Crafting the Case

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.