Uncovering Creativity with Needle Felting: A Delightful Chat with Jayne from Summerhouse Crafts- oh! and a famous encounter!
So, I was thinking the other day, what better way to start this blog than by sharing an inspiring story about someone who turned a hobby into a joyful business. Enter Jayne from SummerHouse Crafts, whose creative journey into the world of needle felting began in a rather unexpected way. I recently had the absolute pleasure of sitting down (virtually, of course for our podcast) with Jayne to chat about how she turned her passion into a business, what inspires her, and how she made needle felting a central part of her life.
Jayne, based in a cozy summer house studio near Richmond, North Yorkshire, creates beautiful, intricate needle-felted pieces that are as heartwarming as they are detailed. What really struck me during our conversation was her genuine love for crafting and how she's managed to build a strong sense of community among fellow crafters, both online and locally. Her journey is a great reminder for anyone out there balancing creative dreams with everyday life (especially those juggling health challenges) that it’s absolutely possible to turn your passion into a joyful enterprise.
Like many of us, Jayne’s story began with that all-too-familiar feeling of "not being good enough." But with time, she found her confidence, seeing improvement in every piece she crafted. One of my favourite bits of advice she shared? **Photograph everything you create.**
"I started taking photographs of everything I've made," Jayne explained. "Every single item is there, and I can see how much I’ve progressed. When I look back at the first things I did, I think, 'Oh my goodness, really?' But now, I see that I’m getting it right, and the things I make are well-crafted."
That really resonated with me. It’s so easy to get caught up in striving for perfection when you’re just starting out. But as Jayne wisely pointed out, documenting your work helps you see your growth—and trust me, that kind of confidence boost is priceless.
A New Beginning: From Nursing to Needle Felting
Jayne's path to needle felting wasn’t a straight line—it was more of a beautifully winding road. After an incredible 42-year career in nursing, including 25 years as a neonatal nurse, Jayne retired due to health reasons. Now, you can imagine going from such a demanding role to suddenly finding yourself with an abundance of free time. That’s a big transition!
“I couldn’t just do nothing!” she laughs. Jayne had always been creative, knitting, crocheting, and dabbling in sewing as a child, but it wasn’t until she dusted off a needle felting kit from her cupboard that she truly found her new calling. The idea sparked when she wanted to make a special gift for a friend’s big birthday—a fairy in her likeness. After crafting that piece, Jayne found herself hooked on felting. "Everyone was saying, 'This is lovely! Are you going to do more?'" And so, SummerHouse Crafts was born.
The Struggles of Schooldays and Rediscovering Creativity
Like many women from her generation, Jayne experienced the frustrations of schooldays in the 70s, where she wasn’t allowed to take subjects like woodwork or technical drawing, simply because they weren’t "for girls." Instead, she was steered toward subjects like sewing, though she admits her sewing teacher wasn't exactly the encouraging type. The negativity stuck with her and put her off exploring her artistic side for years.
It wasn’t until later in life, after years of raising a family and working in nursing, that she reignited her creative spark. “I think I’ve proved that teacher wrong!” she says proudly. For Jayne, finding needle felting has been a way to channel her creativity in ways she never thought possible.
Turning Passion into Business: A Leap of Faith
For many, crafting remains a hobby, but Jayne’s shift from making gifts to running SummerHouse Crafts as a business was a natural progression—although it wasn’t without a few nerves. “I did feel a bit of imposter syndrome,” she admits. Encouraged by friends and family who saw the value in her work, Jayne eventually decided to take the plunge into selling her creations at craft fairs.
The result? "I haven’t looked back since!" she says. And her journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of a supportive community to give that extra nudge.
The Summer House: The Heart of It All
So, why “SummerHouse Crafts”? For Jayne, the name holds a special significance. Having always dreamed of owning a summer house, she finally made that dream a reality, and it became her favourite creative space. The name just felt right. “Maybe I should have something about needle felting or felting in the name, but it’s a bit late to change it now,” she laughs. And why should she? SummerHouse Crafts perfectly captures the cozy, personal nature of her work.
Finding Inspiration in Nature (and a Few Hidden Talents!)
When asked about where she draws her inspiration from, Jayne’s answer is simple: nature. Sitting in her beloved summer house, she finds herself surrounded by trees, birds, and the beauty of the outdoors. “It really does inspire me,” she says, especially when it comes to creating animal figures, custom pet portraits, and even whimsical fairies. Animals have always been close to her heart, and that connection is evident in her work.
