Felt in the Forest

Winter group exhibiton

2012-01-18T06:45:00.001-08:00

Its been a long time since I blogged...it all seems very different to last time. On Sunday 22nd January 12 till 4 I will be at a "Meet the Maker" day at The Gallery, Lockton near Pickering North Yorkshire. There are four very diverse exhibitors, showing painting, mixed media, jewellery and feltwork. Lockton is a pretty village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, The Gallery has an upstairs coffee shop and Gallery. If you are in the area, pop in and say hello....

New Craft Market dates...

2011-09-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

Workshop results this week....

2011-04-04T10:13:00.001-07:00

The workshop was loosely titled Little Creatures but everyone was encouraged to design their own resist pattern and prefelts and create something unique. Here are some of their results, although not completely finished as they were to continue embellishing the next day.

Changing direction

2011-03-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hat making Workshop 16th July 2011

2011-03-12T02:31:00.001-08:00

Next hat making workshop will be on Saturday 16th July 2011 at The Dutch House Crayke near York full details on my website www.jennypepper.com

Also I will be at Preston on Saturday 30th April with the regional IFA group hat making. I think this may be open to non members, email for details.

Beachcombing

2011-03-07T07:30:00.001-08:00

Spiky Frilly Vessels Workshop

2011-03-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Had a great day yesterday experimenting with vessels with the addition of spikes,frills and craters. Everyone produced a totally individual vessel and I was really excited by the results. Two newcomers had never made felt before, they had amazing results. I took some photos, still not my best skill, but hope it captures the individuality of the results....

Textiles on the Coast

2011-02-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our group exhibition is now in place in a lovely setting here on the North Yorkshire Coast.

If you are visiting the Scarborough area you may like to visit our current exhibition of felt work, textiles and art quilts, perhaps have a coffee and cake too!

18-Feb to 9th March

"Textiles on the Coast" Group Exhibition:

Marion Atkinson, Christine Heath and Jenny Pepper .

At the Coast Cafe Gallery, Mill Lane, Cloughton, near Scarborough.

Mon - Wed:11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Thursday

Coastival 2011

2011-01-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Busy,busy, busy for Coastival 2011
http://www.coastival.com/events/details/123-textiles-on-the-coast.html

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T05:07:00.001-08:00

Another year dawns, thoughts and plans are germinating, its an exciting time. Wishing you all a peaceful,healthy and creative year ahead.

Jenny

Happy Christmas everyone.....

2010-12-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

Textiles on the Coast

2010-12-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to early next year with a joint exhibition at The Coast Gallery Cloughton near Scarborough. This is a lovely space with the bonus of a Coffee Shop!

"Textiles on the Coast" is an exciting collaboration between three local artists,
Jenny Pepper, Marion Atkinson and Christine Heath. They will be exhibiting at the
Coast Gallery , Cloughton, which is an excellent venue for their work .It will
concentrate on the varied and dramatic aspects of the north east coast. Jenny's
inspiration is taken from the natural world and incorporates found objects and uses
natural fibres to create traditional and innovative feltmaking techniques. Marion's
work is influenced by the abstract qualities of found objects and results in highly
textured sculptural wall hangings. Christine's art is influenced by the changing
light and weather patterns and is based on layered and stitched fabrics , producing
abstract works and art - quilts.

Full details are on Coastival Web site

Winter Seeds

2010-12-14T01:47:00.000-08:00

These were seeds along my lane which I have been using for a project.
The snow arrived....
More snow fell....
The seeds were dusted....

I love the white coating...my project is changing.

Vessels Workshop

2010-11-15T03:03:00.001-08:00

Had a great day on Saturday with twelve keen feltmakers on the Freaky Vessels workshop. Everyone had their own ideas and we spent the day hard at work realising those designs. Everyone had a successful but tiring day. I took photos but unfortunately that's not one of my best skills and some didn't quite capture the lovely feltwork. Here a few to give you an idea of what was created.
,

Looking forward to Saturdays workshop at the Dutch House Crayke near York. Dutch House

Flare Art Market Sunday 14th November 2010

2010-11-06T10:05:00.001-07:00

I will have a stand with Jackie Lunn on Sunday 14th November at the Tithe Barn Nether Poppleton near York. Cant believe another year has flown by since I was last there. If you are passing, pop in and say hello, its free entrance and the cakes are gorgeous!

