I have been obsessed with the felt flower bouquet I purchased from joyFELT LLC a few craft markets ago and how perfectly they go on our dining table (and last forever)! Mary-Michael’s creativity and level of handcrafted work knows no bounds and I’m so excited for you to meet her below!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I jokingly tell people that I’m an old lady at heart because I love doing puzzles, word games, and crafting (my husband and daughter will confirm). Growing up, my two biggest interests were always sports and crafts… not really two activities typically found in the same social circles, but they both served as a type of catharsis for me. When it comes down to it, I simply enjoy being active and having something to do. Nowadays, my family and crafting occupy my time. I spend my days going on adventures with my daughter, visiting practically every park in the metro area, learning new things, and seeing the world through the wondrous view of a three-year-old. As a family, we love to attend sporting events (Go Cobbers!) and be outside. We also have two large, lovable floofs— Great Pyrenees—so our home is never quiet.

Describe what type of products you make under joyFELT LLC.

Under joyFELT LLC, I make home decor ranging from felt flowers to felt play food. My felt flowers range from individual stems customers can purchase to create their own bouquet or arrangement, to pre-designed and styled arrangements, to wreaths with felt floral and foliage designs. I have a whole menu of felt food items for the kiddos (or adults, no judgment) as well as garland, ornaments, and more.

Tell us how you got started with your businesses.

Like I said before, I’ve always loved crafting. So when the time came for our daughter’s baptism, I wanted to make some cute decor to hang on the walls for her party that we could keep for a long time. I decided to try to make some felt floral wreaths of different sizes. I started out making “crafty-looking” flowers, then decided to challenge myself to start making flowers that looked more realistic and I was HOOKED! Finally, I just asked, “What if I did THIS?” I had made felt food years before for my twin nephew and niece’s birthday and it was a hit. I started to put some ideas together about what I’d like to create. It began with the wreaths, then tulips and roses, then the food, and took off from there.

What are your personal favorite items you’ve created so far?

One of my absolute personal faves is a custom wreath I made for a dear friend to match the decor in her dining room. She gave me a color palette and asked me to make something pretty, and it’s still one of my favorites. If picking a flower, I’d have to say the Easter lily is my current favorite. It just has such an impact when you see it. If I had to pick from the felt food, I’d probably go with the felt pizza and toppings. There’s just something about it when I open that tiny pizza box that makes me smile.

What is the most popular item you specifically sell?

My lavender bundles are definitely my most popular item. They make a big impact for such a little bundle.

What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?

I have loved meeting so many new people. I was incredibly nervous when I started out, not knowing if anyone would ever enjoy or appreciate what I was making. But fellow makers and crafters are so kind, always providing encouragement and advice. And the customers?! They’ve been awesome! I have geeked out over flowers, crafting, dogs, and so much more with customers visiting my booth. It has been a blast to meet so many vibrant people with such different interests and hobbies. It’s just crazy to me how warm and kind makers and customers alike have been.

Where does your inspiration come for new creations you do? You’ve got a fun variety of wreaths, florals, kids creations, and more!

Most of my inspiration comes from my surroundings—on a walk, at a store, or at the playground with my daughter. There is a ton of beauty in our natural world and the possibilities are endless. Then I think to myself, “How would I like this arranged if I were to have it in my home?” Sometimes it turns into a floral arrangement or sometimes it’s a wreath. Sometimes I shelve that idea for a later time—you do not want to go looking through my brain… too many ideas up there. It’d be easy to get lost. Many of my designs also lean towards a crafty Scandinavian aesthetic. I like natural wood tones, simple designs, and a look that just makes you feel happy and at home. My daughter is also a huge source of inspiration. She is the perfect test subject when it comes to making felt food. Her play kitchen has so many of my prototypes. She likes to come into my office and go, “Oooooh! Mommy, can you make me that? And that? And this?” She is the best inspiration and also the best hype man (or woman), always telling me she thinks my flowers are pretty as she leans in to sniff them (no they do not actually smell).

What is something people might find surprising about working with felt?

Felt is surprisingly forgiving. It can also be shaped pretty easily by just bending and slightly stretching it. You can apply heat to help warp or shape it. You can even add a stiffener to create a more rigid effect.

Where can people find your work?

Instagram | @joyfelt13
Facebook | Search “joyFELT LLC”