Felt Frenzy

I took a felting course with some friends of mine last week. We spent the morning learning, had a typical Dutch "bread lunch" (fresh baked bread, cheeses, meats, and sliced cucumbers served with buttermilk), and then spent the afternoon trying out our new found skills.

The ladies in action: Svenje, Grietje, Hinka, and Tanja

It was very fascinating to see just how simple yet time consuming making felt really is. The worst part is the shrinkage- you start off with something quite large but after working the wool you end up with something quite small. So much effort for such a small piece of felt!

Between us, we made felted beads....

Hinka's disco snow ball and my gray-and-pink swirled graduating beads

..... felt covered rocks....

Hinka in action, her completed felted stone, and Svenje's felted stone

.... felted flowers.....

my blue on blue flower

..... and while some of us made panels of felt, Tanja was adventurous and made a complete work of art. Here it is in progress:

It was such a fun day, but hard work rolling, rubbing, and working the wool. While I don't see momfetti going felt anytime soon, I at least know how to make my own- just in case I can't find a piece that particular shade that I so desperately need.

If you are in the Lelystad area, drop Grietje van Wijk a line if you would like to take her felting course, or would like to purchase some of her gorgeous felted objects: grietjevanwijk@planet.nl (her felt portraits are amazing!).