Still Marrakech memories...

2010-09-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

The overall colour memory is pinkish, flaky weathered plaster walls.
Warm red rust decor contrasting with brasses and metals. Studded elaborate doors.
Surprising interiors to simple exteriors. Cafe Arabe, a favourite place to eat on the rooftop with welcome cooling water sprays overhead.
The Square where we could co ordinate our routes to and from. Pink and low rise.
The city walls weathered with time, the holes which I thought were battlescars are in fact drilled for scafolding to repair when required.
The Mosque towering above the City. Planning rules do exist, nothing is to be higher than the tower of the Mosque.
Beautiful balconies hang from the buildings.
Cafe Arabes welcoming lanterns.
The palace corridor. White and pure, simple tiled flooring.
Everyday shopping for food deep in he Souk.
Jardin Marjorelles, an Oasis midst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Marrakech Treasures

2010-09-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have finally got round to sorting my photos into some sort of order, these are some fibre and craft goodies. We visited the Dyers Souk and took some colourful pictures. I did attempt to buy some dyed wool in a small quantity(it smelt very unusual) but the young man was determined to sell me a large quantity for lots of money. As I walked away he shouted "you very bad tourist" and moved onto the next curious passer by. It somehow wasn't intimidating though as bartering appears to be one big game in their daily life.
he gave various little impromptu demonstrations of his magic dye that changed colour on contact. His hands were a very interesting shade.

These were just some of the many felt hats we saw. These in particular were well made and attractively coloured. A lot we saw in the Souks was a little less so.
The feltmakers at the Artisan Centre were all men and they sat crouched all day on stools at low tables in barefeet, rubbing with soap bars on the wool. I asked about the wool and was told it came from the mountains, it was fairly coarse and even when well felted there was a hairy finish to the surface. After a short chat in my poor french and mixed english, he handed me his business card.
Driving to the Atlas Mountains for a short trek we stopped at a pottery and tred carefully between the biggest collection I have ever seen.The footpath was broken pottery shards.

These were large urns, some with cut work others with lids.

This was their kiln ready and waiting to fire. There were 2 kilns, a traditional and a gas kiln. Apparently they supplied a lot of the market stalls in the Souks, the pots were not for sale to us, sadly.
I asked to take all photos of people we met, not everyone agreed, some were happy to. We respected that, so on the occasion we did a couple was all we felt we could take. These 3 men were warping a loom , the warping threads were extremly taught and yet most of their euipment was very homemade. There was a cycle wheel spinning wheel next to the loom.
In the mountains we came across men carving alabaster sat cross legged on the floor outdoors, but under a canopy, it was scorching hot. My son bought a camel, after a long , long, barter. I bought a bangle which was quite clearly yellow resin, very pretty, and I was very happy with it, but he insisted I had bought a beautiful Amber bracelet...

My next group of pictures is the beautiful architecture and interiors. It will probably take me another month to get round to it. Even though photos are digital and instant, organising takes me as long as it used to take me to stick photos in a holiday album! (truth be told, some old photos are still waiting to go in an album.)

My dream Marrakech at 50

2010-08-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have dreamt of visiting Marrakech, it conjoured up a mystical magical atmosphere, somehow out of reach. My special birthday arrived all too quickly, I was in a strange place, happy but sad, how time flies. My wonderful husband surprised me with a trip to Marrakech, I burst into tears, he didnt know why, but it was with joy not sadness. We arrived at the airport to be met by a driver and quickly were driven to the Medina. A member of staff met us on foot at the gateway to the Medina and helped carry our bags and guide us to the Riad. We were grateful he was there, it wasnt a journey to take alone, unguided in an unfamiliar maze of alleyways. We eventually wound our way throught the alleys and arrived at a darker alley below.

