Felted Owl Vase

There was another great felting day last Saturday, and thanks to Jenny's help, I made this OWL VASE. Well, not strictly a vase, as it has no base. We had 2 colours of dry wool, but I'd already needle-felted the owl from scraps of browns at home, onto a pre-felt. I'll try to describe how it was made ...


... I “wet felted” a vase shape, without the top and base, using 2 different shades of orange/brown. Before the final layer of dry wool, I hid the owl under a plastic resist. I also made “branches” – added at the end by needle-felting and a minimum of stitching. I wanted to achieve the effect of the owl sitting in a hole in a tree trunk!

I learnt a lot - and want to make another where I will tweak the method - I'd have a different coloured background behind the owl, and maybe a larger opening to represent the hole he is sitting in. I'd also have 2 layers of dry felt over the owl resist, so I could make more of a feature of the branches.

Whitby Harbour and Filey Seafront - prints

Whilst getting my collage pictures framed, I also got these prints mounted and framed together - and they are heading for the FOR SALE page. I did the originals last year.

The overall frame size is 43cm x 52.5cm, and it's a dark green mount, and light wood frame.

Poppies and Irises - collage

As a change from using oil paint for flower pictures, I've just finished two pictures in collage. I painted the backgrounds with cream acrylic paint, and the rest is created from torn and cut paper, taken  from magazines. They each have a single mount, in matching light wood frames, overall size 38cm x 50.5cm. My third collage picture is almost finished - sunflowers - watch this space.

 It's hard to take photos of the finished pictures as I get reflections in the glass!

Hooded Scarf

I enjoyed knitting this - it’s a fairly straightforward pattern, (Pattern from

Whimsical Little Knits 2 Ysolda Teague) with extra interest from knitting just a long scarf. The wool is a merino blend - 100% pure new wool - and the scarf will be very warm - it fits snugly!

Needle-felt card kit

NEEDLE-FELT KIT FOR GREETINGS CARD – IDEAL GIFT OR TO TRY YOURSELF

Having enjoyed creating cards myself, using needle-felting, I thought if I put together a kit, others could have a go without the initial expense of buying a range of wool and cards. Once you’re hooked, then it’s no problem buying in bulk!

Alternatively, I thought it may make an unusual present for a “crafty” friend.

I’ve done two initial kits – this one presents everything in a hessian bag, and includes a piece of foam; the other listing has more cards and wool, but assumes you can find yourself a piece of foam to “stab” into, and don’t need a fancy bag. I’ve done an instruction sheet too. 

100% Baby Alpaca Scarf

I brought this wool back from a holiday in Peru. It feels soft and warm, and was a most enjoyable knitting project. Approx scarf size: 154cm length, 15cm width. Just right for doubling over and keeping your neck warm!

I even "blocked" it which is a new experience for me, as in all my years of knitting I've never done that before.  But the result is an amazing difference, so it's something I'll do in future.

I still have more baby alpaca wool, in other colours ... so, what next?!

Middle size BIG BEAR

She’s knitted from a pattern bought in the TEMPORARY MEASURES shop in Keswick, so I guess she’s fairly unique.

I used Aran wool, probably acrylic.

Big Bear is approx. 35cm tall, seated, and approx. 51cm head to toe. Her eyes are buttons which have been sewn on, and then glue-gunned, so they seem very secure. The nose is black felt, and the paw pads and bow are cotton material.

Bear is stuffed with Habico non-allergenic, washable, polyester filling, which has BS numbers for fire safety and cleanliness, plus European Standard EN71

I’ve bought Chunky and DK wool in bear shades, so watch out for the rest of the family … and then of course, Goldilocks would be my next project!