Sarafina Chronicles

Fiber art entered the picture in Stephanie's life when she needed it and she found it to be therapeutic.  I think most of us relate!  However, unlike most, Stephanie has overcome physically extreme odds and difficulty.  She states, "Fiber is such a forgiving medium. It is stress relieving and grounding. I knew I finally found a way to bring my dreams to life.”  I’m so happy that Stephanie has found her creative place after so much adversity because her vision is both clear and well executed, combining her left brain self with her creativity!

In addition to the gifts and “thank yous” which Chanah is sharing with us, her story resonates with me on a much deeper level.  As I write this, this very day, my own world has been filled with the reminder to loosen our grip, or even better, let go!  When we do, a swoosh of newness, limitlessness, and freedom come to us.  We are prone to believing that our identity lives in our cultivated ways.  And so we cling to them, when in fact, the transformations throughout our lives, whether it is a move, divorce, aging, or our career do not define us.  Yes they are the shapes of us, but like a caterpillar who must let go of that self, and liquify (I imagine that’s painful!), we can fly as a butterfly.  I am so happy, Chanah, to read that you are embracing new and different and, even more so, to be a part of it.   -Sara

Those of us who have discovered needle felting can all relate to the first year full of “boom” moments when we found ourselves happily stabbing and discovering all this medium has to offer. Hannah’s story has an added layer of healing; I will let her words tell that part.  To add to the good vibes, Hannah’s story/email arrived on a day that I needed it.  Isn’t it funny how that happens?

Sarah came to my shop with Leisa for a multi-day course and they burned an impression on my heart.  I selfishly am so happy to have made this connection and for Sarah to have found felting amidst a busy and demanding, yet love filled, life backdrop.  Once again, felting has lifted spirits and made connections, and in this case, become an important tactile aid.  -Sara

Mary’s story covers vast terrain.  Felting has lead to the discovery of artistic talent, sharing and community, an economic avenue, and an important resource during hard times.  I love seeing how Mary’s work has evolved, especially given that she thought she was the non-creative black sheep in the family. Her attention to detail always impresses me.  Thank you for sharing your story and your work with us, Mary!

Dineen is a bold creator.  I have enjoyed watching her art evolve, along with her confidence in her impeccable aesthetic.  She and he husband Tom attended many classes and I love seeing a couple who creates together.  Thank you Dineen, for sharing your story with us and being a part of our creative world.

So much good comes out of this art form.  Is there anything better than friendships formed, bonds created, and soulmates united?  Your stories spoke to me deeply.  Polly, I am thrilled to know that your health has improved so much.  Here's to many more hours felting over coffee and messenger. -Kyla

I love witnessing Polly’s felting abandon and how upbeat personality is injected into everything she makes.  I am also happy for the felting friendships that form.  I have my own BFF’s and understand completely.  Sue has found, not only her felting-soulmate,, but her art voice.  All of those little things we try/do/learn, no matter if they feel like failures, become an important part of our design.  - Sara

Thank you, Jinny.  We have heard from others who found felting during times of stress and heartache.  I like your point about it being easy to hop up and step away from, yet the craft is also completely absorbing.  The concentration, the stabbing, the natural fiber, and the joy of creativity are all contributors to our sanity, healthy coping mechanisms.  I am thinking of you and yours as we include your story in our Felting Chronicles.

We start with the felting journey of Sara Renzulli, artist and founder of Sarafina Fiber Art, Inc.  So many have started their own felting journeys as a result of Sara's.  Learn the story behind how it all began, and how all of the pieces fell into place through fate, fortune, and fortitude.