In this latest episode, I had the heartfelt pleasure ofsitting down with Christie Lower, the kind and deeply creative force behind Rustic Fiber.

Some conversations feel like opening a letter from an oldfriend—filled with gentle wisdom, creative sparks, and the comforting sense that you’re not alone in your journey. That’s exactly how this conversation with Christie felt.

You may know her for her exquisite needle-felted birds,or perhaps through her Rustic Fiber Art Academy—but behind each of those creations lies a story of resilience, loss, inspiration, and a whole lot of love.

Christie shared the quiet evolution of her creative path,from discovering needle felting in the quiet spaces of new motherhood to navigating grief through art after losing her beloved grandmother. It was a moment of true serendipity—her first felting kit arriving just after her grandmother passed, and her hands protected by her grandmother’s gardeninggloves as she worked.

We spoke about teaching as an act of giving, the beautyof community over competition, and the challenges of building a business from scratch—especially when you're doing it alone. From her artist residency in Mexico to building an online academy that welcomes all levels of makers,Christie has created something profoundly nurturing.

Her story is full of gentle encouragement andhonesty—whether you're a hesitant beginner, a lonely solo creator, or just someone wondering if their art matters.

So pop the kettle on, settle into your cosiest chair, andjoin us for a rich and restorative episode about birds, grandmothers, creative courage, and the quiet magic of making things by hand.

Podcast Produced by Selina Wright

You Can Read The Blog Here

https://sallybonniefibrenart.com/blog/the-diary-of-a-courageous-artist

In this latest episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kamilla from Our Craft Nook.

Sometimes conversations are surprisingly sweet, honest and even a little magical like a leisurely stroll through a storybook. The conversation with Kamilla felt exactly like that.

You may be familiar with her small magical worlds and her whimsical needle-felted mice. Her ability to combine storytelling and craft has a very happy and intimate quality.

We talked about the quiet perseverance required to transform a passion into a legitimate business as well as creativity motherhood and the anxiety that comes with trying something new.

When she described her workshops and the moment her students brought their mice to life it was one of the moments that truly resonated with me.

"They always end up falling in love with them even those who wanted to throw their mice across the room"

That soft humor, the candor and her perspective on the world are just the kinds of discussions that make me remember why I initially began this podcast- to share the journey stories of women creators who take a slightly different approach.

It's a very touching one so pop the kettle on, and join us for a truly heartwarming episode.

Podcast Produced by Selina Wright

You Can Read The Blog here https://sallybonniefibrenart.com/blog/the-diary-of-a-courageous-artist

In my latest instalment of the Threads of Inspiration Podcast series, I was delighted to spend some time with Sarah from Seven Hands.

Some conversations stay with you long after they’ve ended,reshaping the way you think about your own creative path. My recent discussion with textile artist Sarah Lyte was one of those rare, thought-provoking moments. As we delved into creativity, resilience, and authenticity, I found myself not only absorbing her insights but also re-examining my own journey as a maker.

Sarah has a remarkable way of cutting through the noise thatso often accompanies artistic pursuits—self-doubt, external validation, and commercial pressures—to focus on what truly matters: the act of making.

"For me, the making is important,” she told me.“The selling is just a by-product.” In an era where creativity is often measured by its marketability, her perspective feels refreshingly pure. Yet, she understands the balance—recognising that selling her work is necessary but never allowing it to dictate her artistic process. Instead, she approaches each year as an evolution, a steady push into new creative territory.

"Each year, I push myself in a slightly different way,” she said.“I build on what I did before.”

Sarah's words left me inspired, and I hope they do the same for you.

You can read the Blog⁠⁠Here

⁠⁠

Podcast produced by Selina Wright

Her overarching message was simple yet profound: "stay true to yourself and find joy in what you create. When you’re authentic, you’ll connect with the right audience—those who appreciate the heart behind your work".

In my latest instalment of the Threads of Inspiration Podcast series, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kathy from More Fun With Felt, a fibre artist who has transformed personal healing and creativity into enchanting works of art. Our conversation was a heartwarming exploration of her journey into needle felting, her challenges, and the vibrant community she's built along the way. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation that resonated with me and can serve as a beacon for anyone on their creative journey.

You can read the Blog ⁠Here⁠

Podcast produced by Selina Wright

Ever wondered how a hobby can transform into a source of joy, mindfulness, and even a thriving business? Meet Jayne from Summer House Crafts, a former neonatal nurse turned needle-felting artist, whose journey is as inspiring as the intricate creations she brings to life.

In this episode, we chat with Jayne about her leap from nursing to needle felting, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s found creative flow in her cozy summer house studio in North Yorkshire. Plus, hear about the serendipitous twists, from her favourite commissions to the famous encounter that left us all smiling. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just curious about the world of handmade art, this conversation is brimming with warmth, wisdom, and a good dose of creative inspiration.

You can read the Blog Here

Podcast produced by Selina Wright

Welcome back, listeners! Today’s episode takes us into the world of Vanessa, the inspiring founder behind **ADH Crafts**—a unique business born from the intersection of creativity and neurodivergence. Vanessa’s story is about more than just crafting; it’s a journey of embracing her ADHD as a strength that fuels her artistic expression. We’ll dig into her early days as she transitioned from a career in nursing to full-time crafting, how she and her partner navigated a trademark challenge that ultimately led to the perfect brand name, and how ADH Crafts blossomed into a collective where neurodivergent individuals can come together, share their passions, and support each other’s work. Vanessa’s insights into the crafting business, sustainability, upcycling, and accessibility in her products make this an episode filled with inspiration and practical advice. So grab your favourite crafting supplies, settle in, and join us as we explore the creative, community-driven world of ADH Crafts!

You can also read the Blog Here

Podcast produced by Selina Wright

Today on the launch of my Blog and Podcast Series “Threads of Inspiration”, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with the fabulous Rachel Balding, the creative mind behind FatPoppyCat. Rachel’s story is as colourful as her fabrics and as rich as the textures she works with. We talk about her journey into the world of crafting, textiles, and, of course, that quirky and memorable business name: FatPoppy Cat! Isn’t it just fabulous! You will hear lots of great tips to help you progress your crafting journey, along with some great memorable moments!

You can also read the Blog here

Podcast produced by Selina Wright