What is the story behind the Nestling Company?
The Nestling Company began at my kitchen table in Waldoboro, Maine, during my early days as a stay-at-home mom in a new state. Sewing quickly became a creative outlet, and I started making baskets to organize toys and bring beauty into our daily routine. As our family grew, so did our time outdoors, and I found myself constantly carrying the treasures my children gathered. That’s when I stitched the first Evergreen Foraging Basket, designed just for little hands. It resonated far beyond our home and became the heart of my business.
From there, I began creating story-based craft kits to inspire connection and creativity, and eventually expanded to carry a curated collection of heirloom-quality toys, books, and craft materials—beautiful, sustainable pieces that reflect the kind of childhood I believe in: simple, slow, and rooted in wonder.
What makes a great foraging basket for little explorers? Walk us through the process of making one of your baskets, from start to finish.
A great foraging basket is lightweight, easy to carry, and just the right size for tiny hands. It should feel sturdy enough for pinecones and pebbles but gentle enough for leaves and flowers.
Making a basket begins with choosing natural cotton, hemp, or flax linen rope. I sew each one on my sewing machine, coiling and shaping as I go while making sure the structure is firm and the strap is fitted for a child to carry comfortably. Each basket is one of a kind, made with care, and meant to be loved through many seasons of collecting.
How does your own relationship with nature shape the products you create?
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of geocaching with my dad: hiking through the woods, following clues, and feeling the thrill of discovery. It taught me early on that nature holds secrets, stories, and treasures for those who slow down and look closely. That sense of wonder has stayed with me, and it’s deeply woven into the things I create. Whether it’s a foraging basket or a craft kit, I want each item to feel like an invitation to explore and connect. I choose 100% natural materials like wool, cotton, and wood because they reflect the world I want children to fall in love with: imperfect, beautiful, and alive with possibilities.
Why do you think it’s important to give children tools to connect with the natural world?
Nature comes without instructions, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful for children. It invites exploration, creativity, and confidence in a way that structured toys or screens often can’t. Outside, there’s no right or wrong way to play. A stick can be a sword, a spoon, or a flagpole. A muddy path can lead to a dragon’s cave or a fairy’s garden.
When we give children simple tools like a basket, a magnifying glass, or just our unhurried presence, we give them permission to follow their instincts, take risks, and build a relationship with the world around them that lasts far beyond childhood.
What advice do you have for parents who want to get their kids outside more often?
Start small and follow their lead. You don’t need an agenda or a perfect trail. Just open the door and step out together. One thing that’s helped us is simply taking what we already love to do indoors (crafts, reading, writing, etc.) and bringing it outdoors. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a shift in setting can make everyday activities feel like an adventure. Don’t worry if it’s messy or imperfect. Some of our best memories come with damp socks, mud-caked fingernails, and even scraped knees.
"Nature holds secrets, stories, and treasures for those who slow down and look closely."