Felted Birthday (2)

I had asked Dan what he wanted for his birthday and he said a picture made from felt. At that point I wished I hadn't asked. As you know I'm a novice at felt making and panic struck when he wanted a painting in wool. He had given me some framed photo's of his trip to New Zealand for Xmas so I decided to try and copy one of those.
It took me absolutely ages to complete because I wasn't sure how to create the depth required. I bought myself some felting needles and after wet felting added layers and layers by needle felting. Finally I achieved what I think is a moderate attempt for a beginner. I forgot to take a photo of it framed before I gave it to him at the weekend but I think it looks just as well here without the frame.

Any comments on this or tips for future work in felt would be gratefully received

Watch this space.........more birthday treats coming up and will be shown here after the event so as not to spoil the surprise.

Felted birthday (1)

Well the birthday season is upon me once again so I decided to make a few felted cards. The one you can see here is my first attempt and I must say I was rather pleased with it and so was Dan, my son. I wanted to make him something special in felt because he lives in Guildford and for my birthday sent me a huge box full of fibers from Fibercrafts. Until this arrived I only had merino wool and now I have silk and neaps and lots more to play with. He was so thrilled with the card he is going to frame it after he has taken out the card centre and cord.

I'd be interested to know what you think as this is the first time that I have made 3D felt.

A little treasure.

I found this wonderful book last week. For anyone interested in needlework of the past this book is so interesting. I've scanned a few pages for myself and will be selling it on my website this weekend. I thought I show my blogging friends it first.

What follows is a little poem written in the front of the book.

I've embroidered a frock,
And I've sewn the long seams,
While I stitched up a heartache
And mended my dreams.

I've patched a torn garment,
And darned a big rent
While I've worked in new hopes
And a sweeter content.

Why stitching brings gladness,
Or ease for Life's pain,
And healing from sadness,
I cannot explain.

But for little hopes baffled,
And foolish tears shed,
I have sought and found comfort
With needle and thread.

This little poem made me smile as it was the needle and thread that kept me going this week after my husbands van accident. He is OK but very shaken.