This is my latest “Ullapool/Ardmair” inspired piece. I wanted this textural necklace to capture the atmospheric beauty of the monochromatic grey days and the grey pebble beaches, punctuated by the yellow/green of the seaweed and the lichen on the rocks.
The necklace is made from grey, taupe and white Merino with just a hint of yellow added. It was embellished with Colonial knots made using Madeira metallic threads.
I’ve just been informed that we still have spaces left on my Needle Felted Mushroom Workshop which will be held in Alford on the 9th February. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners as well as those who have experience of felting. If you would like to book please contact the Alford Craft Market via their website http://www.alfordcraftmarket.co.uk or call Lynne on 01507 463341.
A few months ago I came across a tutorial on making a Child’s Elf Hat. It was written in Russian but the photographs were self-explanatory and I’ve had it in mind to make one ever since seeing it, and here it is. If ever I get inspired by someone else’s work I will always credit them with a mention but unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t make a note of this persons website and I haven’t been able to find it since! If you happen to know where I might have seen this please let me know so I can add a credit.
In the tutorial the hat was made in a solid colour using a yellow or orange Merino. I wanted a mottled effect so decided to make the hat in white and colour it afterwards.
Normally you would colour wool using acid dyes but for this hat I experimented with a combination of Inktense and acrylic paint, both of which are colourfast once they have dried. I found that when the acrylic paint is sufficiently watered down it will not clog the wool and it retains its soft handle. The only area where I painted it on thickly was at the base of the top “tail”…..I wanted this to be stiffened and the paint certainly did the trick! The Inktense didn’t seem to affect the handle of the wool at all.
The two leaves and stalk were made from green Merino and copper coloured Tussah silk and stitched in place. I’ve started adding Colonial knots……I love Colonial knots so there could be a lot more of these added before I consider the hat finished!
This is a hat I made last weekend in Ipswich where I attended a wonderful wet felting workshop with international feltmaker Annemie Koenen. Annemie had come over to the UK from her home in the Netherlands to deliver a three-day workshop for Region 7 of the IFA and I wasn’t going to miss it as it’s always a real pleasure to work with her.
The wool I used was a beautiful Merino and silk blend which Annemie dyes in her studio. This is only my third hat and it’s been fascinating making them as each one has involved a different technique, learnt from different tutors. This design is by far the most flamboyant and I’m looking forward to showing it at the Big Textile Show at the end of the month.
This little 3D piece, made from grey Merino and found objects, is the first of a collection of pieces I am planning to make with the theme Memories of Ullapool…
The next piece, Rock Pool, is approximately 38cm diameter made from Bergschaf, Merino and found objects and features shibori, resists, inlays and stitching….
Today saw the first of my workshops at the Alford Craft Market Centre. Alford Craft Market is a not for profit organisation promoting quality Lincolnshire Crafts run entirely by volunteers. The shop is stocked with a wide variety of hand-made items including ceramics, felting, textiles and jewellery to name just a few. There are always a variety of classes and workshops to choose from including pottery and glass, felting, textiles, etc. Classes are held in the Big Lottery funded studio at the rear of the Craft Market Shop.
I had five ladies in the studio today making Tyvek Leaves. It was a lovely group and a relaxing day, this is how they got on…..
Annie’s leaf
Jo’s leaf
Rose’s leaf
Allison’s leaf
Molly’s leaf
Next month we may be using some Tyvek again along with various other materials including Lutradur, Vilene, cellophane, fabric, paper and found objects when we spend the day creating with mixed media.
When I’m teaching workshops I get a lot of satisfaction from motivating students and from seeing their finished work, but not everyone gets to finish their project in class. So I get particularly excited when someone takes the time to photograph their finished piece and email it to me. This week I’ve recieved images of Jane and Pams Tyvek Leaves, beautifully executed and framed, which they created at the workshop in Billinghay last week.
Also Deborah sent me this photo of her wonderful Bergschaf wall hanging which was made at the workshop in East Keswick earlier this month.
A beautifully illustrated book showcasing the versatility of felt.
One of my favourite books is 500 Felt Objects by Lark Crafts. It isn’t a “how to” book…..it’s more of a “wow, just look at this, it’s made of felt” type book. It’s crammed with inspirational photographs of beautiful work showcasing the versatility of felt. It’s a must for anyone passionate about this medium. Page 209 features a fabulous bag created by Irit Dulman using Bergschaf and Norwegian wool.
Irit Dulman bag created from Bergschaf and Norwegian wool
This is my small grey/green Bergschaf clutch bag inspired by Irit’s bag.
My second bag is my favourite. It has a lower relief and a more mottled colouring which I am really pleased with.
Mottled Irit Dulman inspired Clutch bag
Tyvek leaf with metallic thread and beading.
I’ve just got back from spending a wonderful day with Jacky Hopkin and her group of ladies who meet at Waltham Windmill on the outskirts of Grimsby. I was invited over to teach them the technique of making a Tyvek Leaf using coloured fabric Tyvek and a wire armature.
Once again we ended up with a variety of different shapes and colours, each one very different to the next, and each leaf will look beautiful when the stitching and beading has been added. The ladies will finish these off at home and bring them back to their meeting next month for a “show and tell”.
Many thanks to Jackie and the group for inviting me over and thank you to Brenda for providing me with a delicious lunch! I shall look forward to seeing you all again.
Lincs In Stitches 