Welcome to Episode 102 of Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast! In this episode, Joleen chats with Illinois-based professional studio artist Hattie Lee Mendoza about working across mediums, finding inspiration in unexpected objects, and giving new life to things that might otherwise be discarded. Hattie shares how her art practice brings together fiber, beadwork, weaving, painting, found objects, and family heirlooms while exploring her Cherokee heritage and personal history. From thrifted dishes and vintage lace to inherited treasures and “garbage” materials, this conversation is a wonderful reminder that you don't have to know exactly where a creative idea is going—sometimes curiosity is all the reason you need to make something. Guest Bio Hattie Lee Mendoza is a professional studio artist based in Illinois who originally grew up in Southwest Kansas, studied graphic design, and later earned her MFA in Fine Art. Her work moves across painting, printmaking, fiber, beadwork, weaving, and found objects, often incorporating repurposed materials and family heirlooms. Through her artwork, Hattie explores her Cherokee heritage, personal history, memory, and the stories held within everyday objects. One of the things that makes Hattie’s work so special is her ability to look at something other people might consider discarded and see possibility, beauty, and a whole new life waiting to happen. Follow Hattie WebsiteInstagramTiktokEpisode Chapters with Timestamps [00:00–05:30] — Joleen’s Happy Things [05:30–10:00] — Meet Hattie Lee Mendoza [10:00–19:00] — Hattie’s Creative Process [19:00–28:00] — Cherokee Heritage & Found Objects [28:00–35:00] — The Giant Lace Installation [35:00–42:00] — Turning “Garbage” Into Art [42:00–48:00] — Hattie’s Current Projects 48:00–55:00] — Happy Time Questions [55:00–59:30] — Creativity, Joy & Goodbye! Quotes from the Episode You don't know till you try.” — Hattie Lee Mendoza “Anything I've made is fair game to be added to a different piece later on.” — Hattie Lee Mendoza “Anything I make, there's someone out there that will relate to it and find something joyful in.” — Hattie Lee Mendoza “Sometimes the simple curiosities and things we have is what resonates on a broader level with people.” — Hattie Lee Mendoza “I love making and I love making with people.” — Jolene Emery Resources & Calls-to-Action 🎨 Follow Hattie 🌐 Website: https://www.hattieleemendoza.com 📱 Instagram/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hattieleemendoza 🖼️ Hattie’s Upcoming Shows Bethel College, Newton, Kansas — exhibition through September 17 Cherokee Art Market, Tulsa, Oklahoma — October Native Art Market, Madison, Wisconsin — November 📖 Strawberry Moon Magazine Jolene also recommends Strawberry Moon Magazine, a beautiful resource for anyone who loves art journaling, junk journaling, collage, ephemera, and creative inspiration. The episode features Issue 10: Collage from A to Z, which includes ideas and techniques ranging from adhesives and block printing to ephemera, nature, repetition, substrates, and upcycling. Love "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