Welcome to the ninth day of Meylah’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway where our featured artist/crafter will be giving away a FREE GIFT to one of our lucky readers! Today, we are happy to introduce you to Sharlet Driggs, owner of Sharlet Designs. Find out a little more about Sharlet and her wonderful creations in textile arts, décor, wearable art and artistic children’s toys in our discussion below.
Meylah: How did you get started and where did you learn how to create your products?
Sharlet: When my son was little we attended a parent-toddler class. A teacher brought out a bag of felting supplies one spring and showed us how to make tiny Easter eggs. I had no idea what she was talking about when she first started. But at the end of the class, I drove straight to the supply shop and have been hooked ever since!
Meylah: Where do you find your inspiration and who are some of your coaches and supporters?
Sharlet: I have a wonderful family and great friends who support me! And nature is a huge inspiration. I had the unusual experience of growing up in agriculture, but also surrounded by creative people: musicians, poets, photographers, writers, even western movie actors! So we spent a lot of time outdoors on the ranch, but had all this creativity being encouraged around us as well. I don’t think I realized how unique that was until I was much older! I love the fact that my art is connected to the agricultural community through the use of wool and other natural fibers.
Meylah: You are fantastic at organizing events in your community, how do you manage to organize such events with such a busy schedule?
Sharlet: I am a project manager by trade, in the construction industry, which is my day job. So in part it’s just what I do. And in part I think it’s that old phrase “When you want something done, ask a busy person!” I thrive when I’m busy.
Meylah: What are some of the key insights that you can share with us for organizing such great events?
Sharlet: I make a detailed list of what I expect to be taking place on the day of the event, and all the supplies, people, etc. that I expect to be there. Then I make a schedule working backward from that date, breaking it down in small parts. I recommend taking on small tasks each day, so it’s not overwhelming all at once.
Meylah: Do you currently sell your work online and what do you think is key for you to have in your online site?
Sharlet: I plan on setting up my own website, but just haven’t had the time! I do have an Etsy Site, which I don’t market heavily but it’s good to refer people to for more information. When the day comes for my own site, really good photography will be the key.
Meylah: Today, you are giving away two of your wonderful wooly soaps like those shown above, what would you want Meylah readers to give you feedback on to win your giveaway today?
Sharlet: I love getting new inspiration and ideas- so if there’s something a reader would like to see me create, I would love to hear it!
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31 Comments
Thanks Ram for setting all this up. The site looks great and you’re doing a fantastic job with it. Thanks for the opportunity to participate!
Those are the cutest things! Isn’t felting fun?
Love all your work – your interpretations with fiber, color, shape, are always inspired!
Nice job, Sharlet! Didnt know you were artsy!
Sharlet, That horse seems a new departure for you, but very close to home. I love to see you making real art.
I’ve received many, many comments on my little birds! You inspire me to break out all my artsy stuff and get in gear. Cheers.
Your colors are beautiful, and the contrast makes your little white birdie all the more striking!
Love your use of color and sense of design in your work, Sharlet. Merry Christmas!
It is so nice to see a felt artist featured. I love the piece with the horse. You do gorgeous work. Well done!
Sharlet – The horse wall hanging is so beautiful and vibrant! Felt is a wonderful medium to create art as well as toys and useful items. Since I’m in the holiday mood, I’d suggest creating an ornament set.
Love the bright colors
Your work is so amazingly creative and inspiring! I love it all!
Sharlet, you are amazing. I love all of your designs and color combinations. I have the doll I got from you sitting on my desk keeping me company while I work. I can’t wait to give my kids your cool acorns too! I dream of one day having you come to my house and install one of your beautiful wall creations in earth tones…sigh….someday :)
Sharlet,
Really cool creations. Everything is lovely.
I am thinking what would be challenging and exciting to create and “Russian Dolls” come to my mind. Imagine, having a series of dolls where one doll goes inside another doll and each one in a different color. That would be exciting.
Best,
Rajesh
I enjoyed knowing more about Sharlets background. Art is always a mystery-trying to find out where an artist gets their creative energy. I personally have enjoyed Sharlets blend of color and texture…two of my favorite things.
beautiful!
Adorable! Would love to see a Twelve Days of Christmas series, or perhaps a felt pear tree.
I would like to see more felt art!
Thanks, Cindi
What lovely work! you’ve taking felting beyond craft to art!
Sharlet, I love seeing your art online as I have not gotten to go to one of your shows yet. I always knew you were talented.
These soaps are wonderful, I have one at home. Sharlet is an amazingly talented artist.
I grew up with this talented Lady! To experience her art, you must include her writings when given the opportunity. Her creativity is unlimited. Merry Christmas!
I love your work! Gorgeous!
How lovely that you are getting so much exposure. I’m so happy to have met you and to own some of your art! Bravo Sharlet!
really really like the horse
What a creative person..Please teach a classs to all your followers…..I love it that the pieces are so tactile…keep it going and give those painters a challenge!!!!
wow! you are soo talented!!
Sharlet’s handmade designs are so creative and warm. What nice quality! I’m so impressed with the wide range of art that she offers. It always makes me smile to see the items I’ve already purchased, nestled throughout my home.
Wow, love that horse. I am with Barbara, you should teach a class/classes.
Sharlet, your work just keeps getting better every year. I love the horse tapestry!