Our Story
In response to life-changing circumstances, Julie Verhelst, forever
the designer and creator of anything novel, came up with a new use
for all the alpaca fiber that had been collecting in her basement
for eight years. Not only had she found another way to diversify the
farm (Sunny Meade Alpacas, Ltd. in Swanton, Ohio), but she would
develop a source of extra income to support herself and the farm. Julie,
and her sister Kimberly Buechner Fouse, also an alpaca breeder, launched
a “sister” company in addition to their livestock businesses. Hence,
the birth of All Things Alpaca, LLC, and its first endeavor, bird
nesting balls from alpaca fiber.
In December 2014, the Alpaca Fleece-filled Bird Nesting Ball® became
a registered trademark. In November 2016, the Alpaca Fleece-filled
Bird Nesting Ball® became patented. So, what is this nesting
ball and what makes alpaca fiber so special as a nesting material?
Each four-inch ball is made from grapevines, and hand-filled with
at least three colors of fiber (alpacas come in 22 natural colors).
The fiber that is used in the ball is typically from the seconds
that are shorn from the animal each year. (No animal is harmed to
secure the fiber.) The seconds are normally too short or not the
quality used in the production of fine garments. The nesting ball
hangs from a jute rope in a tree and blends into the environment.
Alpaca, a hollow fiber, wicks water and when wet, quickly dries to
its natural fluffy state. The delicate fiber, unlike some nesting
materials, is easily used by birds and does not attract predators
to the nest. The chickadees and titmice, in particular, enjoy it!
All Things Alpaca, LLC has partnered with area schools and supports
programs for young adults with developmental disabilities. Many of
our Alpaca Fleece-filled Bird Nesting Ball®s are made by individuals
with epilepsy and/or developmental disabilities as part of a Vocational
Activity Program. The Nesting Ball project helps contribute to this
unique 'in-house' programming that encourages motor skill development,
focus, creativity and builds self-esteem.
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The good deeds of Sunny Meade Alpacas at Safe
Haven Farms featured in Alpacas Magazine. Click Here
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