As a small woman-owned business ourselves, we at Candelles are so passionate about lifting up and supporting our fellow creative lady bosses who are making waves in the world by following their passions and creating their own paths. After all, in the great words of Lizzo, "When I'm shinin', everybody's gonna shine". With this in mind we are so incredibly excited to shine a light on a maker that we absolutely love, who is following her passion and weaving her way forward, one beautiful piece at a time.
Bryanne Boring-Miscoe is a life long creative from Pennsylvania, she found weaving as a new hobby in 2017 and it was immediately as if the fates aligned and she found her greatest passion. Shortly after she began selling her work on Etsy, and continues to absolutely astound us with her talent, drive, and love for her craft. We're so very excited to dive in and get to know more about her, her brand Moon & Yarn, and how weaving has become such a sacred part of her life.
Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about the background of Moon & Yarn:
My name is Bryanne and I’m the creator behind Moon & Yarn. I started Moon & Yarn 3 ½ years ago. I started weaving as a hobby but then ended up opening an Etsy shop on a whim. I make woven tapestries, circle weavings, woven shapes, merchandise for fellow weavers, woven scarves and handspun yarn. Things are a little bit different during COVID times, but typically I also love to be participating in local artist markets. And I even teach beginners weaving classes at local yarn shops.
How did you come up with the name for your business? Does it hold a special meaning to you?:
I came up with the name Moon & Yarn because at the time I was only weaving at night once I got off work. I would joke about weaving under the moonlight. I’ve also always been drawn to the moon, so I knew right away that I wanted my name to be associated with it.
I came up with the name Moon & Yarn because at the time I was only weaving at night once I got off work. I would joke about weaving under the moonlight. I’ve also always been drawn to the moon, so I knew right away that I wanted my name to be associated with it.
How did you initially get involved with weaving?:
I started weaving 4 years ago. I was working as a graphic designer and I felt that I needed another creative outlet to do outside of work. I bought a weaving kit on Etsy and not even understanding anything about weaving, I just picked a random DIY kit. The kit came with a small loom, weaving needle, a stick to hang the finished object on, yarn, cotton string, and basic instruction booklet. It took me a month to finish my first ever weaving! But once I finished my first woven tapestry, I was hooked and ready to create more. I felt so proud of myself for completing something! I then had an itch to look into buying more yarn. I created a few more and bought a book on weaving. And it just snowballed from there! But what I really loved most about weaving was that it is very calming. I struggle with anxiety and weaving really helps calm my anxious thoughts.
I started weaving 4 years ago. I was working as a graphic designer and I felt that I needed another creative outlet to do outside of work. I bought a weaving kit on Etsy and not even understanding anything about weaving, I just picked a random DIY kit. The kit came with a small loom, weaving needle, a stick to hang the finished object on, yarn, cotton string, and basic instruction booklet. It took me a month to finish my first ever weaving! But once I finished my first woven tapestry, I was hooked and ready to create more. I felt so proud of myself for completing something! I then had an itch to look into buying more yarn. I created a few more and bought a book on weaving. And it just snowballed from there! But what I really loved most about weaving was that it is very calming. I struggle with anxiety and weaving really helps calm my anxious thoughts.
What inspired you to take your love of weaving and turn it into a business?:
After a few short months after I started weaving, I had so many weavings hanging in my home office and I didn’t know what to do with them. At this point I had been sharing about them on Instagram and people were asking if they could purchase them. I decided to open up an Etsy shop, even though I didn’t really understand it. I just continued to make what I wanted to make, not even knowing if anyone would be interested. Moon & Yarn continued to grow, and I started selling my weavings at local artist markets. And even teaching other people how to weave at local yarn shops. It all started to click for me that this truly made me happy and that I wanted to make this into a career.
After a few short months after I started weaving, I had so many weavings hanging in my home office and I didn’t know what to do with them. At this point I had been sharing about them on Instagram and people were asking if they could purchase them. I decided to open up an Etsy shop, even though I didn’t really understand it. I just continued to make what I wanted to make, not even knowing if anyone would be interested. Moon & Yarn continued to grow, and I started selling my weavings at local artist markets. And even teaching other people how to weave at local yarn shops. It all started to click for me that this truly made me happy and that I wanted to make this into a career.
What are the biggest inspirations for your work?:
I absolutely love playing with color and putting together color palettes. I’ve always been drawn to color theory since I was in art school. But honestly what inspires me the most is handspun art yarn. It’s my absolute favorite type of yarn to weave with and every skein is incredibly unique. I always pick out a skein that I want to use and build my palette around that one skein.
I absolutely love playing with color and putting together color palettes. I’ve always been drawn to color theory since I was in art school. But honestly what inspires me the most is handspun art yarn. It’s my absolute favorite type of yarn to weave with and every skein is incredibly unique. I always pick out a skein that I want to use and build my palette around that one skein.
How would you describe your aesthetic, and how did you work to develop your style?
Moon & Yarn is the outward projection of my positive outlook on life. I would describe my aesthetic as very bright, groovy, and cheerful. I continue to stick to fun bright colors even though I know they are not everyone's cup of tea. It took years to figure out what techniques worked with what I wanted to create. But in all of my weavings you will find vibrant colors and a lot of texture.
Moon & Yarn is the outward projection of my positive outlook on life. I would describe my aesthetic as very bright, groovy, and cheerful. I continue to stick to fun bright colors even though I know they are not everyone's cup of tea. It took years to figure out what techniques worked with what I wanted to create. But in all of my weavings you will find vibrant colors and a lot of texture.
Do you have a favorite design to create, or specific product that you enjoy making the most?:
My favorite items to create are my circle weavings, they are a very meditative process. I also recently started spinning my own handspun art yarn, and that is now becoming my favorite product to make.
My favorite items to create are my circle weavings, they are a very meditative process. I also recently started spinning my own handspun art yarn, and that is now becoming my favorite product to make.
What is a typical working day like for you?:
I like to start my day checking to see if I have any orders that need to be shipped out or any messages that need answered. Then I take photos of any new products that I have to share because I like to use natural light. Share new items on social media and Etsy. After that I typically start to work on any custom orders or projects that I currently have on the loom. In Between all of that I will break for a post office run. My everyday is very chill and relaxing. I’ll be honest not everyday is a set work schedule, I tend to do whatever has popped up at that moment.
I like to start my day checking to see if I have any orders that need to be shipped out or any messages that need answered. Then I take photos of any new products that I have to share because I like to use natural light. Share new items on social media and Etsy. After that I typically start to work on any custom orders or projects that I currently have on the loom. In Between all of that I will break for a post office run. My everyday is very chill and relaxing. I’ll be honest not everyday is a set work schedule, I tend to do whatever has popped up at that moment.
Can you describe your workspace? Where is it, how have you designed it, and how does it support you in your craft?:
My workspace is actually in my home and it is a rainbow dream! It is filled with colorful art that inspires me. I have a huge cubby shelf that holds all of my yarn. Being able to see all of my materials really helps keep me inspired. There’s a large window, so there is a lot of natural light. I also have a pegboard stand that hangs all of my weavings, so that I get to admire them before they head off to their forever homes. My office space is truly my happy place.
My workspace is actually in my home and it is a rainbow dream! It is filled with colorful art that inspires me. I have a huge cubby shelf that holds all of my yarn. Being able to see all of my materials really helps keep me inspired. There’s a large window, so there is a lot of natural light. I also have a pegboard stand that hangs all of my weavings, so that I get to admire them before they head off to their forever homes. My office space is truly my happy place.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker and small business owner? What did you learn from it?:
Not everyone will like your art, and that’s okay. I think once you really start selling your items, you may think it’s just going to sell asap or you will sell out of everything right away. Growing a small business takes time and goes slowly.
Not everyone will like your art, and that’s okay. I think once you really start selling your items, you may think it’s just going to sell asap or you will sell out of everything right away. Growing a small business takes time and goes slowly.
What does being a maker mean to you?:
Being a maker is one of the most important aspects in my life. It is fulfilling, and creating is what fills my cup everyday. It’s also something that makes me more connected with life. I truly think using your creativity will help you grow as a person and help you have a better relationship with yourself. Also that satisfying feeling you get once you have finished something that you made with your own hands is the best feeling in the entire world.
Being a maker is one of the most important aspects in my life. It is fulfilling, and creating is what fills my cup everyday. It’s also something that makes me more connected with life. I truly think using your creativity will help you grow as a person and help you have a better relationship with yourself. Also that satisfying feeling you get once you have finished something that you made with your own hands is the best feeling in the entire world.
What are some of your other hobbies and interests?:
I love to knit, I’m obsessed with knitting shawls and hats at the moment. Knitting is my hobby that I do when I need a break for weaving or something to keep my hands busy while watching tv or during car rides. And also within the past year my best friend and I started a YouTube podcast called The Woolies about our knitting, weaving, crochet, and spinning projects.
I love to knit, I’m obsessed with knitting shawls and hats at the moment. Knitting is my hobby that I do when I need a break for weaving or something to keep my hands busy while watching tv or during car rides. And also within the past year my best friend and I started a YouTube podcast called The Woolies about our knitting, weaving, crochet, and spinning projects.
What do you feel is the most fulfilling part of being a career creative?:
Nothing brings me more joy than someone falling in love with a weaving or seeing kids reactions to my art. I love being able to brighten someone's day and home with colorful artwork. Also being able to do what you love as a career is wonderful and really helps change your outlook on life.
Nothing brings me more joy than someone falling in love with a weaving or seeing kids reactions to my art. I love being able to brighten someone's day and home with colorful artwork. Also being able to do what you love as a career is wonderful and really helps change your outlook on life.
What advice would you give to other creatives looking to turn their passion into a business?:
To put it simply, just go for it! Turning Moon & Yarn into a business was the best thing I've ever done for myself. It’s not an easy transition but it’s worth it.
To put it simply, just go for it! Turning Moon & Yarn into a business was the best thing I've ever done for myself. It’s not an easy transition but it’s worth it.
We are so grateful to Bryanne for taking the time to share a peek inside of her world with us. To see more of her work, you can check out her website, Moon & Yarn, and follow along with her on Instagram @moon_and_yarn.
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