currently living: in Hagerstown MD.

clubs/activities/affiliations : Leader of the Eco Etsy Street Team, Member of the FAST Street Team.

how long have you been crafting? :

I have been creative my whole life. I remember getting an easel when I was 8 yrs. old to paint on. I got serious with my craft and decided this is what I wanted to do with my life about 4 years ago.

can you describe your creative process?

It’s really quite simple. I see everyday objects and I think to myself, “Hm, wonder if I can recreate that into felt?” I often get ideas when I’m trying to sleep. I can’t turn my brain off. I’m drawn to color as well. Some ideas come from the color of a yarn alone.

favorite songs/radio stations/t.v. shows to craft to?:

I find Jack Johnson to be very soothing and stimulating to my mind. If I’m in my car, I enjoy some good ol’ Rolling Stones and some Clutch to name a few. I’m slightly obsessed with the Food Network. It’s usually the first channel I turn to. I’m a fan of Martha Stewart too. She may be stiff but you can’t deny, she has some great ideas.

one piece of advice you would give to anyone looking to start a craft business?:

Wow, I could write a book about this one. Patience would most likely be the best advice. I learned that the hard way. Make like a sponge and consume all the free and helpful advice you can get. Promote your butt off! Take notes, read articles, blogs, and other crafting sites to educate yourself about the Indie market before you jump in. The more you learn and know to start out with, the more successful you will be.

favorite local crafter/craft business?:

I’m digging the Charm City Craft Mafia right now. I hope to one day be a member, if time permits. Or if I even qualify to be a member.

My local yarn store is a saint to me. They expect me every Friday for my weekly visit. I’m from a rather small town that doesn’t have much in the way of “craft businesses” however we do house a mean beading store called Potomac Bead Company. I did some consigning there in my jewelry days.

when you are not in the studio, what can we find you doing?:

Sleeping is always good. I run myself so ragged sometimes that I forget to eat or sleep. Second I would say, shooting pool at the local bar, reading, and blogging. You can be sure to find me at a pool during the summer.

3 links we should check out:

My blog of course: http://projectfelt.blogspot.com. I feature a new etsy seller each week. I also have a passion for Eco practices and try to educate my readers on the importance of being more green.

Design Sponge is a must daily read too. This is an inspiration for me to one day have a blog like this.

And lastly, My favorite store to shop at, anthropologie.com. I get lots of great design ideas from there as well.

3 books we should read:

Crafting Inc. By Meg Meteo Ilasco
The Green Book By Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen
The Guardian By Nicolas Sparks

3 movies we should see:

House of 1000 Corpses
Waiting
The Devil’s Rejects

3 Baltimore places we should check out:

Charm City Cakes! ( my favorite FN show)
The inner Harbor of course
Fletchers bar upstairs when awesome Indie bands are playing. The best time ever.

anything you would like to add?:

Not much, just a big thank you to the CCCM for this feature. You are a truly an inspiration to all. thanks

thank you so much tara!! that’s tara up there with her boyfriend marshall.

please feel free to leave a comment or question by clicking here Thanks!