Meet CuddlyWood

Where are you from and does that affect your work? I am an illustrator and woodcraft artist, born and raised in Shanxi, a province at the heart of China’s ancient timber architecture. As a child, I visited the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a 220-foot-tall structure built entirely with wooden joinery and standing for nearly a thousand years without a single nail. I also explored the Hanging Temple, where timber beams are embedded into the cliff face, supporting entire rows of wooden halls suspended above the rock.

These experiences captivated me with the strength and elegance of wood, quietly shaping my path and inspiring me to dedicate myself to the art of woodcraft.

How did you get your start? I first discovered woodworking while studying Illustration at ArtCenter College of Design. In a laser-cutting workshop, I realized wood could be cut as easily as paper. I experimented by turning one of my drawings into a wooden piece, and the result was so striking that I couldn’t stop exploring. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a passion: I taught myself through countless tutorials and even took off-campus classes in furniture-making and more.

When ArtCenter hosted a student market, I created my first product—a pig-shaped coaster—that eventually became the logo of my brand, CuddlyWood. The market was packed, and seeing people line up for something I had made was the moment curiosity turned into the path I continue to follow today.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? My creative process usually begins with extensive sketching. Once a concept feels right, I translate it into a vector in Illustrator, then move on to modeling and generating toolpaths. This early stage—the exploration and refinement—is always the most challenging. I’m constantly chasing a balance: the work needs to read as clean and clear, yet still carry enough detail to feel alive.

Even after completing a few collections, I thought creating new designs would come more easily—but it never does. Each piece still demands patience and close attention, and that careful, at times frustrating process is what ultimately shapes the work I’m proud to share.

What is your favorite item that you have created and why? My favorite collection is definitely Guilty Puppy. I can’t really choose just one piece—they’re all irresistibly cute in their own way. The idea actually came from my own dog. One day she stole an entire plate of beef and gave me this hilarious guilty side-eye. I couldn’t help but laugh.

That moment stuck with me, and I started noticing similar expressions everywhere. I collected thousands of photos of mischievous dogs and spent hours sketching them. And to my delight, people connected with the collection just as much as I did.

What do you love most about Pasadena? I spent five years studying at ArtCenter, which is located in Pasadena, and the city will always hold a special place in my heart. I especially love how walkable it is—surrounded by graceful architecture, lush nature, and countless small discoveries, from charming shops to pop-up markets like Jackalope, not to mention wonderful food. Even though I no longer live there, I often find myself returning to wander and explore.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? A fun fact is that I fall asleep incredibly fast—almost like flipping a switch. Since I started woodworking, it happens even faster, as if someone just knocked me out’s not the most glamorous talent, but it does keep me powered through long days in the studio.

What’s more glamorous than beauty sleep?! I’m jealous! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Looking five years ahead, I envision our brand becoming more fully formed as we continue to introduce new designs. The work itself will evolve as well—expanding beyond 2D pieces into 3D sculptures. I also hope to collaborate more with museums, while still maintaining a presence at craft fairs, which I believe is one of the most meaningful and direct ways to connect with our audience.

At the same time, we’re developing courses to share the joy of woodworking with others. For me, it has never been only about building a brand, but about fostering a community around the beauty, warmth, and creativity that wood can inspire.

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?
Enjoy what you do. Don’t let too many things disrupt your own rhythm—whether it’s from those close to you or from strangers.

Try to seek out opportunities where you can receive immediate feedback—like joining a market or sharing your work publicly. Every bit of feedback, whether it feels like success or failure, is a precious step forward.

Once you choose to start off on your own, embrace lifelong learning. Build the courage to solve problems and face setbacks with resilience. These qualities may take time to grow, but they will reward you for a lifetime.

Anything special that you would like to share? Jackalope Pasadena was the very first market we joined since founding our brand, and it gave us tremendous confidence and encouragement. We truly hope to see Jackalope continue to flourish, and we look forward to creating more and seizing future opportunities to be part of the Jackalope markets again.

We appreciate you & feel so honored to watch you grow & flourish as well!

Find CuddlyWood at Jackalope Pasadena on November 15th & 16th.

Website: www.cuddlywood.com

Instagram: @cuddlywood_