From a photo

Each year, the CRF hold a club competition.  In 2010 we were each given a sealed envelope with a photo inside - we were to use this as our inspiration!  Here is the pot-luck photo I was given.

Perspective, colour, shapes, opening, depth, intrigue, layers... so many ideas!  I knew I wanted to make something like a Matryoshka (russian doll), and for it to have a geometric feel - nested boxes.  However, I was quite a novice with limited experience to draw on!  But one thing I had learnt was to felt a ball... Then, looking closely at this picture, you see there is a ball on the table - perfect!  Here is my interpretation of this photo.  I'm proud to say I won the club competition with this piece, and got to keep the 'Ashes' for a year!

Great balls of felt!

I was shown a great technique to make felt balls like these by former CRF president Lynn Petersen, at one of the first gatherings I attended.  Felt around a ping pong ball or similar (I have since used a cat toy with a bell inside!).  Firstly wrap a small piece of bubble wrap around the ball and secure it very loosely with a little tape.  Add some wool in a couple of layers, then start to massage the ball, dry felting only, until it reaches a 'pre-felt' stage.  Then, make a little hole and remove the bubble wrap.  Continue to felt the ball, now adding a little soap and hot water.  Felting the ball this way gives it a very nice even and firm finish, and they are just so tactile.