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Each year we seek out a select group of makers to collaborate with our staff and share their talents with the Benzie community. Today we are excited to introduce you to the nine crafters who make up the Benzie Design Maker Team! Over the next year, we will be working together with each of these creatives to bring you exciting new tutorials, blog posts, videos, and social media content. Stay tuned - we already have some fun projects in the works! Keep reading below to meet our talented Maker Team.
Angele of Fabric and Ink
Instagram: @fabricandink
"Hi! My name is Angele and I’m an artist and storyteller working with felt, floss, watercolor and words. I’m honored to be part of the Benzie Design Team this year. My work is inspired by both the mountains and forests of my home state, California, and the gentler landscapes and pretty villages of England, where I grew up. I’m looking forward to sharing some whimsical, fairytale projects!"
Belinda of Blue Ribbon Designs
Instagram: @brdgirl
"Needlework, sewing, and quilting are not just my passion — they're my obsession and career. What began as needlework finishing for friends blossomed into creating my own original needlework designs, followed by distinctive sewing and quilting patterns. My love for all things 'needle and thread' knows no bounds. I delight in exploring new techniques and embellishing my designs and projects, and Benzie Design has been my go-to online shop for years. I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the 2025 Maker Team and can't wait to share my bright and cheerful creations made with Benzie Design's rainbow of happy products."
Chelsea of The Creative Explorer
Instagram: @the_creativ.e.xplorer
"I'm so excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Benzie Maker Team this year! I have always had a love of all things crafty and my love for sewing started in high school where I used to whip out a pair of fleece pants during each class to sport on the ski hill. As an adult, I love to create things for my two kids whether it be their Halloween costumes or toys for them to play with! I started creating primarily with Benzie felt over the past year and my niche has become creating seasonal 'felt cookies' and felt food for sensory play and play kitchens. One of my favorite parts of these items is adding embroidered appliqué to bring them to life! Though felt food is what I make most of, I love trying all sorts of new things and am especially inspired by what my kids are learning! I can’t wait to show you how we use Benzie products this next year!"
Heidi of Sisu Stitchery
Instagram: @sisustitchery
"Hello, friends! I’m Heidi Renée, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this year’s Benzie Maker Team! I am an embroidery artist, bookbinder, dreamer, veggie addict, and dog lover. I love to read, and some of my favorite things to create are hand-sewn felt books. For me, handmade projects are a beautiful invitation to slow down, be present, and celebrate the little imperfections; it’s all about finding joy through the process of creating. I’m truly honored to share my creative journey with the maker community and learn alongside the talented Benzie Team!"
Kelly of By Kelly Jo
Instagram: @bykellyjo
"Hi there! I grew up sewing and crafting, thanks to inspiration from my creative mom, and began experimenting with embroidery in 2021 after years of not having a real hobby or fulfilling creative outlet. Fast forward - I now design and create modern hand embroidery art and patterns. My original embroidery designs are filled with floral and botanical elements with a whimsical boho vibe. Carefully curated color palettes, visually stunning textures and meticulous stitching are the foundation for each and every piece of art I create. I particularly love incorporating a variety of materials into my embroidery - beads, felt, lace, wool - and cannot wait to spend the next year creating with Benzie’s fantastic collection of felt and fun supplies!"
Maddy of Maddy Wilson Art
Instagram: @maddywilsonart
"Hi all, my name is Maddy! I am a pet portrait artist and needle felter. Joining the team is such a surreal moment for me as my first foray into the world of needle felting was thru a kit from Benzie! I hope I can spark your interest in the felting world and we can all create a little whimsy together."
Megan of Cry The Bird
Instagram: @mlevacy
"I am inspired to create works based on my love of nature and my experiences with plants and animals. Although I love and explore a variety of media, I consistently return to embroidery and making small things - I love to use felt for both! I am very excited to be an artist for the Benzie Design Maker Team this coming year and to be a part of such a supportive and creative community."
Melody Partain
Instagram: @mel_part
TikTok: @mel.part
"Hello! I’m Melody, a full-time working mom in Louisville, KY, where I live with my husband and toddler. I’ve always loved collecting hobbies, and since becoming a mom, I’ve especially enjoyed spending my free time making things for my daughter. Felt is my favorite medium, and I quickly fell in love with Benzie’s beautiful selection. I’m so excited to create and share new DIY projects with you all this year!"
Sarah of Happy Camper
Instagram: @happycamper_nyc
"A lifelong maker, I love making allllll the things, and using allllll the stuff. But there's just something about felt. It's so colorful, soft, easy to sew with and embroider on, and Benzie’s colors and quality have really inspired me. So I am absolutely thrilled to be on the Benzie Maker Team for 2025, and can’t wait to make some fun things with all of you!"
