wool& Spotlight: Elana Gabrielle

elana gabrielle is the illustrator, maker, and designer of a printed textile and paper goods business. she may look familiar—you’ll also find her modeling products on our website.

When she isn’t modeling for wool&, Elana is busy with her small business, traveling, and spending time admiring all that nature has to offer.

Elana’s favorite wool& product is the Aspen Joggers
Read more of the wool& Spotlight Series here.

What is your background?

I’m an illustrator, maker, and designer of printed goods - I make screen-printed kitchen linens and bandanas, art prints, greeting cards, and some other fun stationery things! I grew up in a family of artists and musicians and spent a lot of my childhood outdoors treasure hunting and building forts. My work is deeply rooted in creativity and expression and inspired by the natural world. When I’m not in my studio making things, you can find me tending to my tiny garden, feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels with my partner, making herbal potions, and working on crafts.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Northern California - in foggy San Francisco by the ocean, and also up in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Both hold such a special place in my heart!

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in small moments of being - sunlight shining through the trees, the first flowers of spring, seaweed swaying at the shore, soft curves of rock formations. I’m really inspired by storytelling— visual and otherwise. I love a good fairytale, the process of mending garments, tending to a garden, working on a craft. I’m also inspired by good food, good music, good books, and good colors. I also find a lot of inspiration in working with other folks on collaborations and creating something new out of a fusion of ideas!

Tell us about your work/travel/lifestyle.

I think that for me, work/travel/lifestyle/art are all woven together. I spend a lot of time in my studio because having a small business means wearing a whole lot of hats and feeling like I’m always behind on things. I am a homebody and I love being in the studio and having a space to create and dream, but when I can escape for a bit, I really love to travel - it is an extra special kind of exploration. I love visiting new places and learning about new cultures and lands through local food, textiles, stories, and plant life.

Tell us about something memorable that happened in the last year.

I’ve swam in 4 different seas in the past year. I’m hoping to plunge into more waters this year and spend more time outside!

What sort of impact has wool / wool& had on your life?

I’ve loved getting to work with wool& and getting to try on different types of ‘fits and garments. I run quite cold and I also have some sensory sensitivities, so it has been wonderful incorporating wool garments into my everyday wear - I feel warm without overheating, cozy without itching, and I love how transitional each piece is.

What is your favorite wool& product?

I absolutely love my Aspen Joggers! I wear them all the time - sleeping, lounging, traveling, painting, they are just the best. I also know that the Natalia Wrap Top will be my new favorite…the style is so lovely!