We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Shelton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission behind Pillowsly began with a simple yet meaningful realization: I had clothes I wanted to donate, but many of them had stains or holes that I knew would likely result in them being discarded in the donation process. As an artist, studying art education at the time, I couldn’t stand the thought of those fabrics going to waste. So, I taught myself how to sew, with the intention of reusing and recycling the materials into something beautiful, functional, and full of potential.
At first, I focused on transforming fabric into eye-shaped soft sculptures, which I created as a way to explore both form and function. As I continued to experiment, I expanded my designs to include hands, snakes, suns, moons, hearts, stars, flowers, and more, each carrying its own symbolism. Each piece is inspired by the unique characteristics of the fabrics they are made from, giving them a distinct personality. Every soft sculpture is one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn with care and attention to detail, ensuring that no two creations are alike.
My mission became about more than just reusing fabrics; it became about making the world a little more beautiful, one hand-sewn soft sculpture at a time. I believe that every piece of fabric has a story, and every creation is an opportunity to breathe new life into materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Through art and sustainability, I strive to make the world softer, more whimsical, and more mindful of the way we interact with our environment.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Emily Shelton is an artist and educator based in South Carolina, with a focus on soft sculpture and recycled materials. She recently earned her Master of Fine Arts from Winthrop University and currently works as an elementary art teacher. Emily’s artistic journey has been an exploration of unifying themes, particularly nature and empathy. Her work intertwines the beauty of nature with the human experience, often combining recycled textiles with found and natural objects to craft pieces that evoke contemplation and connection.
Through Pillowsly, Emily creates one-of-a-kind soft sculptures that emphasize sustainability and the transformative potential of recycled fabrics. What began with repurposing damaged clothing into whimsical sculptures has evolved into a collection that includes a range of forms—eyes, hands, snakes, suns, moons, flowers, and more. Each piece is inspired by the unique qualities of the fabric it’s made from, ensuring no two sculptures are alike. Every creation carries with it a deeper message about reusing what we already have and the beauty of repurposed materials.
But Emily’s art practice extends far beyond her business. In addition to the work created for Pillowsly, she also crafts higher-priced, gallery-focused soft sculptures. These pieces delve deeper into themes of empathy, extending beyond human experience to include plants and animals. Through her gallery work, she invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life, sparking curiosity and contemplation about our place within the natural world.
What sets Pillowsly apart is the focus on both art and sustainability. The intention behind each soft sculpture is to breathe new life into discarded fabrics, making them functional pieces of art while contributing to a more mindful, eco-conscious world. Emily’s work, both in the gallery and as part of Pillowsly, is a celebration of the beauty in imperfection and a reminder of the connections we share with the environment around us.
What Emily is most proud of is how her art has the power to spark reflection and connection. Whether through a custom sculpture that brings joy to someone’s home or a gallery piece that challenges viewers to consider empathy for all living things, Emily’s work is rooted in creating beauty and dialogue. Every soft sculpture is made with care, intention, and a commitment to sustainability. Emily’s goal is to continue expanding this mission, sharing her work with others who are looking to make thoughtful, meaningful connections through art.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that being a teacher, especially in K-12, would mean the death of my own art practice. Throughout school, I kept hearing this warning, that once you start teaching it would be impossible to maintain a successful art career. One of my mentors, however, challenged that idea. They drilled into me that I am both an artist and a teacher, and that the two can, and should, go hand in hand. Over time, I’m realizing just how true that is.
Teaching art to children has become an integral part of my creative process. I can’t imagine making art without also teaching, or teaching without continuing to make art. Yes, teaching little ones is exhausting—cleaning up paint spills, correcting behaviors, managing a classroom of young artists—but it has also become a necessary break from the more exclusive, high-stakes world of fine art. Teaching reminds me that art doesn’t always have to be perfect or polished; it should be fun, joyful, and full of discovery. And it has deepened my sense of empathy, both as a teacher and as an artist.
What I’ve come to understand is that my teaching practice and my art practice aren’t separate, they fuel and nurture each other. The creativity, curiosity, and playfulness I encourage in my students often find their way into my own work. Similarly, my personal art practice helps me approach teaching with a deeper sense of compassion and understanding. The two are inseparable, and I’m grateful to have found a way to weave them together.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant pivot in my life came when I transitioned from being an art student earning my Master of Fine Arts to becoming a professional artist and an elementary school art teacher. During my time in academia, I was constantly questioned, pushed to defend my art practice, and often felt like I was making work to satisfy others or fit within rigid expectations. There was a lot of pressure to conform to what I thought the “art world” wanted, and I often felt disconnected from the pure joy and curiosity that originally inspired me to create.
When I transitioned into teaching and professional practice, everything shifted. Instead of being the one who was always being asked to justify my artistic choices, I found myself in a position where I could ask the questions. I became freer in my own work, able to rediscover the curiosity and playfulness that had drawn me to art in the first place. I could also explore the questions I wanted to ask about the world around me, about nature, empathy, and our relationship with other species.
Recently, I’ve had the time and mental space to explore these questions more deeply. For example, I’ve been experimenting with how plants from my garden can create natural dyes and finding ways to connect directly with the Earth. I am also working on a series of soft sculpture animals that allow me to research species I’m curious about and explore their relationship with humans throughout history. This new direction in my art practice has been incredibly fulfilling, giving me the freedom to create without restrictions and to explore my interests in a way I hadn’t been able to during my academic years.
This shift wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. Moving from the structured world of academia that I had known for most of my life, to making independently and teaching young artists, allowed me to reconnect with why I make art in the first place. I no longer feel like I have to live and create to make my professors happy or to fit a mold. Instead, I can explore and create in ways that feel true to myself, and invite my students to do the same. The freedom I gained in this pivot not only refreshed my own creative practice but also gave me the space to teach with empathy, curiosity, and the belief that art should be something that brings joy and personal expression, both for me and for my students.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emcshelton.weebly.com/
• Instagram: @emily_sheltonly
• Other: Etsy: Pillowsly
  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Pillowsly

Image Credits

Emily Shelton