outsideeverywhere

I am endlessly inspired by the natural world, and I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. (My top three favorites are cats, opossums, and raccoons in case you were wondering.) I was the kid who would sit and read every single entry about every single animal in the encyclopedia. I rescued moles and lizards and the occasional squirrel from my childhood cat, and I would nurse them back to health in shoe boxes under my bed. Even now, I am in awe as I watch the squirrels who run around my yard and think how lucky I am that these little furry creatures have chosen to live their lives beside mine. Have you ever noticed the tufts of fur on a black bear’s feet? Or that tiny, soft space under a cat’s nose? These are the kinds of things that get me excited!

After my kid was born I discovered wooden Waldorf-style animal toys and fell in love. I have always made things- from sewing to embroidery to fiber arts and so many other mediums, so I knew I had to give woodworking a try and make some animals myself. I had never done woodworking before, but I went out and bought a scroll saw, did lots of research, and jumped right in. I found my style with keeping the shapes of the animals true to nature, while still having a simplicity that I love. The little details are so important to me - slight changes to the curve of an animal’s face can completely change the personality of the figurine (and yes, they all have personalities!)

I’m very shy in real life, but making my animals gives me a chance to connect with my customers over something we both love. Making custom orders is my absolute favorite! I’ve had a chance to make some really interesting animals. It brings me such joy to be able to make a shark for a kid who wants a very specific shark, or a bird for someone who thinks of a loved one every time they see that certain bird, or a beloved pet whose time here is always way too short.
I love that I can hold a piece of rough wood in my hands and transform it into a beautiful, smooth little animal that has this special warmth and connection to nature that you just can’t get from a piece of plastic.

Recently I found a love for drawing and painting. It’s mostly cats - I just can’t stop drawing cats! I’ve started turning some of my sketchbook drawings into wooden wall art. They’re bright and colorful and make me so happy.

I think of my animals as little friends that I get to make and send out into the world. I’ve been making them for 16 years, and I love it just as much now as the day I made my first one. I am so incredibly grateful that making wooden animals is how I get to spend my days. It’s truly my dream!