Majeran’s yarn art builds community

9/3/2025

Creating and selling yarn art is essential to Stephanie Majeran’s creativity, yet she takes it one step beyond and provides space for other artists to be creative as well.

To accomplish that, she joined the board of the nonprofit, Art Is Rad. It was established by Jeremiah and Megan La Bresh, who believed art nights should be more accessible to others, to unleash their creativity by providing low cost or free materials.

Art Is Rad hosts various art-making events in the community. Participants created an egg carton art, where the public painted cutout shapes made from egg cartons. She assembled the structure called the Upcycled Garden, which was displayed at the Des Moines Children’s Museum.

Art Is Rad offers weekly meet-ups where supplies are generally provided for $10 or less. Artists can also bring their own artwork and supplies. 

“There is a need for affordable ways to be creative or to try a new medium. It’s a safe space for people to forget about things and talk things out,” she says.

Majeran says it differs from the “paint and sip” classes because the program offers acceptance for everyone. 

“We build community. Everyone feels welcome,” she says.

Majeran is passionate about using repurposed items for the artwork. She has found used frames, driftwood and canvases to keep costs downs, and she picks up bundles of yarn at garage sales or thrift shops. 

“There is so much stuff that people throw away,” she says. “I rarely buy new.”

Majeran’s personal artwork consists of yarn art woven into various shapes, similar to ocean waves. 

“It’s touchable,” she explains. “I don’t knit or crochet. It’s like macramé, but it’s yarn. It’s a fun medium and a unique work of art.” 

Majeran previously worked as a CPA yet always liked yarn and how the textures create different designs. She hosted a show with her yarn work and sold a commissioned art hanging, with color coordinated sections for an Airbnb, which gave her confidence. Majeran still dreams of doing art more than a side hustle. 

“I’m a logical realist, so I try not to put pressure on making money and just covering my art expense,” she says.

Her yarn art is inspired by nature. 

“I like to see what I have on hand,” she says. “Some yarns are inspired by a 1970s color theme.”

Her involvement in helping other artists provides her a mental boost. 

“When I did business taxes as a CPA, I felt down with no energy,” she says. “Now, I can do fun things, and it brings me joy.”

Majeran encourages interested artists to sit in on a session, regardless of their skill. 

“Art Is Rad is a form of rebellion. You can bring joy and offer community. We can see immediate results. Art isn’t frivolous, and it provides hope and joy,” she says.

View Majeran’s yarn art show with the Des Moines Craftmakers display at the Waukee Public Library through Sept. 27.  Attend Art Is Rad Monday nights at Big Grove Brewery, Tuesdays at 515 Brewing Company, and a tie dye event at Hi-Fi Brew Lounge on Sept. 27. Visit https://artisrad.com/ for more details.