As a graphic designer and a proud mom to two dogs, creativity has always been at the heart of my life. But it wasn’t until I started needle felting that I truly found a way to express my love for my furry companions. The idea hit me when I made a tiny felted version of my dogs, capturing their playful spirits in wool. That moment sparked something deep inside me. I realized that this art could connect me to others like me—dog parents who wanted to celebrate their fur babies tangibly.

Now, I’m dedicated to helping fellow pet parents craft little keepsakes that celebrate their unique bonds. Every needle-felting project I make is a piece of my heart, and it brings me so much joy to know that others can share in that same love for their pets. It’s more than just art—it’s a way to preserve memories and create lasting connections through creativity.

When did you start creating? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that led you to it?

Yes, there was a moment that sparked everything. One evening, after playing with my two dogs, I was struck by how much they meant to me—how they brought joy and love into my life. As a graphic designer, I’m used to creating digital art, but I wanted something more personal to capture their personalities and spirit. That's when I came across needle felting. The idea of creating a tangible, handmade representation of my dogs felt like the perfect way to channel my love for them into something special.

I decided to make little felted versions of my pups, and as I worked, I realized how much joy it brought me. It wasn’t just about the craft itself—it was the way it allowed me to express my emotions for my fur babies in a physical form. That moment was when I knew I wanted to share this with others so other pet parents could feel the same joy and connection through their own creations. It felt like the perfect way to combine my creativity with my love for my dogs—and I haven’t looked back since.

What emotions, messages, or themes do you hope to convey through your work?

Through my needle-felting work, I hope to convey love, connection, and the deep bond we share with our pets. For me, each piece represents not just the physical likeness of a pet but the warmth and joy they bring into our lives. I want people to feel the emotional essence of their fur babies captured in wool—the playful energy, the quiet companionship, the unconditional love.

I also aim to send a message of celebration. Our pets are family, and they deserve to be honored in meaningful ways. With each creation, I want to remind pet parents of the special moments and memories that define their relationships with their animals and how art can serve as a lasting, heartfelt reminder of that bond.

Ultimately, the theme of my work is about cherishing the small, beautiful moments we share with our pets—those moments that are often fleeting but so impactful. Whether it's a wagging tail or a quiet nap together, these are the moments that shape our hearts, and I hope my felted creations help preserve them.

What materials, tools, or techniques do you use, and why did you choose them? (This can include digital tools, traditional techniques, or unique processes.)

For my needle-felting creations, I use wool roving as the primary material, which is soft, natural, and perfect for sculpting the fine details of my designs. I also use clay to create some small parts, such as the pets' teeth and tongues.

I usually draw the photo of the object I am going to create so I can have an idea about the object's bone structure and volume. Then, I create the body by needle-felting and occasionally using a felting brush for adding finer details. I love the hands-on nature of these tools—they give me full control over shaping the wool and allowing each creation to evolve naturally.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your creative journey, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges is managing the density of the felt and keeping the shape consistent. Felting too aggressively can lead to uneven textures, while not felting enough might leave it too loose or floppy.

To overcome this, I would start with a loose form and gradually building up the density with careful, consistent poking. They also suggest taking breaks to inspect the shape and making adjustments as you go to prevent over-felting any one area.

Do you remember your first sale? How did it feel?

Yes, It was exciting.

Has a customer ever shared a special story or reason for purchasing your work?
If yes, we’d love to hear more! What was their story?

One of my customers customized a portrait for her and her husband. That was her wedding photo. I used pearls for decorating, and she felt touched because it is her favorite.

Is there a particular piece or product that customers seem to love the most? What makes it special?

In the world of needle felting, there are a few types of products that seem to stand out, especially among customers. Animal sculptures, for instance, tend to be a big hit—particularly when they’re realistic, like miniature dogs, cats, or even fantastical creatures. These tiny felted animals often draw people in because of their adorable, lifelike quality and the attention to detail that goes into creating them. The process of needle felting allows for such fine detail that it almost looks like they could come to life!

Another popular item is felted home décor, like pillows, wall hangings, or ornaments. The unique, handcrafted nature of each piece gives it a lot of character and makes it special. Since no two felted items are the same, they carry a sense of individuality that mass-produced goods can’t replicate.

What are your future plans? What do you hope to achieve through your creative business?

That’s such an inspiring question! I want to build a community around my creations—connecting with people who share the same appreciation for handmade, thoughtful work. For a needle-felting business, that might involve creating unique pieces that evoke emotions, like commemorative items or custom orders that tell personal stories.

I’d also want to challenge myself with bigger and more complex projects, perhaps collaborating with other artists or experimenting with mixed-media works to see how different materials can enhance the texture and depth of felting. Expanding beyond just products and offering workshops or tutorials could be a great way to help others tap into their own creativity.

But overall, I think the main goal would be to create art that brings joy to people and has a lasting impact—whether that’s through the finished pieces or through the experience of creating something beautiful.

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collections?

Yes, I am creating some cats sculptures.

Why did you choose to join ZART? How has our platform helped your creative business?

The community and the support it offers to creative businesses. A platform like ZART could provide great opportunities for exposure, connecting with like-minded artists, and sharing work with a broader audience.