The clocks have gone back and I’m sitting in front of a roaring fire ‘as we speak’. Where did the summer go? I have so much going on though that it’ll be Christmas and the New Year in no time at all.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be taking my feltings to a variety of Winter Fairs, starting next week (November 9th & 10th) at the National Botanical Gardens, Llandeilo Festival of Senses (in the Hangout November 15th-17th), Llandovery Christmas Fair (November 30th) and the Winter Artisan Fayre, Kinnersley Castle (December 7th & 8th).
In addition to a wealth of fabulous feltings I’ll be offering gift vouchers for workshops here at Abercamlais in my riverside cottage studio. The price will include a discount from the current prices and will be valid for the whole of 2020 on days to suit us all. A workshop makes a perfect gift; not only giving the recipient something to look forward too - especially in the gloomy winter months – but also 3 pieces of their own felt creations at the end of the day. Once the basic techniques have been mastered guests may return for further workshops to complete a project – perhaps working with curls or making a wrap or throw?
Don’t think the workshops are just for women! Men are most welcome! Some of the greatest textile artists and designers have been men – just think of think Kaffe Fassett. One of my recent students was male – he was just as apprehensive as the women who deem themselves not to be artists – but after some encouragement, produced some fabulous work. The only ‘difference’ was in the type of questions – he was very interested in the ‘mechanics’ and science of felt-making, but that could be because he is in the construction industry and looked for bonding and insulation similarities. I hope he was the first of many.
Although I teach, I never stop learning, and I attended an amazing workshop with Caroline Merrell recently where I learnt how to make a crazy collar, felt on my photos (yes really) and use resist paste on wool gauze. Photos will be in my website gallery shortly.
Are you planning your hen party, or know anyone who maybe looking for something different? I’ll be offering ‘heart-felt’ hen parties next year where up to 10 guests will be able to make hearts for that special day while enjoying a glass or two of prosecco. Make it a hen weekend with a difference – stay in the Upper Tywi Valley, relax in the mountains, sleep under the stars……
Above all, no matter what your plans are, chill out a little before the crazy Christmas season is upon us – get creative, take time for yourself and breathe.