It’s been a long year (and a bit)! The pandemic kept us all indoor for months on end and the freedom we had before Christmas 2020 was all too short. What did you get up to? We all walked more I expect and witnessed the changing seasons in more detail than usual. Did you keep your ‘little grey cells’ active? Did you learn something new or re-connect with hobbies first learned as a child?
Anyone who knows me will know that I love to immerse myself in colour and textiles and hold wet-felting workshops from my riverside studio on the outskirts of Cilycwm. The pandemic meant that my doors were closed to the public for months on end, but that didn’t stop my classes. Zoom technology was the saviour – used by so many to keep in touch with family, friends and work – and I gave my first ‘live’ class in April 2020. Despite all the preparation, practice sessions and publicity via social media I was still unsure if anyone would ‘turn up’. I need not have worried – the appetite to make and chat at the same time was immense and I soon had a bunch of regular ‘zoomers’ from far flung places around the UK and also from Louisiana, USA. After learning the basics, we went on to make slippers, neck-warmers, pictures, and above all – friendship.
Bronwyn said - “I have been taking classes virtually from the United States! I can’t say enough about the excellence of Jane’s teaching methods! I have taken many art classes all over the world and Jane’s classes are the best by far! Amazing!”
The weekly classes went on for 14 weeks, until lockdown eased a little and summer holidays beckoned for some. I was able to resume workshops in my studio for a while – whilst observing social distancing - but Christmas and the second lockdown closed my doors again. I set up the ‘Fab Felters’ Facebook page where members can post pictures of their work and ask for help and support if necessary. We meet for a ‘zoom chat’ once a fortnight and set ourselves a monthly challenge – it’s always amazing to see how different everyone is at interpreting the set subject which has included birds, spirals, trees, faces and currently a wet-felted ‘flower’ picture with free-stitching on top….
Judy said - “I can highly recommend attending a felting workshop with Jane at Fabulous Feltings. A lovely welcome followed by hands on instructions on wet, nuno and cobweb felting and creating three samples to take home. The lunch provided was delicious. A perfect relaxing day in calming surroundings.”
With New Year Resolutions, many new members joined the Fab Felters group, including complete beginners from the UK and the USA. I once again held live weekly lessons via zoom on Sunday afternoons to enable new members from everywhere to join in, including one lady from Santa Fe New Mexico who got up at 5 a.m. to join in our sessions at 3 p.m. UK time. In addition to felt-making we discussed all sorts, laughed a lot and even pondered the ‘loss’ of a snake from a member in Pennsylvania. I believe the snake is still roaming around her house – they can apparently go without food for up to a year….
I am so pleased to have just re-started lessons ‘in person’ at my studio for 2-4 guests. COVID restrictions apply in-line with current regulations and at the most recent workshop Dorothy and Angie made beautiful purses and textured tiles. What will you make? The full-day introductory workshop covers basic wet-felting, nuno felting and cobweb felting, after which I can tailor make a day to suit you or even bring a workshop experience to your home! The cost is £80 per person to include materials, lunch and beverages throughout the day. Please peruse the workshop page on my website for further details ...
Sharon said - “Jane has a wonderful energy which inspires you to try new things and with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm guides you through the stages. I would definitely recommend Jane if you are looking to start or improve your felting knowledge.”
So what did I learn ‘new’ over the past year? When not felt-making I learnt how to make cyanotypes, coil pots from old clothes, slow stitching, mark making……. Lessons for another day! If you’re passing my studio and the gate is open, please pop in for a chat and learn the magic of wet-felting. All being well I plan to be ‘open daily’ during the summer but please phone in advance if you’re coming from afar just in case I’m out for a walk – 07817 270967.
I do hope to see you soon.