Having lived in York for over two decades, I’ve had the incredible privilege of experiencing the city in all its beauty, charm, and history. York is not only my home but a place that continually fuels my creativity as a feltmaker. From the stunning architecture to the peaceful countryside just a stone’s throw away, the city has provided endless inspiration for my work. Let me share how the unique blend of city life, natural beauty, and the deep historical roots of this place have shaped my feltmaking journey.
The Beauty of York’s Historic Streets
There’s something truly magical about walking through the cobbled streets of York, especially early in the morning when the city feels quiet and still. The ancient stone walls, the timber-framed buildings, and the majestic York Minster are constant sources of inspiration. After living in York for over two decades, I’ve come to appreciate the rich textures and intricate details that surround me daily.
Though I don’t directly draw fully from the architecture itself, I take elements of it—such as the soft patinas of the stonework, the intricate carvings, or the worn wooden surfaces—and use them to inspire color combinations and textures in my felted creations. The way that time, weather, and nature have shaped these surfaces speaks to me, and I find myself translating those impressions into subtle shifts in color, depth, and texture within my designs.
For example, the combination of earthy tones and vibrant highlights found in the city’s historic buildings often inspires my earth-toned felted soaps, or I might draw upon the delicate hues found in weathered stone for a more muted, softer palette in my animal designs, or felted flowers.
One of the most iconic sights in York is the vibrant display of daffodils that bloom around the city walls in early spring. Their bright yellow petals against the historic stone are a sight to behold and have often inspired the vibrant yellows and greens I incorporate into my work. Whether in a felted flower design or a textured pattern, the colors of the daffodils remind me of the beauty of nature and the joy that can be found in the smallest details.
The imposing Clifford’s Tower is another standout feature of the city. With its towering presence, this landmark has become a symbol of York’s rich history. The circular shape and weathered stone of Clifford’s Tower often inspire me to explore circular forms and layered textures in my felted designs, giving my creations depth and dimension. I draw on the idea of history and resilience that this iconic structure represents, adding that sense of strength and timelessness to my work.
The Viking Legacy and Archaic Crafts
York’s history as a Viking city has always intrigued me. The Vikings’ impact on York can still be seen today in the Jorvik Viking Centre, which brings to life the city’s ancient roots. As a feltmaker, I feel a deep connection to the ancient traditions of craftsmanship that the Vikings would have practiced. Feltmaking, in its most basic form, is an incredibly old craft—one that would have been familiar to the Vikings who used felt for clothing, shields, and other everyday items.
The very idea of creating something from raw, unprocessed wool resonates with me, as it connects me to the ancient artisans of York. In many ways, my own feltmaking process feels like a continuation of that archaic tradition. The tactile nature of wool, how it’s shaped and molded through heat, friction, and moisture, mirrors the techniques used by artisans in the past. Just as the Vikings would have crafted garments or practical items from felt, I take inspiration from their craftsmanship and apply it to create artful felted animals, soaps, felted flowers, and intricate patterns.
That feeling of connection to a time long past, of linking my craft to their ancient skills, gives me a profound sense of belonging in York. I feel an affinity with the city, as though the creativity of its past lives on in my own work today.
The Countryside’s Influence
One of the things I love most about living in York is how close I am to the countryside. Just a short drive from the city center, I can immerse myself in the serenity of the Yorkshire Moors, National Parks, and peaceful riverbanks. These natural surroundings have a profound influence on my work. The wide open spaces, the gently rolling hills, and the lush green fields are a constant reminder of the beauty and simplicity of nature.
The colors and textures of the countryside often inspire the earthy tones and natural patterns that appear in my felted pieces. Whether it's the rich greens and browns of the moors or the delicate hues of wildflowers in the spring, these natural shades make their way into my designs. The alpaca felted soaps, for example, are inspired by the woolly creatures I see grazing on the hills, while the softness of the landscape influences the gentle textures of my work. Felted flowers are another direct reflection of the countryside’s influence. The variety of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer often inspire the bright colors and intricate petal designs I craft.
In addition to flowers, I also take inspiration from the landscapes when creating my decorative felt balls and bowls. The colors of the natural world—whether it's the muted tones of autumn or the vibrant hues of a spring meadow—help inform my choices in creating the colors and textures of my felt balls and bowls. The soft blend of earthy tones, with pops of brighter accents, mirrors the intricate beauty of the countryside surrounding me.
The Rich History and Culture of York
York is a city steeped in history, and its rich culture deeply influences my approach to feltmaking. The combination of medieval buildings, modern galleries, and vibrant festivals creates a creative energy that fills the air. Whether I’m walking along the historic streets or attending a local craft fair, the atmosphere in York sparks new ideas for my work.
I find the city's medieval heritage especially inspiring—the intricate details in the architecture, the timeless beauty of the Shambles Market, and the historic York Art Gallery all serve as reminders of the long tradition of craftsmanship. It’s fascinating to imagine how local artisans in centuries past worked with materials in much the same way I do today, and I often draw inspiration from their enduring artistry and the creative spirit that continues to flourish in York.
York’s Vibrant Creative Community
Another aspect of living in York that fuels my creativity is the thriving community of artists and makers. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many talented individuals who share the same passion for creativity. The city’s art galleries, local workshops, and artisan markets have provided a space for me to connect with fellow creators, share ideas, and find inspiration for new feltmaking projects.
York encourages creativity in all its forms, and I’m proud to be part of a community that values craftsmanship and artistry. The support and camaraderie of other artists have been invaluable in my own development as a feltmaker.
The Influence of York on My Feltmaking Process
As I walk through the city or explore the nearby countryside, York’s landscapes and historical features often find their way into my felted creations. Whether I’m working on a felted alpaca, frog, or sloth, or experimenting with vibrant rainbow, polka dot, or poppy patterns, I am inspired by the textures, colors, and natural beauty that surround me.
Living in York has made me more attuned to the natural world and the small details that others might overlook. The gentle curve of a river, the changing colors of the seasons, and the textured layers of a historic building all influence the way I create and how I approach my work. However, even after all these years of living and creating here, I still have so many ideas to explore. York continues to inspire me with new patterns, colors, and designs that I am eager to experiment with in my feltmaking process. Whether it’s adding more abstract designs, creating new decorative felt balls and bowls, or trying new techniques, I look forward to seeing where my creativity and York’s influence will take me next.
Final Thoughts
For over two decades, York has been the perfect backdrop to my feltmaking journey. The city’s combination of rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant creative community has deeply influenced the way I craft each felted piece. Whether it’s the timeless beauty of York’s streets, the iconic daffodils around the walls, or the majestic Clifford’s Tower, York continues to inspire me as I create unique felted designs that reflect the beauty and spirit of this wonderful city. The connection to the city’s Viking heritage and archaic crafts has given me an even deeper sense of affinity with York—its creativity and artistry flow through me, and I am excited to continue experimenting and evolving my craft with all the ideas still to come.