Harlan was born in Michigan to a family that was deeply involved with the arts. Growing up in the shadow of Cranbrook Art Academy, life was filled with art, and artists. It was a way of life.

Harlan studied various art forms both in and out of school. She formally studied in Boston and Detroit, but dropped out of college to pursue her own passion for painting. Teaching herself both encaustic and oil painting, Harlan had several one woman shows in the Birmingham Michigan area. Her paintings have won numerous awards and won Honorable Mention in the Kennedy Best of Michigan Artists and Artisans.

More than three years ago, Harlan took up needle felting. As with any of her artistic pursuits, she put in great effort to master this young art form. Her “Prittens” (small needle felted sculptures of cats) are collected internationally and her publications include Needle Felting – To the Point and Needle Felting – To the Point 2.