Finding Community and Crafting Connections: An Interview with Brunswick Forest Residents Jan Fear and Carol Mickel
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Brunswick Forest, two residents—Jan Fear and Carol Mickel—have found both a home and a community that truly feels like their own. Their stories, from moving to the area to forging friendships and crafting together, paint a beautiful picture of what makes Brunswick Forest a place to connect, grow, and belong. Read on to learn more about how these two Brunswick Forest Residents found their way to this incredible community, their shared passion for crafting, and what you can expect from the upcoming Second Annual Brunswick Forest Craft Fair, organized by these spirited ladies (happening April 6th and April 13th).
How Did You End Up in Brunswick Forest?
Carol Mickel’s journey to Brunswick Forest began in 1993 when she and her family moved from New York to Raleigh, NC. They spent many vacations in Sunset Beach, but it wasn’t until June 2017 that they seriously considered relocating. Carol and her husband were invited to tour the area by friends moving from New York to Wilmington, and they decided to join them. “On the drive to Wilmington, my husband and I agreed we were just ‘looking’ this trip,” Carol recalls. But after visiting the area and exploring Brunswick Forest, Carol and her husband left with a signed contract for their new Logan Homes Townhome in Park Landing III. Nine months later, they were settled into their beautiful new home, alongside friends who had also chosen Brunswick Forest as their new community.
For Jan Fear, who spent 47 years in California, the journey to Brunswick Forest was about finding the right place to call home. After years of searching outside California, nothing felt quite right—until they arrived in Wilmington. “We had never made a quick decision in 62 years, but we pulled into Brunswick Forest and we knew we were home,” Jan says. After touring several homes, Jan and her husband found the perfect fit in a Jonesport by Kent Homes, and they signed the contract that very day.
How Did You Two Meet?
The bond between Carol and Jan was forged through a mutual love of crafting. The two first met in December of 2020 at Carol’s first craft fair as a vendor. Carol invited Jan to join as a vendor for an upcoming Craft Fair at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. The pair were placed side by side during the fair, and instantly hit it off, bonding over their shared passion for creating beautiful handmade goods, and sharing a lot of laughs. From that moment, their friendship blossomed. When Jan decided to start a Resident-Sponsored Craft Fair in Brunswick Forest, she knew exactly who to recruit—Carol!
What Crafts Do You Specialize In?
Jan and Carol each bring their own unique skills to the craft scene in Brunswick Forest. Jan specializes in embroidery, creating everything from kitchen and bath towels embroidered with witty sayings to special, one-of-a-kind projects. “One of my most special projects was embroidering a wedding gown while the bride was actually inside of it!” Jan says proudly. Now on her third embroidery machine with over 370 hours of use, Jan’s dedication to her craft shines through in every piece she creates.
Carol, on the other hand, discovered her love for wreath-making after moving to Brunswick Forest in 2018. Unable to find the perfect wreath for her new home, she took matters into her own hands. “I found inspiration and decided to make one myself,” she recalls. From there, she fell in love with wreath-making and began crafting for every holiday and occasion. In 2020, she began selling her custom creations and even started offering wreath-making classes, guiding others in creating their own personalized masterpieces.
What Should Residents Expect at the Second Annual Resident Craft Fair?
The Second Annual Brunswick Forest Spring Craft Fair is just around the corner, and it promises to be an exciting event for all attendees. “This year, we have an incredible group of vendors lined up,” says Carol. “We limit each category to two vendors to ensure there is a wide variety of crafts for everyone to enjoy.” From pottery and books to crochet purses and oyster shell art, this year’s fair will feature a diverse selection of handmade goods. You can also look forward to finding unique items such as birdhouses, charcuterie and pizzas for animals, and even painted silk scarves!
Jan and Carol have worked hard to keep the fair affordable for vendors and have recruited artisans from other craft fairs to bring a diverse range of art forms to the event. The fair is free for guests to attend. Mark your calendars for April 6th and April 13th, 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm each day at the Leland Room at the Brunswick Forest Welcome Center. Each day will showcase different vendors, so you’ll want to come back to explore everything the fair has to offer.
What Advice Do You Have for Others Considering a Move to Brunswick Forest?
For anyone considering a move to Brunswick Forest, Carol and Jan have some heartfelt advice. “You can be as active and involved as you choose,” Carol says. “There are so many activities here, and if you can’t find the right group for your interests, you can always start your own—just like we did!”
Jan adds, “One of the first things I noticed when we visited was that everyone waves at one another. It’s such a welcoming community.” Carol chimes in, “It’s a tight-knit community. People here are kind, and we truly take care of one another.”
One example of this close-knit community spirit is the use of meal trains, where neighbors help one another during difficult times. “We have a strong support system here,” Carol reflects. “You can make friends quickly, and it feels like you’re never without anyone.”
Join the Fun and Visit Brunswick Forest
If you’re considering a move to Brunswick Forest, there’s no better time than now to explore all this wonderful community has to offer. Join us for the Coastal Homes Showcase Weekend from April 10-13 or explore Brunswick Forest at your own pace with the Coastal Discovery Package. And don’t miss the Second Annual Brunswick Forest Spring Craft Fair on April 6th and 13th—it’s a special event that promises fun, creativity, and the chance to connect with your neighbors!
Come see why Brunswick Forest is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
