Friday Interview with ViltalaKim

Today we get to meet Kim from viltalakim. She is a brand new member and I think you'll enjoy getting to meet our new thread sister from the Netherlands.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how and when did you get started with arts and crafts?

I am Kim, aged 33, happily married, I have 2 girls(5 and 7) and live in The Netherlands.

I have a job as a florist teacher and my pupils are 14- 17 years old. It's a nice job to do, but to relax, I love (and need) to make felt.

Ever since I was a little girl I was always crafty, making things, creating, origami, little knitting, little simple sewing, little crocheting, working with beads, etc. My other passion at that time was classical ballet, which I tried to do at professional level. But unfortunately my body didn't have the right shape for that.... So I started an education to become a florist teacher. After working in a flowershop and making flower arrangements for 10 years I looked for a job as a teacher. During a Summer vacation in Sweden my friend introduced me in to the world of wet felting. I was immediately hooked to it!!!! At home I tried a lot by myself but also followed special felting workshops.

What is the main thing you make and sell in your shop? What else do you make or sell?

The main thing I make and sell in my store are wet felted crowns, animals and shawls. I have plans to make some more children mittens and hats as well. At the moment I have made some Christmas trees and I love to experiment a lot.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from my children, nature and my surroundings. I often dream about an item how to make it. When I start making it ,it will be just the way I thought it would be. I also work very intuitive. I use colors that fit to the season.

What are your favorite materials?

Woolroving fibers of course! I have Gotland wool and Merino wool which I love to use because it's so soft and felts perfect. To make felt I also need soap and my favorite is 100% pure olive soap. It is gentle to my hands and smells good.

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers and those interested in opening up a shop?

Just do it! I have doubted for about a year now, before I opened an etsy shop, but I should have done it sooner. It's great fun, sending my items all over the world! And filling a shop is not that difficult.

My tip to beginners in Wet-felting: make samplers with different kinds of wool, so you'll now how much shrinkage that wool has, otherwise your item will be to small or stay to big. When you place layers of wool fibers, make them evenly thick. The thinner laid out, the more shrinkage.

What is your Etsy shop address and name? Where else can we find you?

My shop is http://viltalakim.etsy.com

I have not yet made my own website or blog, maybe in the future........

Shopname = Vilt Г la Kim. Vilt means felt in Dutch.

Thanks so much Kim! Next week meet my new co-writer for the Friday blog, huesofnature!
'til then, take care! Cynthia
http://fairiesnest.etsy.com