Craft:

Hi! My name is Brookelynn, and I'm beyond thrilled to be guest blogging and contributing content on Craftzine this week. I have discovered a great community of friends and artists whose work I admire through CRAFT. This week I want to promote Feltique, my first book about all things felt, post some how-tos, do some giveaways, and shine a spotlight on the amazing contributors from Feltique. But it all started with Moxie (that's her with the pink hair), so that's where I'm starting today.

I first combined crafting and the internet when I discovered Flickr in '06. I was needle felting carrots, (yeah, carrots) and I thought to myself, "I wonder if other people in the world do things like this?" I found the work of a woman in Seattle, Moxie, who shared my love of woolen vegetables. Meeting her online was a major catalyst for me.

I think my relationship with Moxie is the epitome of what is so rewarding about being involved in the world of making things by hand. Knowing that someone else was interested in needle felting allowed me to embrace my style, and learn from someone I respected. We started with all the usual internet social networks and soon exchanged gifts via the post office, all without ever meeting each other. Then we decided to enter the Maker Faire. We participate each year by hosting the Needle Felting Playground, a literal free-for-all of fiber and needles.

Moxie also gave me the kind of gift you can't send in the mail. She is the reason I became involved with the book Feltique. She introduced me to my co-author Nikola Davidson, and she introduced me to my editors at Potter Craft. She made the deal happen for me. She has very clever projects in the book, including a wallet with the hardware felted into it and earrings that mimic Bakelite.

Beyond all that, Moxie transcends the boundaries of fiber arts. She creates the most amazing projects, and holds herself to the highest standards, artistically and on a business level. Currently she exhibits with Plush You, goes to art school, vends at fairs, and is the President of Urban Craft Uprising. Check her out, and see us in action together again this year at the Maker Faire in San Mateo, Calif., May 30 and 31.