There’s something truly special about working with wool that has kept me captivated throughout my creative journey. As a feltmaker, wool is not just a material—it’s a medium full of endless possibilities, texture, and beauty. For me, wool holds a deep connection to nature, tradition, and craftsmanship, and I love every aspect of working with it. If you've ever wondered why wool holds such a special place in my heart, here's why it continues to inspire me and why I keep coming back to it in my work.
The Smell of Wool: A Connection to Nature
One of the most comforting and unique aspects of working with wool is its smell. There’s something earthy and warm about the scent of wool, which immediately brings to mind thoughts of fresh, open fields and the natural world. As soon as I open a new batch of wool or start working with it, that smell fills the air, and it always puts me at ease. It’s a clean, comforting scent, reminiscent of the countryside and the animals that provide it.
Living in York, where I’m close to the Yorkshire countryside, I often find myself surrounded by the scent of nature, and the smell of wool always brings me back to that peaceful connection with the land. There’s something almost nostalgic about the smell of wool—it’s like a deep, calming reminder of the beauty and simplicity of nature.
The Versatility of Wool
Wool is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a wide range of creative projects. From the moment I started working with wool, I was amazed by how many different forms it can take. Whether it's the soft and luxurious feel of alpaca wool in my felted soaps, or the sturdy, durable texture of wool for my felted animals, wool offers endless potential. I can mold it into delicate felt flowers or create vibrant, abstract patterns for decorative felt balls and bowls. The possibilities are virtually endless, and this versatility is one of the reasons why I’m so drawn to it.
One of the most exciting things about working with wool is how it transforms throughout the felting process. It begins as soft, fluffy fibers that are shaped, molded, and stitched together to create something entirely new. This transformation feels like magic, and it’s always a joy to see how my creations evolve as I work with the wool, watching it shift and take shape in front of my eyes.
A Connection to Nature
Another reason I love working with wool is because of its natural origins. Wool is a renewable resource, and working with it feels like a deep connection to the land and the animals that provide it. As a maker, there’s something satisfying and grounding about using materials that come directly from nature. The very act of felting wool is a reminder of the simple, organic beauty of the world around us.
Living in York, I’m fortunate enough to be close to the Yorkshire countryside, where I’m often inspired by the gentle rolling hills and the sheep grazing in the fields. The soft texture of wool itself reminds me of the animals that produce it, and it adds an organic touch to every piece I create. Whether I’m working with wool from alpacas or sheep, I feel connected to the countryside and to the natural rhythms of the world around me.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
As an artist who’s passionate about creating eco-friendly products, wool offers a sustainable alternative to many synthetic materials. Wool is biodegradable, renewable, and naturally biodegradable, making it a perfect choice for my feltmaking process. This sustainable quality is something that makes wool even more special to me—it aligns with my values of creating products that have a positive impact on the environment.
I love that wool is a natural, earth-friendly material that can be worked with in so many different ways, without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic substances. Whether I’m using it to create felted soaps, decorative felt balls, or vibrant felted flowers, I know that I’m working with a material that’s kind to the planet. It’s a choice I’m proud to make, and it adds an extra layer of meaning to each piece I craft.
The Texture and Tactile Experience
There’s something truly magical about the texture of wool. Its soft, warm, and inviting feel is one of the main reasons I love working with it. Wool is a tactile material, and the process of working with it allows me to connect with each piece in a way that feels incredibly personal. Whether I’m felting by hand or needle felting, the sensation of wool beneath my fingers is something I always enjoy.
I find the tactile experience of felting to be meditative and soothing. The friction and pressure needed to turn raw wool into felt can be incredibly satisfying, almost like a form of therapy. As I shape and form the wool, I get lost in the process, and it’s easy to forget about the outside world. The connection between my hands and the wool is a reminder of the beauty in creating something by hand, something that is crafted with care and intention.
Wool’s Timelessness and Tradition
Wool is one of the oldest fibers used by humans, and its history of craftsmanship is something that deeply resonates with me. The art of felting is an ancient tradition, and I feel a deep sense of continuity and connection to generations of artisans who have worked with wool for centuries. Feltmaking is a practice that has been passed down through time, and I love that, as a feltmaker, I am part of this rich legacy.
The fact that wool has been used for thousands of years for everything from clothing to shelter speaks to its durability and timelessness. In a world that is constantly changing, working with wool feels like connecting to something enduring and eternal. It’s a medium that has stood the test of time, and every time I work with it, I feel part of something much larger than myself.
The Joy of Color and Creativity
One of the most exciting aspects of working with wool is how it allows me to play with color, texture, and design. Wool takes dye beautifully, and I love experimenting with different color combinations to create pieces that are not only functional but also visually striking. Whether I’m working on a new batch of felted soaps with vibrant colors or crafting decorative felt balls in a variety of shades, the possibilities for color and design are endless.
I often draw inspiration from the world around me—from the rich colors of the Yorkshire countryside to the vibrant blooms of spring. Wool allows me to bring these inspirations to life in a way that feels both exciting and rewarding. The process of mixing and matching colors, creating gradients, and experimenting with different textures is one of the most joyful parts of being a feltmaker. Wool’s ability to hold color and texture in such a dynamic way is truly magical.
Conclusion: Why Wool Will Always Be My Medium of Choice
At the end of the day, what I love most about working with wool is its endless potential. It’s a natural, sustainable material with a rich history, a tactile beauty, and a versatility that allows me to explore new ideas and create truly unique pieces. Whether I’m making felted soaps, decorative felt balls, or intricate felted flowers, wool always provides me with the opportunity to express myself creatively and connect with the world around me.
Every time I sit down to work with wool, I’m reminded of the beauty and simplicity of nature, the joy of creating by hand, and the timeless traditions that make feltmaking such a meaningful art form. Wool will always be my material of choice, and I can’t wait to continue experimenting with it in new and exciting ways!