We stopped at the door and recognised the name on the brass plate which was highly polished in the dismal surroundings. I was thinking about where we were and what were we doing in this shady alley, what was behind the door? It was all booked over the internet, how trusting, but I think we all are in this evershrinking world of the web.
The door was opened and we were greeted by Fatima in her Jellabah looking so elegant and I breathed a sigh of relief as I started to take in our surroundings, it was breathtaking. Just as I always imagined a Riad to be.
We sat in the courtyard and drank mint tea, ate maccaroons with almonds and read trendy guides on Hip Marrakech. Music played in the background and rose petals adorned every surface.
The fabrics were gorgeous, yards and yards draped, flowing and wispy.
There were two courtyards with balconies around and rooms off the balcony through carved doorways. Steps in our suite led up to a tiled bathroom and sunken bath.
The bedroom was curtained and quite magical. Beautiful woven rugs on the floors and walls.
Our son had a second room within all to himself and there was a sitting area with a chess board, bowls of exotic nuts and dried fruit and fresh oranges daily. It was truly unlike anywhere I had ever visited before. Softly in the background we could hear the call to prayer. This was a magical way to celebrate.

More pics to follow, some textile related.

Ryedale Open Exhibition

2010-07-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

I was extra happy to have a piece of feltwork accepted in this years Open Exhibition at Malton Milton Rooms. When we visited it was market day and couldnt resist a picture of the sheep. Mixed emotions though as to their destiny, but I told myself they were on their way to a lovely green field. The exhibition was bursting, unfortunately no photos allowed. So here is the venue! There is a huge creative community in Ryedale, the selection and variety was broad ranging. Certainly something for everyone.
I have collected my work now as the exhibition is over, but it is the starting point for a new body of work for a big exhibition early next year.

Etsy revisited....

2010-07-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Decided to have another go at listing on Etsy. I now remember why I stopped listing before. It takes me so long. I think possibly the problem is me!

Anyway, I have listed some Beginners Felt Kits and may have a go at trying to list some hand dyed fibres later in the week.

On the down side I have just lost a filling whilst typing this and eating an ice cream! Yet another dentist visit. Whilst at Woolfest I cracked my front tooth and lost the corner of it when I got home. I'm just falling apart.

Vessels Workshop 12th September

2010-06-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to lead a workshop at a wonderful new venue at The Dutch House Crayke near York/Easingwold, North Yorkshire on Sunday 12th September. The workshop will be a bit different in that you will learn two techniques in one day. During the morning we will make a small bag and in the afternoon we will make a small vessel. Cecile of the Dutch House will provide a lovely lunch all included in the price. The workshop is suitable for all levels even if you have never made felt before. This is ideal if you are short of free days as you will leave at the end of the day having acquired two new feltmaking methods.

The day including lunch, refreshments and equipment required during the workshop is £55 with £5 materials cost. If you would like to book a place you can email me.

Woolfest 2010

2010-06-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

Getting excited now, setting off soon for Woolfest. Im not anywhere near as prepared as I should be, but whatever happens its always a brilliant two days. Theres so much to see and buy I never quite know where to start and I always seem to miss something. This year I will try to have some sort of route around the stands instead of flitting and missing things. Its great having a stand and its lovely to catch up with people, but its really difficult to snatch time to look around thoroughly. Note to self: drink more water this year! and remember to eat....

The Dutch House Open Day

2010-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you live in North Yorkshire you may like to visit The Dutch House, Crayke, near York on Saturday 19th June. The gardens will be officially opened and then the day will have art and craft stands and demos, music and cafe as well as plant sales. I will have a stand and hope to provide feltmaking demos during the Saturday. Come and say hello if you come along.

The Dutch House Crayke, York

Click on picture to enlarge poster.

Bring back mastercrafts

2010-06-11T07:15:00.001-07:00

Thoughtful

2010-03-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

"With money you can't buy wisdom, you can't buy inner peace. Wisdom and inner peace must be created by yourself."
Dalai Lama

New workshop space

2010-03-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

The outside view of the barn workshop where I have started running feltmaking workshops on Fridays. Its in a quiet North Yorkshire village with pretty surroundings and easy parking.

