Wool Felted Balls in My Creative Space

I’ve been turning

this

into this

with this

Have you heard about dryer balls? I hadn’t, I must admit I didn’t embark on this as a “green” project. I just enjoyed felting so much that I wanted to give needle felting a go too. When I started searching for tutorials on felt balls, I found a wealth of information about how popping a few wool balls in your dryer can drastically reduce drying time.
I must confess even though I consider myself fairly green I am addicted to my clothes dryer. I am trying to soothe my conscience with the knowledge that the new house will have enough solar power to cover my addiction! For now making a little collection of these fuzzy little beauties might help and they are fun to make, so I’m giving it a go.

To check out what all the other clever creative people are up to today pop over to Kirsty’s, she is the fabulous host of My Creative Space.

Autumn Leaf oil painting

“Leaf” oil on canvas 300 x 225mm 1998

It’s feeling a bit like autumn here, we are only 6 days in, but the rain that has been hanging around has taken the heat out of the days. I had better get busy and complete my new felt slippers so I am ready!

A needle felted wool ball…..

I’ve started a new project.

Because it is quite obvious the million things on my “to do” list need to be pushed a little bit closer to the back burner!

Artisan Wonderland

I have been on a bit of a learning frenzy lately and I am loving it. My latest trip “into the classroom” was the felt slipper making workshop on the weekend. It is liberating to find out how things are made and it is giving me a new appreciation for the skills, work and passion that goes into all things handmade. Luckily for me there is no shortage of learning opportunities available to me this coming year; right on my doorstep.

The Artisan Wonderland program is running all sorts of creative workshops throughout the year at unbelievably low prices. The felting workshop was part of the Artisan Wonderland series and my silver smithing teacher Rod is also hosting workshops within the program later in the year. All of the workshops are run by local artists; just check out array the classes that are available to appreciate what an abundance of talent and knowledge is living in my area!

A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.

- Anonymous

Toasty warm toes....

My felt slippers are almost done. I had no idea wool felting a pair of slippers would be so physical. I ache all over, but I am so happy with how my slippers are shaping up. They need more rubbing with soapy water and massaging onto my feet so they shrink down to fit me perfectly. I sure am going to have toasty warm, stylish toes when winter arrives!