the Case, we dive into a truly wild Titanic tale you have to hear — cast, crew, seafood chowder... and PCP?! 🫣🍲 We chat about the Titanic movie team’s unforgettable (and bizarre) visit to Nova Scotia, and while we swap seafood horror stories, we get crafty with air-dry and oven-baked clay. It’s a mix of true crime, maritime madness, and messy hands — just how we like it!

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we dive into tragedy and creativity— 🕵️‍♀️🎨 Ashley takes us back in time with the haunting tale of Halifax and the Maritimes’ crucial role in the Titanic disaster recovery effort: the ships, the sorrow, and the stories that stayed behind. Meanwhile, Tara and I get a little salty (literally) while crafting nautical-themed wreaths using seashells, gems, and a few whimsical trinkets from our stash. 🐚⚓️ It’s part remembrance, part art therapy, and fully us. So grab your glue gun and maybe a tissue—you’re in for a tide of emotion and hot glue mishaps. 💔🛠️

This week on Crafting the Case, we explore the 1989 disappearance of 19-year-old Kimberly McAndrew, who vanished after leaving her shift at Canadian Tire on Quinpool Road in Halifax. It’s one of Nova Scotia’s most enduring mysteries, and we’re breaking down the timeline, the theories, and the unanswered questions that still surround her case. While we talk true crime, we’re also getting creative with bean and legume mosaics (don’t worry — no chickpeas were harmed in the making). It’s a fun and tactile craft that gives us space to reflect while staying engaged with the story. Tune in, craft along, and help keep Kimberly’s story alive. Any person with information regarding the person(s) responsible for the disappearance of Kimberly Ann McAndrew should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

In this episode of Crafting the Case, we talk about the disturbing story of Roch Thériault and the Ant Hill Kids cult—one of Canada’s most infamous and horrifying cults. As we paint and decorate adorable rock cactuses, we unpack the shocking details of Thériault’s manipulative reign. Join us for a mix of dark history, true crime, and lighthearted crafting as we balance the macabre with creativity. 🔪🎨 Subscribe for more true crime & crafts! #TrueCrime #CraftingTheCase #AntHillKids #RochTheriault #TrueCrimePodcast #CraftingAndCrime

In our very first episode, we get extra sparkly with some bedazzling while diving into the chilling 1887 murder of Mary Tuplin. A missing head, a controversial conviction, and some seriously dark history.