Hot Days and Wool

We have had some really hot days this week (I think Thursday was 41 degrees), and of course, I have been playing with wool. I am still making samples for my felting workshop and while it seems quite unseasonal, I am really happy with a couple of my scarves and have even been modelling them around the house.

I am also still working on the beaded felted jewellery and have started on a challenge doll for the Craft and Quilt Show here in Newcastle in February. I think most other doll makers have finished theirs and I am just starting. This is however, not surprising. – I like to think I prefer to work under pressure! This challenge is an interpretation of the pattern Mrs Chalumeau. I has only progressed as far as practising the button pattern on the skirt. .My plan is to make a Pearly Queen as I chose one of the suggested colour combinations -black and white. I hope to show some progress on her soon.

Although the weather hasn’t been really conducive to creativity , what a good week it’s been!
1. My mermaid bag is in the latest Beads etc magazine - a finalist in the current competition.
2. ETSY sales and very positive feedback, including my first sale to Scotland!
3. I started an online class to learn new ways of working with my felt embellishing machine. ( I have had fun with wool, silk and mohair - it’s all over the workroom )
4. More feltfollies in the shop. I love making these, and I think most of the fun is in writing their stories. Here are a few of the descriptions which go with them
Feltfollie Fancy Free : A “feltfollie” is an embellished felted flat shape which has magically developed its own personality and character. Feltfollie Fancy Free is an imaginative and creative thinker who loves to daydream of warm summer days in Monet’s garden, chasing dragonflies amongst the irises. This unique feltfollie could be a wearable/ brooch/art doll pin, a handbag accessory, or just a whimsical little treasure to help stimulate your imagination.
Feltfollie Festival Joker is a comic character who enjoys busking at festivals fairs and fetes, making people laugh, and just being outrageous. This unique feltfollie could be a wearable/brooch/art doll pin, a handbag accessory, or just a whimsical little treasure to bring laughter and colour to your life.
Feltfollie Financial Blues is feeling the effects of the recent economic downturn, but there is hope. Recalling the good old days and clutching a five cent saved from a first wages packet, this unique feltfollie could be a wearable/brooch/art doll pin, a handbag accessory, or just a whimsical little treasure to provide hope for the future.

Some of the things I’ve learnt this week:
- New technique using alcohol inks, thanks, Sue from Scrap Needs. Cardiff. ( finished cards pictured)

- More information about holidays in the Kimberleys from the travel expo Jim and I attended on Wednesday
- How to work Jim’s new camera – a Canon digital SLR
- new ways to work with my felt embellisher machine – thanks, Dale from The Thread Studio, WA
- Not to print out everything when subscribing to a magazine online
- Exercising does translate into weight loss – hooray!