No peace for the wicked here in the Upper Tywi Valley – with continuing good weather my sparrows are rearing their second clutch of eggs, house martins swoop low over the river in search of tiny insects for their broods and lambs grow bigger by the day while still expecting to suckle from mum.
It was a hive of activity in and around my felting barn while I worked into the night to make and finish a few last feltings for the Tywi Valley Open Studios Arts Trail which took place over 9 days at the end of July. My studio and gallery were open over all 9 days and I met such wonderful people, all with a genuine interest in my work and wet felting in general. I have to thank everyone who bought unique items of my work – my feltings now adorn ladies and houses from Swansea to San Francisco, Llandovery to Llanelli.
I held a few well-attended ‘have-a-go-at-wet-felting’ drop-in sessions where guests of all ages from teenage upwards came out of their comfort zones to produce some wonderful work. Inhibitions were left behind as creativity and colour were unleashed beneath some bubble-wrap and soapy water. Not only did everyone go home with a small sampler of their work, they had such fun! It never ceases to amaze me how therapeutic and relaxing felt-making can be!
Many of my guests are booking onto full-day workshops over the coming months, some are planning to buy ‘gift-vouchers’ for birthday and Christmas presents, and there are even suggestions that work-shops would make good hen parties – definitely something different from the norm! Priced at £75 per day per person to include all materials and a delicious lunch by the river (weather permitting).
After taking down my gallery, the very next day I was to be found setting up for my exhibition at the Llanwrtyd & District Heritage & Arts Centre. The exhibition will run through the whole of August and I will hold drop in sessions on August 3rd, 8th, 17th, 25th and 29th. You will learn the basics of wet felting and take home a small sample piece. Prices are £10 per person so if you missed out on a session during the Arts Trail, pop up the road and I’ll see you in Llanwrtyd Wells.
The Upper Tywi Valley is between the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains – why not stay in the area for a few days to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, enjoy a felting workshop with me, join an art session with Sally Harrold (www.sallyharroldart.com), stay in luxurious and welcoming lodgings in nearby Llandovery (www.newwhitelion.com) or Cilycwm close by (www.cambrianescapes.co.uk).
What’s holding you back? Get packing and we’ll see you soon.