The space I use is the workshop of Ali Breaden who teaches upholstery classes during the rest of the week.

The next workshop is on 30th April, the following date is May 21st.
Full details are here: www.jennypepper.com

Seacell BFL

2010-03-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

SeacellBFL
Originally uploaded by jennypepper

Experiment using BFL blend with Seacell.When felted appears like silk. Very quick to felt.

Hand dyed after felting in subtle Vintage Pink.

Garden Visitor

2009-12-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite garden birds, caught on camera by my husband.

2009-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New year.

Todays drive home from the workshop

2009-12-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

I was driving home the only road there is and was greeted by a beautiful mist hanging over the trees. I jumped out of my car and quickly took some photos. Sadly, they didnt quite capture the atmosphere but will remind me of the moment.

Flare Christmas Markets 2009

2009-12-04T09:52:00.001-08:00

Luckily Jackie Lunn took a few photos of our stand at "Flare" Christmas market a few weeks ago. Yet again I forgot my camera. I'm struggling to upload these in any sort of order to this blog, so what will be will be.

Its good to step back and see the overall view that visitors have at a fair. There is one more fair this Sunday and that's the last fair for this year. It will be at Ripley Town Hall from 11am till 4pm. Lets hope there is no rain this weekend!

I've really enjoyed the events, all have been in interesting buildings which makes for a good show. The homebaked cakes and coffee help too!

Rain didnt stop play...

2009-11-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

The heavens opened and the roads ran like rivers as the drains spouted, reminding me of fountains. That was my journey to the Cemetery on Sunday for the second of the Flare craft markets. I did wonder if anyone would turn up, but, I was surprised to see a constant flow of visitors throughout the day. Had a really good fair, now I must spend the week replenishing stock for next Sunday at Ripley Hotel De Ville. Hope to see you there....

Hotel de Ville, Ripley
Sunday 6th December
11am to 4pm

Getting ready for the Cemetery!!!

2009-11-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Not literally, its the second York Flare Craft Market that is at the cemetery! Pop along on Sunday 11am-4pm if you get chance.

Stumbled on this...

2009-11-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

This is a photo someone has kindly taken of a piece of my work I exhibited earlier in the year, they cropped and cut it for their website. I forgot to take pictures in situ, which is something I regularly do. But when I still have the piece on my wall its not a problem. I really enjoyed making this and have since developed the project further. The piece was actually hung on a white background and the shadows cast by the light worked well. Unfortunately there is no credit on their website, but the work is mine.

Spreading the word for a friend

2009-11-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Friday 27th November 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Saturday 28th November 10.00am - 2.00pm

Great Discounts off Retail Prices. Scarves, Wraps, Felt gifts, 'Beret's by Coco'

All welcome, come and join me at my studio. No obligation.

1/01 Woodend Creative Workspace, The Crescent, Scarborough YO11 2PW

Specialising in 'One Off' Designs. Beautiful Handcrafted Felt Scarves & Wraps.

A friend is holding a pre Christmas sale in her studio this week. All details are above or on website:

http://www.lindseytyson.co.uk/

East Coast Open Exhibition

2009-11-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this article, thought it could be of interest to some of you in the area:

East Coast Open Applications

"You are cordially invited to submit up to 2 pieces of your art work to The East Coast Open at Scarborough Art Gallery. The Exhibition will run from 23rd January to 28th February 2010 and will be selected and curated by Yorkshire based artists Andy Black and Sue Timmins, Stuart Cameron the Director of Crescent Arts and Jan Bee Brown the new Curator of Exhibitions at Scarborough Museums Trust."

"Your work can be in any medium, paintings, photographs, sculpture, textiles (sadly we are unable to accept film). Work should be brought to the gallery between 14th -17th January 2010 10am - 4pm inclusive. Please call into the gallery or contact georgette.donoghue@smtrust.uk.com to ask for an application pack."

"Save the Rainforest" click on the screen shot.....

