Get To Know: April of Felt-o-rama
Please show our sponsors some love. Time to learn more about a gal behind a felty business…
Meet April of Felt-o-rama:
Name: April
Business Name: Felt-o-rama
Where are you located?
Charlotte, NC
What is it that you design and create?
My shop, Felt-o-rama, specializes in all things felt! I currently carry 4 various types of felt (woven felted wool, wool blend felt, recycled eco-felt, 3mm industrial wool felt) in over 80 colors. In addition to felt squares and yardage, Felt-o-rama also has a great selection of felt embellishments, craft books, patterns, along with embroidery and needle felting supplies.
How did you come up with your business name?
The name Felt-o-rama popped in my head early on when I was planning the business and it just felt right to me. It was important that the name I chose state the purpose of my business very clearly. To me ‘Felt-o-rama’ says it all – everything felt!
Where/How did this all begin?
A couple of years ago, I wanted to create t-shirts with felt appliqués and had a difficult time finding high-quality felt in fresh and vibrant colors. The selection at local craft stores and online sources left me disappointed. I knew that I couldn’t be alone in this search for felt and Felt-o-rama was born! The response has been fantastic since the online shop opened in Summer 2008, and I’m lucky enough to have some of the nicest customers around!
Who or what inspires you?
The simplicity, versatility, and color range of felt never ceases to inspire me. My other favorite sources of inspiration are vintage patterns and craft books (the kitschy-er the better!), browsing handmade creations on flickr and Etsy, and the many incredible crafting blogs out there.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Every felt crafter must own a rotary cutter and pinking shears. I rely on my rotary cutter and mat on a daily basis. The Olfa zigzag, wave, and scallop rotary blades are my favorites. Rotary cutters are super-sharp. Be very careful when using these or you’ll end up with band-aids on your fingers!
What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
I love to listen to bubblegum pop from the 60’s when crafting and filling orders – The Monkees, The Zombies, The Hollies. It’s such fun and cheerful music that has me singing and dancing in no time.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Project Runway is the one t.v. show that I look forward to each year. I can’t wait until season 6 this August! The over-the-top drama and weekly fashion challenges keep me hooked. Isn’t about time that Project Runway has a FELT challenge?!
What was the last movie you watched?
The Women – the 1939 version with Joan Crawford! This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The fashion show alone – the only color scenes in the movie – are worth watching over and over again.
What’s your favorite food?
It’s hard to beat a beautiful plate of sushi – especially with soy wrappers.
What’s your favorite candy?
Haribo Gummy Raspberries and Twizzlers
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! My current favorite concoction is Rooibos with honey and cream.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Anthropologie is the stuff that my dreams are made of. The store always smells heavenly, too!
Any pets?
My husband and I have 4 sweet and endlessly entertaining kitties – Simon, Tudy, Sophie, and Duncan. We recently took beekeeping classes and hope to have a hive of bees as our next ‘pet’!
What are your plans for 2009?
On the personal front – We’re having a baby this fall, so I plan on sewing up a storm in the meantime!
On the business front – I’m expanding the Felt-o-rama product line to include felt food kits and felt ribbon from Japan. There are so many great products out there and it can be a challenge to determine which items will be most exciting for my customers.
Thanks so much, April! I’m sure everyone can agree when I say that we’re all super excited for you with your personal and business expansions for 2009!
Wool Felt Dogwood Flower: $3.99; Recycled Eco-Felt 27 Color Bundle: $13.99:
Woolpets Needle Felting Kit – Hedgehog: $15.99; Wool Felt Mini Beads – Cool Colors: $3.99:
Wool Felt Leaves: $4.99; Cute Felt Fruit & Vegetables Book: $19.95:
Mixed Plate readers can enjoy 10% off now through May 20, 2009. Simply enter “mixedplate” as the coupon code during checkout.
Share
aloha! i’m Liana. this is my site. i am not a professional writer. i pretty much just write the way i talk. it’s fun meeting new online friends and introducing these amazing artists. i’ll do my best to keep you entertained.
Just wanted to say Congrats, April!!
I’m glad I got to learn a little more about you! Keep up the good work with your shop!!
[...] Georgia Peach added an interesting post today on Get To Know: April of Felt-o-ramaHere’s a small readingPlease show our sponsors some love. Time to learn more about a gal behind a felty business… Meet April of Felt-o-rama: Name: April Business Name: Felt-o-rama Where are you located? Charlotte, NC What is it that you design and create? My shop, Felt-o-rama, specializes in all things felt! I… [...]
[...] Mixed Plate » Blog Archive » Get To Know: April of Felt-o-rama [...]