After what seems like weeks of rain and chilly weather; sunshine, colour and even some warmth have returned to my part of the Wales, the Upper Tywi River. House Martins were a little late to arrive back from their ‘Winter’ sojourn, but their mud house in my pine end has been refurbished and we await a new brood shortly. In the meantime, I watch the sparrow chicks - who never fail to amuse me - flapping their wings and earnestly demanding food from mum even though both birds are the same size.
After a long spell I have been able to do some felting by the river over the last few days – it really is my happy place! With our well-being and mindfulness becoming more important these days, why not join me and let my river be your happy place for a day. There’s nothing better than being creative, using your hands, massaging wool fibres with gentle olive oil soapy water, underneath dappled shade and watching all manner of birds swooping and feeding. So tactile. So creative. So relaxing.
Workshops cost £75 per person per day to include lunch and all materials; minimum of 2 attendees – contact me to arrange a suitable date for you. Treat your friends and family – you know how hard it is to buy a suitable birthday present. They really do make the perfect gift, especially as I will arrange a day to suit you. I’m still waiting for my first ‘male’ student – why is it that most textile crafts are perceived to be of more interest to women when so many of the great textile artists are men?
I’m busy preparing for the Tywi Valley Arts trail, starting in just over a fortnight (as I write this). Brochures have been distributed in and around Llandovery, Llandeilo and surrounding areas but if you can’t find one please look at the online brochure - www.tywivalleyopenstudios.wales My studio and gallery will be open for each of the 9 days, including a ‘late night’ on the Thursday – join me for a glass of bubbly – and ‘have a go at wet felting’ taster sessions on the Monday and Tuesday.
Despite all the busy-ness here I’m still taking commissions for your summer events – lightweight cobweb felted wraps to add the finishing touch to your wedding outfit – have a few to ring the changes if you have multiple events to attend. Fabulous throws and drapes make the most unusual and unique of wedding and other gifts.
Places on my ‘Experience India’ adventure next Spring are filling up, but please contact me if you’d like further details. The Golden Triangle, the ‘Holi’ experience, Block printing, indigo dyeing, live like a Maharajah for a few days, relax in Kerala……
Enjoy the sunshine and I do hope to see you soon.