2009-11-17T01:14:00.001-08:00

York Cemetery...... a day out

2009-11-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

I have a Christmas Craft Fair booked at York Cemetery, not the first venue that springs to mind. I have never been before, I tend to cry when I visit a cemetery, usually an unhappy occasion attached. But, everytime I mention this place, I am surprised to find, people respond saying they enjoy visiting this cemetery. Apparently its well loved and cared for and regular events take place in the Chapel and grounds, such as art exhibitions, music and guided walks. I have found their website and after reading fully I am now quite excited about visiting at Christmas. What a refreshing approach to take, if only all cemeteries were so well tended and respected. They are special, tranquil, moving places, I will try not to cry at the Fair.

The fair organised by Flare, takes place on Sunday 29th November 11am to 4pm. Pop in and say hello if you are in the area. I think there's tea and cakes.

I rarely attend craft fairs, not for any reason other than I dont know of many and never get round to booking, but I really enjoyed the last one at Nether Poppleton, it was a really pleasant day out and I met lots of great people. In fact I am thinking I would like to find some more Craft Market type events next year, not just at Christmas. If there is anyone out there reading this, can you recommend any events, not just near York?

Sashiko exhibition

2009-11-12T02:13:00.000-08:00

A really amazing exhibition I have just visited is at York Art Gallery until 24th January 2010.
It was truly inspirational and makes you come away wanting to stitch. A combination of old and new work, clothing and accessories with interesting history attached.Full details are here.

Christmas Market Sunday 8th November

2009-11-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well Sunday is nearly here and the first of the markets takes place at Nether Poppleton near York. When I booked this, earlier this year, it felt so far off I would have lots of time to be totally prepared......where did all the time go?
I'm nearly ready, rushed as always, but looking forward to Sunday. This is a lovely venue, unique work for sale, with great home cooking and cakes and now has become an annual event to meet up with people.

If you get chance to come along, come and say hello. If you know anyone that might be interested in visiting, it would be great if you could pass on the details, more the merrier!

Learn a new craft, be creative, have fun in 2010 !

2009-11-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

I have now listed my workshop dates planned for 2010. All of these take place on a Saturday at my local village hall. This is a beautiful hall in a peaceful village location.

The year starts with a Gloves and Neck Wrap workshop, take away some finished gloves and a wrap to keep warm! This takes place on Saturday 16th January. Full details of this and other workshops are on my website www.jennypepper.com

Glimpse

2009-11-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate

2009-11-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to this months show. I will be demonstrating on the Friday morning on th IFA stand and then whizzing round the rest of the show in the afternoon. I always look forward to the new graduates showcase to see new and exciting work.

I take myself a limited amount of 'pocket money' and only spend that and not a penny more. When I first viited shows like this I was so amazed by everything on show and came home with bags of goodies. All very exciting but often quite random! I now have a more controlled approach, I look around once, anything that stays in my mind I go back for a second look and only then do I buy, keeping to a colour scheme. I then come home and play with my stash and somehow it all gels together better and gets used, unlike some of my early days purchases that seemed a good idea at the time!

I love the advert for this years show that I've seen in magazines, but couldn't find an online copy, but here is the link to the show:

http://www.twistedthread.com

Christmas is Coming

2009-10-21T00:47:00.001-07:00

Card Art

2009-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Farfield Mill at Sedbergh in Cumbria is a great venue to visit. It is an old mill rescued and restored with exhibition space, studio space and a restaurant. Opening on Friday is "Card Art" . Artists donate work which is then sold anonymously and much needed funds raised for the Mill. The idea is to buy a piece you like and only then is the makers details revealed. I have donated one piece as I love visiting the Mill. I went on its opening weekend many years ago and just wished I lived closer so I could visit more often.

Christmas Markets 2009 in North Yorkshire

2009-10-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Flare Contemporary Art and Craft Markets

Flare are pleased to announce the dates for the Flare Arts and Craft Markets 2009

I will be selling a selection of Feltwork at all three events with Jackie Lunn

Sunday 8th November 11am-4pm

The Tithe Barn, Nether Poppleton York YO26 1AB

Sunday 29th November 11am-4pm

The Chapel, York Cemetery,

Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ

Sunday 6th December 11am-4pm

The Town Hall, Ripley HG3 3AX

Entrance is free at all events and refreshments are available.

