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Etsy Shop Spotlight: My Felt Garden

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Ajibike Lapite Student Contributor, Princeton
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Princeton chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

 

Fashion Icons Credited To and Used With the Permission of Jessica

Introduction
We know what everyone says about Princeton fashion. They say that we all look like we stepped out of a J. Crew catalog; now that isn’t a problem, but the lack of diversity in our stylings is an issue. Where is the fashion experimentation? Where is our drive to dress to impress?–dead with the flowers held hostage under the snow. Believe it or not, spring is soon to come which means new clothes. I don’t think that we intentionally fall into the roles of J. Crew models, but what else do we know? Trendy has become the way of life in almost all stores. Modcloth, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters are more similar than they ever were before. Unique pieces are hard to find. Enter Etsy. Etsy connects the sellers with the buyers in a unique way. Hand-made products, that are one-of-a-kind and often custom-made, are not only really unique but perfect for Princeton collegiettes. In the upcoming weeks we will highlighting our most recent favorite shops on Etsy!

My Felt Garden owned by Debbie Powell (Princeton, New Jersey)
My Felt Garden lives up to its name. From barrettes to inventive headbands, Debbie Powell recreates nature in cute accessories that are not only girly but happy as well. The sweet things of nature, the blue of the sky, the grace of birds, and the dainty beauty of flowers are sources of Debbie’s inspiration. Her craftmanship and passion for her work make her shop an amazing find on Etsy!

Her Campus Princeton: When and why did you begin My Felt Garden?
Debbie Powell: I began my felt shop just a couple of months ago. I like handcrafting with a needle and seeing what little flower emerges. Felt was an easy element to do just that, and I can create all kinds of fun little flower items with no pattern. I never know what I’m going to end up with, until I’m well into a project. The reason I chose this type of craft, is the travel-ability of it. (And of course, what girl doesn’t like flowers?) I’m a flight attendant so can’t possibly take a sewing machine, patterns or a lot of extra weight with me on my layovers. I’ve made these little flowers in London, Paris, Brussels, Dublin, etc. It keeps my mind creative and gives me something to do in my room after I’ve taken my walk.
Her Campus Princeton: Is My Felt Garden your own Etsy project?
Debbie Powell: I actually have two stores on Etsy. The other is a beaded lanyard and jewelry store, Gingerbead Boutique.
Her Campus Princeton: We have to admit that Gingerbead Boutique is a very clever name! How would you describe My Felt Garden in one word?
Debbie Powell: Happy
Her Campus Princeton: And finally, why should every Princeton collegiette know about My Felt Garden?
Debbie Powell: It is fun to be a girl, and if putting a flower on our hat or purse, or wearing them in our hair makes us smile, then my shop has a purpose.

Our Favorite My Felt Garden Items

Visit My Felt Garden here!
Make sure to stay tuned for the giveaway! Remember that the “code word” is underlined.

Ajibike Lapite is a member of Princeton University’s Class of 2014. When not studying, Ajibike tutors at the Young Scholar’s Institute in Trenton, NJ; serves as the President  of the Princeton Premedical Society; is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Princeton; currently holds the title of Most Stylish Undergraduate (from Stylitics). Ajibike is a  molecular biology major with a certificate in global health & policy. She enjoys consumption of vanilla ice cream and sweet tea, watching games of criquet, exploring libraries, lusting after Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe, watching far too much television, editing her novel, staying watch at the mailbox, playing tennis and golf in imitation of the pros, hanging out with the best friends she’s ever had, baking cookies that aren’t always awesome, being Novak Djokovic’s fan girl, and sleeping—whenever and wherever she can.