But felting isn’t Jayne’s only creative outlet. As it turns out, she’s also a talented musician! Singing, playing guitar, and performing on woodwind instruments like the flute—Jayne's creative energy doesn’t stop with fibre arts. During the pandemic, she even hosted outdoor music sessions in her garden, bringing together a group of musicians to play socially distanced tunes under a marquee. Talk about a creative soul!
Getting Lost in the Creative Flow
One thing we both laughed over was the total immersion that happens when you’re crafting. It’s like time stops, and before you know it, you've missed lunch, and the husband is wondering where his dinner is! Don’t’ worry we are not slaves!!
"I can sit for hours," Jayne admitted. "And then my husband will come in and ask, 'Are you hungry?' I’ll realise, 'Oh my goodness, it’s 5 PM!' It’s just that when you're so engrossed, you don’t want to stop."
I think so many crafters can relate to this—especially when you're in that perfect creative flow, where the world fades away and it's just you, the wool, and the needles.
The Healing Power of Wool
Jayne shared another nugget of wisdom that really resonated with me: the therapeutic aspect of working with wool. There's something almost magical about the tactile, meditative process of needle felting that can have such a positive effect on your mental health.
"I was reading about how wool has this incredible ability to soothe and calm," Jayne shared. "It's like you’re giving yourself therapy while creating something beautiful."
I couldn’t agree more. Crafting is such a wonderful escape, and it's not just about making pretty things—it’s about what happens in your mind and spirit as you create.
Wool Wisdom: The Heart of Felting
Of course, when it comes to needle felting, the type of wool you use can make all the difference. For beginners, navigating the world of wool can be tricky! Now, she has a favourite: Wensleydale wool locks. Jayne loves their versatility and how they add a soft, lustrous touch to her pieces. She even uses them to create little ballerinas, complete with woollen tutus—a whimsical project born from simply admiring the wool’s texture one day. “They’ve gone down really well,” she says, and it’s clear she has a real passion for working with high-quality fibres.
Starting Small and Pacing Yourself
Running a small craft business often requires wearing many hats, from creator to salesperson to accountant, and managing all these roles can be a challenge. When asked about her biggest challenge when starting her crafting business, Jayne was quick to highlight the importance of pacing herself. “I’ve had to learn how to manage my time and energy because I have a chronic illness,” she shared. Pacing is critical, not just in crafting but in all aspects of life when you're managing health issues. Jayne’s approach is practical: she limits herself to one or two craft fairs a month, which allows her to keep up with demand without overextending. It’s a gentle reminder for all of us to recognise our limits and work within them—especially in a business where the line between passion and burnout can blur so easily.
Balancing the Joy of Crafting with Running a Business
One challenge that many crafters face is keeping the joy in the crafting process while also managing the practical side of running a business. For Jayne, it’s a matter of finding balance. “I work from my summer house most days, and I do my accounts straight after a fair, so I stay on top of things,” she said. “But what really keeps me going is the instant feedback you get from customers at craft fairs. Seeing their reactions to my work is what makes it all worthwhile.”
This balance has been key to Jayne’s success. She primarily sells at craft fairs, but she also takes on commission work for people looking for a special, personalised gift. By keeping her workload manageable and focusing on these two channels, she’s able to maintain control over her schedule and avoid the overwhelming feeling that can sometimes come with running an online shop.
Craft Fair Challenges and Lessons Learned
A big part of Jayne’s journey has been learning how to navigate craft fairs, a major sales channel for her business. Like many of us, she admits she didn’t get everything right from the start. “Setting up the stall to make it look appealing was a bit of a learning curve,” she recalled. “I was putting too many things out, and people’s eyes were darting everywhere. I learned that it needs to be simple and spaced out, so customers can see everything clearly.”
And let’s not forget the all-important lesson on pricing. “I now make sure everything is clearly priced,” Jayne advises. “There’s nothing worse than people having to ask for prices—it creates awkwardness.” This small change has helped her streamline her sales process and eliminate that uncomfortable moment where you feel pressured to offer a discount on the spot.
Embracing the Crafting Community
One of the most heartwarming parts of our conversation was when Jayne talked about the sense of community that comes from attending craft fairs. “The last one I did was in Richmond, and by the end of the day, I wasn’t feeling too well,” she said. “The other stallholders packed up for me and even loaded my car. It’s such a lovely, supportive bunch of people.”
Crafting may seem like a solitary endeavour, but the sense of community Jayne describes is a testament to how connected we can become through shared passions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of business, but moments like these remind us how important it is to find and cherish our tribe.