ABOUT FLARE: Flare organise contemporary art and craft markets in North Yorkshire. For more details see www.flareartistsandmakers.blogspot.com

Weekends Felt Workshops

2009-09-01T09:58:00.001-07:00

The first of my workshops taking place at my new studio have now taken place. The first was a Nuno introduction, followed by a Vessels for beginners and then this week a Handbag day. Each workshop had four felt makers, all eager to learn new skills. Each time I run a workshop its different, I always look forward to seeing the results which are different every time as each person selects their own favourite colour schemes and style. The end result reflecting their own creativity. More images of everyones results can be seen on my web site.

The next Dalby Workshop will be on Sunday 20th September, Vessels, this is suitable for beginners and improvers.

I would of liked to create a mosaic of the results to enter on my blog, but not sure how to create it. I have seen lovely mosaics on other blogs, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Holidays Over...

2009-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

We decided to stay in the UK this year, for various reasons, and camp. It usually rains whenever we go camping, but I was proved wrong this year and we had glorious sunshine, I even have a tan.
First stop was Cambridge Folk Festival. We've been to festivals before, but this was a little more 'grown up'. We had a great time though, weather was good, bar a cloudburst one night but we were in a marquee so it passed us by. The food stands were the best yet, as a vegetarian I often struggle, but I was spoilt for choice, well done Cambridge. The music wasn't what you would typically call folk and we discovered some new favourites. The best live act for us had to be Jon Boden and Bellowhead, every now and then I get hooked by a new band, not often , but this is the band for now. I have the DVd, a nice surprise from my husband. Also a memorable moment was the spontaneity of campers and musicians on site, music was all around and one particular morning we woke to the above group of people from Steamchicken playing. Thats what music should be like.

We moved onto Suffolk, a county we hadn't visited before, we'll definitely revisit when we have more time. Had to visit Southwold to see the famous beach huts and pier. Then onto Aldeburgh and had chips on the beach. Art galleries abounded and antique shops, so had a lovely time mooching around. Also spotted friends work exhibited in various galleries.
Lavenham was beautiful, ironically preserved due to the decline of wool related businesses many centuries ago. The town went into disrepair due to unemployment and poverty and was rescued and preserved in later years. I cant recall the full story, but it was amazing to see so many timber framed buildings restored all in one village. Only sad point was the pavements were being replaced while we there......with tarmac!

Well back home now and back to work on orders. Christmas is coming!

Ryedale Open

2009-07-23T09:13:00.001-07:00

I submitted a piece of felt work to this years Open Exhibition for the first time, today I received a letter to say it was accepted. I forgot to take a picture of it, I may have to go and take one when its hung, if I can.

Anyway, putting aside my happy event, this is an Exhibition I visit annually, Ryedale has so many talented creative people and the display always covers a wide spectrum of work.

I am stewarding next Tuesday and really looking forward to it. The print is a bit small on the image but the exhibition runs 25 Jul 2009 until 1 Aug 2009 at the Milton Rooms, Malton
Time: 10am - 4pm.

Interviewed

2009-07-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a phone call and was interviewed on line. An unusual experience as the caller made me feel so at ease it was just like chatting to a friend. Next day the interview was on line, you can read it here

http://www.thetextiledirectory.com/newsarticle/Jenny-Pepper---an-interview/

The Textile Directory is a great on line resource and well worth a look, I think originally there used to be an annual paper directory of textile resources, which was great, but with the progress of the web, is now purely on line. I think the advantage there is that additions and amendments are instant so you almost have a real time resource.

I still find it surreal reading words I have spoken, I guess that's also my unease with blogs. One slightly misphrased sentence or tone and the reader may mis interpret the words, but you are not there to clarify. I think I'm from an earlier generation on the cusp of the Web, whereas my son has grown up with it and its a way of life.

