If you’re anything like me, there’s always that one thing that you say you’re going to do…but you never end up actually following through with it!

“One day I’ll learn how to ski!” “When the kids grow up I’ll start sewing my clothes.” “If my sister agrees to join me, I’ll take that pottery class!”

We’re all guilty of living in the land of “what ifs,” “maybes,” and “some days.”

But, with the celebration of a new year, what better time to turn that “one day” into today! I’m passionate about crafting, but I’m even more enthusiastic about introducing this art to new people.

Maybe you’ve tried to knit or crochet, and it just wasn’t your thing? Perhaps you’re someone who has watched needle felting from afar? Or, maybe you’ve never even heard of needle felting and just stumbled upon this page by complete accident? Whatever might have brought you here, I’m glad you found us!

From meeting fellow needle felters, engaging my children in the craft, or even selling crafting kits to our next generation, needle felting has totally opened up my world, and I hope it does the same for you. Here are just a few reasons why this is the year you should finally take the leap to learn how to needle felt!

Family Ties

Are you tired of your family gathering around the TV or worse, sitting silently next to one another as everyone gazes at their smartphones? Welcome to the 21 century, right!

Technology is always going to be here, but it’s up to us to carve out special time away from the screens. And what better way to create new memories with our loved ones than to share the art of needle felting?

From your youngest ones to your most resistant (here’s looking at you hubby), everyone will enjoy getting to see a piece come together! Even if the whole family doesn’t have a knack for it at the beginning, you can still keep it engaging by having them help pick out materials or even patterns.

We have enough distractions in our daily lives, sit down together and enjoy the simple things for a change.

Relaxation

Do you have trouble turning your brain off? You’re not alone! It can be extremely hard to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment after dealing with everything that comes along with living in today’s world.

That’s where needle felting comes in! Scientists proved that crafting actually has similar effects as meditation. When you sit down and get in the zone, you’re finally able to tune out all the noise from the outside world.

Whether you’re worried about family or can’t stop thinking about all of the chores you have to tackle the next day, once you get into that needle felting rhythm, it will all just float away.

Being present is one of the hardest things to do. That’s why we need activities to help us live in the moment. Needle felting can be that tool for you!

Creative Outlet

When you were younger, you were probably involved in afterschool activities or clubs that allowed you to flex your creative muscle. But as we grow older, we lose sight of just how important creativity is in our lives!

Unless you have a creative job, it’s fair to say that you don’t get to do much that gets your creative juices flowing.

Sit down, grab your materials, and create…that’s all there is to it! I’ll have to be honest, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful out of nothing is absolutely addicting.

With needle felting, the possibilities are literally limitless. And unlike other crafts, you don’t have to wait until you’re an advanced felter to create something magical.

When you start to unlock that creative part of your brain, there’s no telling where your imagination will take you.

Community

We could all use a little bit more human interaction. With our busy lives, family duties, and the isolation of technology, it’s easy to feel disconnected. But when you start needle felting, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with people from all over, whether it’s virtually or in-person!

From online forums to craft parties, you’ll be able to share your knowledge and meet other passionate people who have similar interests as you.

In the Bear Creek Felting Academy, we’re a tight-knit group who love to chat about our latest project and life! If you’re a novice crafter, you will learn so much through our private Facebook group and forums. With community being the center of our academy, there’s no telling how you’ll grow and who you’ll meet.

In the academy, you’ll receive feedback from me, tips & tricks to improve your projects, and techniques that will help you master designs you didn’t even think were possible.

I hope this is your year of “yes!” Say yes to new, exciting, and maybe even scary things, and of course, say yes to needle felting!