"Crafting Together: From Felting to "Crafternoons"
When I asked Jayne about her experiences with collaborating and connecting with other artists, she shared a delightful story about her "Crafternoons." These afternoon crafting sessions are all about bringing together local crafters for some creative fun. What started as a cozy gathering in her own summer house has now blossomed into a regular meetup with a vibrant group in Richmond, where they share techniques, ideas, and plenty of laughs.
"There's a lovely lady in Richmond who’s started Crafternoon sessions," she explained with enthusiasm. "We all do something a little different. It's been such fun! Last Friday, I worked on some embroidered cards for a local beekeeper who wanted pictures of old-fashioned beehives. Combining felting with embroidery adds such a lovely texture."
These informal gatherings are about so much more than just crafting—they're a celebration of community. As Jayne described, it’s not just about learning new skills; it’s about fostering relationships and finding joy in the creative process.
Jayne is a big believer in the power of collaboration and community. While she often works independently, she truly cherishes these "crafternoons." (And seriously, how great is that name?)
When it comes to the online crafting community, Jayne admits she isn’t part of any formal groups, but she has found a wealth of inspiration through social media. Like many of us, she has explored different groups and platforms but has ultimately found her tribe among like-minded, supportive creators.
"I’ve met some lovely people online. There’s so much support and encouragement, and that’s what crafting should be about, right? Learning from one another and sharing ideas."
In a world where creativity can often feel isolating, Jayne's experiences serve as a reminder of the joy that comes from crafting together and supporting one another in our artistic journeys.
Collaborations with Fellow Creatives
Jayne's collaborations don’t stop at Crafternoons. She has a special connection with a local photographer who shares her love for their picturesque surroundings in North Yorkshire. "He sends me photos that he thinks will be a challenge," Jayne laughs. "And I love translating his beautiful shots of Richmond and the Dales into felt art. It’s become a partnership where we promote each other’s work."
It’s this sense of community and creative exchange that truly stands out in Jayne’s journey as an artist. Whether it’s crafting with friends or working with other local artisans, her passion shines through in everything she creates.
Felting Fun with the Next Generation
It’s not just adults who benefit from Jayne’s crafting wisdom—her grandchildren are avid participants in her creative world, too. Jayne believes in encouraging young people to craft, and she's been delighted to pass on her love of needle felting to them. "Even my boys have made bunting!" she chuckled.
Her next big project involves working with local schools to make poppies for a remembrance event. "It's about more than just creating something beautiful. Crafting helps kids with problem-solving, resilience, and, most importantly, mental health. I love seeing their confidence grow as they create something with their own hands."
Managing Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism
Like many creatives, Jayne admits to grappling with perfectionism. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but I’ve got a lot of patience, so I don’t mind redoing things until I get them right, initially, just practice and you will see your work develop .” she told me. While some may find this approach time-consuming, for Jayne, it’s essential. “I need to feel happy with the end result, and that’s what matters.”
Someone once told me, "it’s never too late to learn," and they couldn’t have been more right. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few things later in life that I’m really proud of. I passed my motorbike test at 47, a long-time goal I finally decided to chase, and at 52, I completed a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse degree—also known as Health Visiting—in just one year. Now, at 62, I’ve taken up needle felting, and it’s been an absolute life-saver, offering not just a creative outlet but a real sense of mindfulness. Learning something new, no matter your age, keeps life exciting and purposeful, and honestly, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.
This ties into a broader conversation we had about imposter syndrome. We’ve all been there doubting our abilities or feeling like we don’t quite measure up. For Jayne, dealing with these feelings comes down to experience. Over time, she’s learned that there’s no right or wrong way to craft, just what works for her.
The Importance of Quality Materials
A big part of Jayne’s process is sourcing high-quality materials. She’s a strong advocate for using British wool, and she works closely with Benridge Woolworks, which promotes fair trade for farmers. “You might pay a little more, but the quality is worth it,” she explained. And it’s not just about supporting local—it’s about the end result. “You can really tell,” she said, “and that quality goes into your work.”
Seasonal Staples: From Wizards to Elves
As we drifted into the topic of upcoming projects, I asked Jayne if she had any go-to items for the holiday season. It turns out that her needle-felted Christmas elves are a big hit. "I love making them, and they’ve become quite a staple at Christmas fairs," she said.
For Halloween, she got creative with wizards, witches, and all their tiny props—brooms, cauldrons, even a fire pit! What started as just a fun display turned into a bestseller when someone insisted on buying one of her props. "I had to go home and make more!" she laughed.
Advice for New Felters
If you're thinking of starting your needle-felting journey, Jayne’s advice is simple and encouraging: "Play, play, play! Have some fun and experiment. That’s how I started, and it's the best way to learn."