2009-07-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday at the workshop started as warm, but dull, followed by short bursts of rain, so no drying felt in the sunshine today.
I was working with three colours of dyed Norwegian batts. There was a natural carded, which was bits of light/dark brown and white. I used this as a base as it wasn't going to be visible. I then layered the red and then the black with resists between layers. I love the way this wool felts, it is so firm. The original colours changed as the felting process took place with fibres migrating through and giving a flecked effect. The brightnes of the red was subdued by the black.

I havn't finished the piece yet as I'm adding and embellishing and need to wait for it to dry, but here is a close up of the surface which shows the very "hairy" surface of this particular Norwegian. The surface is tight and firm. I'm still working on the ongoing theme started 3 years ago but the work is evolving and changing.

Hopefully it will be dry tomorrow and I can finish working on this piece.

First day

2009-07-11T10:19:00.001-07:00

Today was the first Saturday that I had my workshop open to view, its still a bit sparse but I'm working on filling it. I now have my name on the door, that's a strange feeling facing it each day as I unlock.

The sun was shining and the forest was busy. I met some lovely people and had two sales, so I felt encouraged. Its a big step moving into your own space.

There are lots of activities taking place at weekends and holidays. A lot centres around mountain biking, there are some new bike routes and challenges. There is also a "Go Ape" which my son loves, lots of zip wires and other daring rope things, I think I'm too old for this now.

The sun was just perfect to dry my felt work in. There was a little, but welcome breeze. We found this old clothes horse abandoned near where I live quite some time ago and I think its just perfect for the job. I laid out a really big piece of felt on my new worktable, just because I could. I used Norwegian and had a play with some pattern. I was pleased with the result and have a few ideas for adding more when it is dry. As always my colours are quite muted but there is a hint of lime just catch the eye.

It may be a wall hanging or possibly a runner, but either way I like the result and firmness of the Norwegian.

Last weeks workshop

2009-07-08T02:29:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I held a Cobweb felt workshop in our village hall. It was a gloriously sunny day which helped dry our sample scarf in the breeze and go home with dry felt for a change. The day was spent sampling a variety of natural undyed wools. We assembled and joined them into a scarf to take home. I thought we all had enough sample pieces stored away and this time although sampling we could take away something finished whilst seeing the test results of the wools.
The wools sampled were, Norwegian, Jacob Humbug blend, Black Jacob, Wensleydale and Blue Faced Leicester Humbug blend. Wensleydale results were most popular for appearance but BFL for softness.

Moving in ...slowly

2009-07-07T10:08:00.001-07:00

Today I woke up with a streaming cold, I think I caught it off my boy who had it last week. Share and share alike!
It was an effort to go and start packing and unpacking but I'm glad I did. I now have more out of the house and I can begin to see a room appearing where it was once drowning in wool. I have decided only to take what I actually have storage to put it in, that way I will start as I mean to go on. I'm not known for my tidyness, but I do try.

More furniture will arrive this week and some shelving will go up. I am ordering a new floor covering, but not sure of arrival date yet. I didn't get any felting done today but did manage some carding of a bag of wool I forgot I had.

Tomorrow I plan on making felt, lets hope the sun shines to dry it. One lovely thing is when I am in the workshop I can hear the sheep calling from a nearby field, seems rather appropriate.

Moving in and moving on....

2009-07-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

This week I moved into the new workshop, it feels kind of unreal. I still have to move my materials and equipment in, but did manage to get the storage and table installed. Today I needed to make something, it feels like I have been doing everything but making felt for a few weeks.

After a whole day on my own I finished one vessel and one scarf, so felt quite satisfied with myself. I need a rest tonight but will carry on with the move tomorrow and hopefully fit in some more feltmaking.

No pictures, forgot the camera, but will post some soon. The next thing on the long list of things to do is arrange some dates for workshops. I had thought if I left it open people would tell me the dates they would like, but I am getting asked for dates, so dates it is.

2 Weeks and counting....

2009-06-19T07:26:00.001-07:00

Lovely picnic tables for lunch and a view....
Just outside the workshop.

The view behind the workshop.

First Impressions...are lasting ones.

2009-06-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Walk from the car park, over the curvey wooden bridge.....

Past the coffee shop.....

To arrive at what could be my first studio!

Does it look tempting?