Our LynnValleyLife editor discovered Holly Choi’s felted creatures through the international website, etsy.com, and was happy to find their creator lived right here in Lynn Valley. She was even more delighted that Holly was able to make her a customized felt ornament that very evening! Here’s a bit more about one of our local craftspeople:
How long have you lived in Lynn Valley?
Since August 2012, but I’ve always been a North Shore girl. I grew up in Canyon Heights and recently moved back to North Vancouver after living in Richmond with my husband Chris for the past two years. We’ve fallen head over heels for Lynn Valley and never want to leave!
How would describe the type of art you create?
Needle felting. Needle felting doesn’t require anything but a needle and wool. I like the art because of its simplicity and its lack of waste – every single fiber can be used so you’re not creating a ton of scrap when you felt.
What’s your ‘artistic journey’ been to date?
I’ve always been a DIY kind of girl. I recently got married – in September 2012 – and my invitations, décor and favors were all handmade. A friend of mine actually got me a few needle-felted figures when she went to visit her family in Oregon and I thought to myself, I could probably do this! So I decided to give it a try, and so far so good!
What do you do with your finished pieces?
Many of them go to friends and family, and the rest I put up on Etsy – an e-commerce website with a huge community of artists.
I recently made a creation for the DAVIDsTEA shop I frequent in Edgemont Village – they loved it so much they sent it along to HQ and had it published in the corporate newsletter!
Can you tell us a bit about your ‘day job’?
I actually work for a medical software company as a software trainer. When I come home from work I love to break out the wool and create something.
How can people see or learn more about your work?
I post all my work online at www.etsy.com/shop/raincityfelt and I’ve also started a Facebook page, where I post photos of my work along with discounts! www.facebook.com/raincityfelt . I can be contacted through either page.