She also emphasises not to feel intimidated by the process. “I’m self-taught, and I believe anyone can learn. It’s about enjoying yourself and not worrying too much about perfection.”
Her classes reflect this philosophy. She’s taught beginners how to create coasters by upcycling wool jackets and is planning a festive Christmas decoration class next for the WI. "I was nervous at first because I’m self-taught, but the women in the class didn’t want perfection—they just wanted to enjoy learning something new."
Favourite Makes and Memorable Moments
When I asked Jayne if she had a favourite creation, she didn’t hesitate. One of her recent projects stands out not just because of its beauty, but because of the emotional impact it had on the recipient.
"I made a card for a friend who was getting married, and they also had a hand-fasting ceremony. It took me four days to make, with so much detail—animals peeking out of trees, them as a couple. When they saw it, they were in tears. That was such a special moment, knowing I’d created something meaningful for them."
It’s those heartfelt moments, isn’t it? The ones where your work touches someone in such a personal way, that make all the hours spent creating worthwhile.
Finding Joy in Creativity
What’s clear throughout our conversation is that Jayne's love for crafting is about more than the final product. It’s the joy of creating, the connections with people, and the satisfaction of learning something new that drives her passion. And through her work with her community—both in person and online—she’s sharing that joy with others.
So, whether you're an experienced crafter or just picking up a needle for the first time, Jayne's story is a beautiful reminder that crafting is all about the journey, not just the destination. Embrace the fun, experiment without fear, and most of all, enjoy the wonderful connections that creativity can bring into your life.
What’s Next for Jayne?
As our chat wrapped up, I couldn’t help but ask what’s on the horizon for Jayne. She’s got some exciting new projects lined up, from teaching crafting sessions to kids in schools (how brilliant is that?) to getting involved in more collaborative community events. But what I found most touching was her commitment to passing on her love of crafting to her grandchildren.
"I have eight grandchildren, and they all come here to craft. My seven-year-old granddaughter recently made a picture for her new baby sibling, and the smile on her face was priceless. That’s what it’s all about for me—passing on that joy and sense of accomplishment."
And as for famous commissions? Well, let’s just say Jayne's keeping that under wraps for now. A little mystery never hurt, right?
I couldn’t let Jayne go without asking one last fun question: If she could create something for a famous person, who would it be? Without missing a beat, she answered, "Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters. He’s my hero—self-taught, humble, and so encouraging to young musicians. I’d love to make something for him." Watch this space I say !!
Final Thoughts
Jayne’s journey with Summerhouse Crafts is a powerful reminder of how patience, passion, and community can come together to create something truly special. Whether you're just starting out on your creative path or you're looking to elevate your business, Jayne’s story is packed with practical advice and inspiration. The key takeaway? Pace yourself, embrace the learning curve, and never forget the joy that comes with crafting. It's that joy—and the ability to share it—that makes the creative process so fulfilling.
For those balancing creativity with the demands of running a business, Jayne’s experiences offer plenty of insight. From creating a welcoming craft stall to the importance of sourcing quality materials, her journey provides valuable lessons for anyone navigating the tricky intersection of passion and entrepreneurship.
One of the most beautiful parts of our conversation was the recurring theme of community—how supporting and uplifting one another can make all the difference. Whether it’s through a kind word or simply appreciating someone else’s work, those small gestures can fuel creativity and confidence.
Jayne’s path from nursing to needle felting is a testament to rediscovering creativity, silencing self-doubt, and pursuing what you love. She’s living proof that it’s never too late to start something new—so if you’ve ever hesitated, take her story as your encouragement to begin. Spoiler alert: it's *definitely* not too late!
SummerHouse Crafts is a lovely reminder that a hobby can grow into something much more when fuelled by passion. Whether you're a fellow maker or just someone who loves handmade items, Jayne’s story is bound to spark some creativity in you. The next time you find yourself browsing Instagram or visiting a craft fair, think of SummerHouse Crafts and the woman who turned her cozy summer house into a wellspring of artistic inspiration.
My conversation with Jayne was filled with warmth, humor, and an unmistakable love for her craft. Her growth from a beginner to a confident artist is a testament to what happens when you let yourself explore, experiment, and grow—not just in your skill, but in your self-belief.
For those just starting out, Jayne’s advice is simple yet profound: *“Play, play, play! Experiment and enjoy the process.” And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
To see more of Jayne’s amazing work, be sure to check out her **SummerHouse Crafts** page. And who knows, maybe we’ll be treated to a felted Dave Grohl masterpiece soon!
Stay crafty, friends!
Love Sally and Jayne x
The Podcast Episode that supports this Blog will be available here in December!
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e mail: wicksjayne@aol.com