Progress on the new workshop
The new purpose built workshop is really taking shape. In the beautiful garden location(Scarborough North Yorkshire), down by the veg patch with the sound of the hens scratching and clucking, the workshop nestles under the apple tree. This week the interior has seen a lick of paint and the electrics and lighting are having their final fit. The flooring was laid and we were so excited that we moved the first piece of furniture in. With classes starting on the 15th September we are pressing forward with the fitting out.
Hoping to offer some taster sessions at the end of August. keep looking out or dates and details. Bookings will be limited.
Coppertop Craft Courses
Starting September 2017 we are offering craft courses from our purpose built garden workshops in Scarborough. Our courses cover a wide range of textile craft, including wet felting , needle felting and crochet to dressmaking and lino printing. We’ve been teaching for a combined 31 years ( hard to believe looking at our useful appearances lol) The workshops have been custom made and are fitted with all resources required. Please see our flyer for a list of course dates.
Staithes Arts and Heritage Festival 2016
We are delighted to have been accepted to exhibit at the Staithes Art & Heritage Festival 2016. It’s our third year running and we will be at the Lifeboat Cottage on Cow Bar from 10th – 11th September. The festival is growing year on year with over 60 pop up galleries and local artists, cafe’s , live music , poetry readings and more. Family friendly, dog friendly and set in the most beautiful location. Come along and enjoy the buzz of the festival.
https://www.staithesfestival.com/
Vintage Finds Inspire Felt Designs
I recently spent a few days in London and several hours rummaging around the many stalls at Spitalfield Market – what a great place! From the bizarre, to the sublime; the variety of things for sale was truly amazing, from wooden limbs, stuffed swans, copper pans, wooden shoe lasts to the endless stands of vintage jewellry. It was hard not to lose a whole day to these treasure troves, I had to adopt a serious level of self control………but did manage to leave with a smallish collection of pieces which have inspired this latest collection of bridal wrist corsages. From buttons, to single earings and brooches, this is the best form of recycling and makes for a totally unique piece of felted art. I hope you enjoy this latest collection. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
Spring Wedding Florals
Last week I had the pleasure of acting as a witness at my friends wedding ceremony. It was a wonderfully romantic and secret wedding just the happy couple and two witnesses. I had never been invited to a wedding like this before and was unsure as to what to wear and what the correct etiquette was. The bride and I went dress shopping together and once I had seen her beautifully elegant outfit I found it easier to plan mine. She decided to have felt corsages in shades of pale cream with diamonte details. Stylish and simple they complimented the outfits perfectly. I loaned her wrist corsage as her “borrowed” item. It was a lovely finishing touch.
The Art of Felt
We have spent some time experimenting with felting techniques and have made a range of felt “paintings”. The paintings are inspired by sea scapes and a heavily textures and use a wide range of fibres including wool, yarn, burrs, nepps and slubs; as well as fleeces from different sheep, Wendleydale is very curly and really adds energy to a piece of work. We plan to start selling these during 2012. Here’s a sneak preview.
Flame Red for Bonfire Night
I decided to up the anti and go Flame Red for bonfire night. I just love intense, deep and vibrant colours. Wait ’til you see my latest felty pieces……the colours are scrumptious!
Crafternoon
Emma and I have been making and creating for years! I think it’s in our blood, as we both mentioned in our personal profiles we’ve formally studied art and Textiles but it goes deeper than that. We both love learning and making. Hand embroidery, machine embroidery, knitting and crochet are to name but a few of the things we like to do. I personally like the sense of acheivement at finishing a new piece of work, learning a new skill and the sense of competition. At the moment I am learning to crochet; Emma is amazing at crochet and seems to be able to pick up a pattern and make the piece perfectly. This is where the sense of competition comes in, I want to be as good, so I keep practicing! Last week I went for a “Crafternoon” (lunch and the craft of your choice for the afternoon) with a group of friends. I’m busy crocheting a hat at the moment ( my first ever) I have to say , it’s going well so far but I know that if I get stuck I can call my friend Em to help me out. The photo is of Emma wearing her crocheted hat. Photos of mine to follow soon ( I hope )
Help for Heroes on Rememberance Day
This year on Rememberance Day it will be 11 11 11 11. We thought we would mark this significant date and important event with a collection of felt poppies that would raise money for the charity Help for Heroes. From the sale of each felt poppy a £1 donation will be made to the charity. Not only are the poppies hand made, unique and stylish but they can be worn again and again to accessorise your outfit. Help us Help the Heroes by making your purchase today.