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

Yulia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I never believed I could create in its classic interpretation of art. I could not draw or sculpt and was a constant target for jokes from my art teacher at school. But I could appreciate the beautiful and unique things around me. One day I stumbled upon a mutual friend who is a goddess of felted wool art in the USA. Not only she spent several days teaching her technique to me, but reminding me: “just let it go, enjoy the process”. And I did. A result-oriented, organized, math-dominant hemisphere let it go.
Wool felting became a form of art therapy for me: there is no right or wrong, i dissolve in the colors that speak to me that day.

Yulia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Yulia and I am a wool artisan at Woolez_Vous where I create garments and accessories with wet felting methods.

The story behind the scarves is about impromptu expression, therapy, and the creation of beauty from a mind predisposed to be methodical and scientific.

Artistic skills did not seem to come naturally when I was young and I had doubts about how well I could craft and generate appealing works. Drawing and sculpting seemed like insurmountable tasks only worsened by demeaning comments from my art teacher. Despite these barriers I maintained an appreciation for the beautiful and unique environment that surrounded me. It was not until I stumbled upon a mutual friend gifted in felted wool creations that I truly discovered my artistic passion. This friend spent time teaching me her technique, which required me to let go of expectations and to enjoy the process. In time, my result-oriented, methodical, and analytical mind relinquished control and allowed expression to flow through. Wool felting became a form of art therapy for me. Unlike the sciences, there was no right or wrong answer. I just learned to relax and to go with the flow.

Wool felting is a technique that begins with turning wool fiber into solid material by agitating it with soapy water. This solid wool piece is then embellished with various other fibers and designs. The garments I create incorporate premium grade Merino, alpaca, baby camel fibers, and hand dyed silk. These textiles are sourced from farmers around the world who employ cruelty free harvesting procedures.

– What sets you apart from others?
The wool felting community is modest in size since this type of craft is not widely known. In my experience, this community supports each other by networking throughout the world on social media and local workshops. This network of artisans shares new techniques, hacks, and empowers each other to tame doubts and explore individual talent. Competition is a healthy aspect of the trade, but creativeness takes priority due to the handcrafted nature and uniqueness of each creation.

– Social impact
There is a social impact from wool felting, although this craft may be performed individually. I am offering wool felting classes for individuals or groups who seek to learn the art or to simply enjoy its therapeutic benefits. The required materials are easily accessible and the final product may range from modest to grandiose. The overall goal is to have an enjoyable experience.
The wellbeing of each individual ultimately impacts the health of social groups. The individual benefits of creative arts therapy are well established and employed in many clinics and progressive companies. Some advantages of incorporating creative arts therapy include improved motivation, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure. All of these therapeutic effects lead to better overall wellbeing, freedom of expression, emotional resilience, and more meaningful connections. My personal experience is that the wool products bring warmth and softness into many people’s lives. This effect is partly attributed to Woolez_Vouz being a creative outlet and niche to channel the burden of daily life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a fiber artist is seeing how my work resonates with others. At craft shows, when someone tells me my scarves are the most beautiful they’ve seen or when they return to buy more as gifts, it’s incredibly heartwarming. I love witnessing the spark in people’s eyes when they feel the softness of wool and realize how unique each piece is. It’s a reminder that what I create can bring people comfort, joy, and even a sense of self-care.

Beyond that, fiber art has a special ability to connect us to something deeper—whether it’s the soothing textures or the idea of wrapping oneself in something warm and full of intention. In a world that often feels fast-paced and impersonal, I like to think my scarves offer a small moment of warmth, beauty, and mindfulness. It’s moments like these that keep me inspired, even on days when I doubt my creativity.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing consumers might struggle to understand about the journey of a creative is the depth of time, effort, and emotion that goes into handmade work. It’s not just about producing an item; it’s about curating every detail—from sourcing high-quality materials to experimenting with techniques and pouring a piece of myself into every creation.

Because of this, pricing handmade products is often misunderstood. While mass-produced items from low-cost platforms might seem similar on the surface, they don’t reflect the craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal touch of handmade art. My work isn’t just a product—it’s a story, an experience, and an heirloom that someone can treasure for years.

I think understanding this helps people see handmade work not as overpriced, but as fairly valued for the love and care it carries. It’s a meaningful investment, not just in the product itself, but in supporting the artist’s journey and the greater appreciation for creativity and individuality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://woolezvouscrafts.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woolez_vous/

Image Credits

John Tierney