I’m a park-ranger-turned-fiber-artist, out to save the world, one felt hat at a time.

Dancing in my felt hat to avoid hypothermia on the McKinley River Bar Trail, Alaska, 2002.

Born in Canada and raised in northern California, my life changed forever when I ventured to Alaska for a summer job in 1991.   

Picking blueberries at Wonder Lake, Alaska, September 2002.

Art by Jean Balay

After canning salmon in Bristol Bay, I went to Denali National Park, where I waited tables on my way to volunteering at the NPS Backcountry Desk, entering data for the bear biologists, and running dogs for the Denali Park Sled Dog Kennels.

Eventually, I landed a seasonal job as a Park Naturalist, leading hikes and giving slide shows.  

With the long winters providing plenty of motivation and ample opportunity, I began to knit and sell my felt hats under the business name, “Crowberry Craftworks.”

Although we loved Alaska, my husband & I returned to his home state of New Hampshire to follow our artist dreams.

I’ve been a proud member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen since we moved to Canaan in 2004, where I enjoy growing (some of) our own food & playing with our dog.

If you like, read on to learn more about my felt hats, check out various felt hat styles & prices, or discover 25 Random Things About Me.

And for the truly adventurous, a little banjo ditty for you: