We’re thrilled to introduce our latest featured maker, Maggie Revel Mielczarek of Leland gal. Maggie splits time between Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Leland, Michigan, where her seasonal shop draws customers with colorful, unique prints inspired by waterside living. Buoyed by her background in art education, she taught herself graphic design and turned her eye for color into textile printmaking with Spoonflower. It’s no surprise that both her grandmother (pictured below at 103 years old!) and mother are artists and have passed on their talents and encouragement to Maggie.  Follow her Instagram to stay up-to-date with her latest creations.

Meet the Maker: Maggie Revel Mielczarek of Leland gal

My day starts with a bit of a mom hustle, feeding two boys, getting one to school and the other back down for a nap and then hit the ground running with either a shift at the store, exercise, or checking things off my list.

Leland gal with her two boys

I fell in love with making and selling goods when I was very young with an entrepreneurial spirit. It is a thrill to be able to call this creative passion with Leland gal a career, and without a place like Spoonflower, none of this would have happened. 

Leland gal zip pouch and tote bag

When I’m in my studio/workplace, I feel accomplished. Though, none of my good ideas start there. It’s always when I least expect it…on the tennis court, in the shower, walking the dog.

Leland gal wall art and workspace

Who or what influences or inspires your work and why? I am a third generation artist, so my mother and grandmother have both been lifelong inspirational leaders in my life. In terms of my work, the bountiful Leelanau County and the upper peninsula in Michigan with its breezy colorful lifestyle is the primary inspiration of Leland gal textiles.

Leland gal photo collage of the tree that inspired her logo, and scenes in Leland, Michigan

My favorite Spoonflower designers are Andrea Whalen of domesticate, and the many others who are undercover!

I’m most proud of my projects featuring our vibrant birch prints.

LelandGalStore

If I had to wear the same thing every day, it would be a colorful shift dress and flip flops and earrings.

Leland gal with her husband and oldest boy

Lately I’ve been inspired by designs of ferns, and I have it my mind to work on a floral with ferns this winter.

Before starting a small business, I wish someone had told me to start sooner, and to contact The Small Business Development Center of Michigan.

Leland gal canoe pillow and zip pouches

My favorite Spoonflower textile to work with is Eco Canvas because of its vibrancy, and durability.

 

Photo credits to: John A. Gessner, Kelly Ruffing Photography and Anne Lang


Leland gal logoWe loved getting to know Maggie in this interview (anyone else also inspired to visit the beautiful historic waterfront area of Fishtown in Leland, Michigan!?) Until that trip, we’ll have to content ourselves with eyeing these adorable bucket bags and a few outdoor pillows, perfect to update a back porch this summer.