Nature lover Rebecca Schreiner always thought she'd find her life's work in the woods.

But after a successful run in the Forest Service, Schreiner discovered that there was a whole new world waiting for her in the field of fabric art.

Originally from Michigan, Schreiner began sewing her own clothes when she was a teenager, learning by watching her mother and figuring things out as she went along.

"There was a big period of time when I just put it down," said Schreiner, who went on to spend 13 years doing GIS and watershed work, among other things.

Although she loved her work, Schreiner had an inkling that there was another aspect of her personality that needed expression.

"I've thought for the past few years that there's something else I needed to do," said Schreiner. "I kind of felt like I needed a different outlet."

A few summers ago, Schreiner got the urge to make a few pretty fabric bags, which she ended up giving away as gifts to friends and family. The bags were a big hit, so she made a few more, which led to ideas for several other bag designs and fabric projects.

Some friends encouraged Schreiner to look into Etsy, an online community of artists and crafters. She began selling her wares at the Helena farmers market, where she found even more encouragement.

"It just kind of blossomed," said Schreiner, whose handmade goods are now carried in six high-end shops around the state, including Fate, adjacent to the Great Northern Hotel, and the Holter Museum Store.

Last year, when Schreiner's sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, the news caused her to reconsider her priorities.

"It's cliche to say that life's too short, but it really is," said Schreiner.

She quit her day job in July and has committed to sewing and selling her original creations full time.

So far, Schreiner has tried her hand at dog collars and beds, flower pins, duvet covers, keychains, scarves and changing pads for babies ("and I don't have kids!").

She's also refined several bag designs and has added clutches and wallets in funky fabrics to her repertoire.

"I'm doing aprons now; that's my new project," said Schreiner. "I just thought they were cute -- and I could put ruffles on them."

Schreiner, who is completely self-taught, said her favorite part of the process is perfecting and dreaming up new designs.

"I really like that creative side," said Schreiner. "It's trial and error for sure."

"And I love looking for new fabrics, too," she adds. "I'm a sucker for polka dots."

Schreiner says she'd like to get back to making clothes again and also plans to incorporate more repurposed fabrics and materials into upcoming pieces.

Aside from fabric, Schreiner's list of things to try includes stained glass and jewelry making, but she says, "I'm really content with the fabric right now, though."

"I guess we'll just see where life takes me," Schreiner said.