Featured Maker: Ashley Anna Brown of Fern Animals

It is a challenging thing to be proud of a friend and not sound maternal or condescending but I must say it. I am so extremely proud of my friend Ashley's success with Fern Animals. People can't seem to get enough of her tiny stuffed creatures that are thoughtfully hand-stitched and full of personality.

When we were in college together at Montserrat (represent!) and she had just started making her first handful of little guys; she'd be sitting in art history class with her needle and thread busily sewing up a little suit or a pair of ears for a future critter. Of course, it wasn't long before students and professors were calling dibs on their favorites. Believe me, I'm still sore over losing out on a little white bearlike fella with embroidered hair and a velour hoodie to our printmaking professor.

It is thrilling to see that people are still battling for the opportunity to snag one. She can't sew fast enough to meet the demand! How wonderful to see a hard working creative person succeed by doing what they love.

FernAnimals.com

PS: Go vote for her at the Softie Awards!