To market to market...

So I guess this year I am removing myself from anonymity and starting to show my felted lovelies at local markets.

I debuted at an Art show held at the Plano Central Market this past weekend. It was a big old flop, but I don't mind so much.

Along with almost all the DFW markets I felt the execution of said event was really lacking in management excellence. I always think if they just let me run the thing, it would be rainbows all around.

Alas, there was zero advertising, and they had it fenced off and a table at the entrance gate which made people think they had to pay to get in, which was not the case, and spoiled things for many vendors who consequently packed up early. In turn, this made it worse for the remaining vendors, which included the booth I shared with my market partner in crime - Paula, my mother-in-law who is a travel photographer. You can view her photos and items made from her photos here.

Nevertheless, it was a fun day as I got to sit in the breeze, listen to good local music and hand sew all the little things I had been meaning to get to for oh, about a year or two. And those baby booties that have been in the making since I was pregnant with my first child, who is now 8.5 years old. haha

I still managed to come out making a little pocket money so it was a win in my book.
From here on out, I will be at Rockwall market second Saturday of the month for June, and then White Rock local market second Saturday in July hopefully!

After that, who knows!

Here are some pictures from the market:


This little bag is upside down of course.

Hello!

Just a quick hello and apology for not updating over the silly season. Things are starting to settle down over here so hopefully I will be felting up a storm again in the coming weeks.

Saturday the 30th I have a handbag workshop! 9am-whenever you finish which is usually around 2pm. $50 for all supplies and tuition. Bring a sack lunch. I have light refreshments.

Email me or comment if you'd like to attend, or need any other info.
See you then!

Creating fleece roving angels!

Hi there party go-ers (and everyone else)!

Here is the promised instructional video on turning your little kits into fleece angels!
I am happy to sell the angel kits for $4 each, they make a wonderful little craft for groups and families, stocking stuffer or gift.

You can adjust the season the angels are appropriate for just by the colours you make their attire out of.
These lovely little sylphs are very easy for small hands to manipulate and don't worry about being too perfect with the knots and ties. They really favor a bit of an organic look.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment!

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles...

Or maybe it's one of these?

Here are a few examples of what we make at children's workshops!
There is one this coming Saturday, the 12th, from 10am-Noon in our home in Plano.
It's $20 for one child and adult, and $10 additional for each sibling/friend.

I have a couple of open spots, so sign up!
These make a great little gift for a teacher, babysitter, Grandparent, neighbour...
We will be making two items.

Comment or email me at amba.whatley@gmail.com if you'd like to attend!

Live your life, do your work, then take your hat...

Hats!! I have hats! These are so much fun to make. I find myself being a bit too perfectionistic over them.
But I love them.

This white cloche is a mix of superfine merino and wild harvested silk. It has a removable, adjustable rope embellishment, and will fit most heads as fine wool felt generally has a gentle give to it. My head circumference at it's widest part is 22 inches and this hat is quite perfect with nice room so as not to totally flatten my hair. hehe






This next hat is a little larger but still wouldn't blow off my head. It fits well up to 23.5 inches.
It has a customizable brim and a really chic felted button feature.



These hats sell for $40 each.
I can make custom ones, just email me! amba.whatley@gmail.com

Peek-a-boo!

This is just a tiny introduction to the myriad felted creatures who will be coming to life and looking for homes in the next week or two!

She needs a name! Leave a comment with what you think her name should be and if I choose your name I'll send you bar of felted soap as a thank you!

They are felted with beautiful soft merino wool, alpaca, and silk. They are stuffed with organic cotton. Embellished with a variety of found pieces, such as buttons, bells, yarn etc.

Stay tuned for the rest, I'll be finishing them as my baby allows it!!

She is 12 inches tall, and sells for $45

Mini Gift Workshops!

I am opening up two nights of mini felting workshops!
Perfect for holiday gifts, we will be making felt covered soap bars!
These are genius little products, the fleece is wrapped around the bar of soap and felted right onto it. You can attach a thread under the fleece to make it soap on a rope, too!
When you're in the shower, you just lather up the soft bar and wash yourself with the soap and washcloth all in one.
Wool is anti-microbial so it resists mold and smells, so it stays clean and healthy for you.
Wrap the cord around your wrist, hang it to dry, or set on a soap rack until the next use.
As the soap inside is used, the wool will continue felting and shrink around the bar. When the soap is all gone, you're left with a wadded up ball of felt which you can then give to your cat, use as a dryer ball, hang on your tree! haha!

In this workshop you will make 3 felted bars of soap, with or without rope, learn the basics of felting, and walk away with a perfect handmade gift.
I have a selection of beautiful soaps, some organic, some scented with essential oils, some fragrance-free and pure enough for a newborn baby.
You choose.
When we're done, I will also supply squares of gorgeous Moda designer fabrics and raffia in which to gift wrap your soap once it is dry!


This is a perfect workshop for those who aren't sure about committing to a full-length felting workshop but are interested in learning the art.


The dates are as follows:
Saturday 5th December 7-9pm
Friday 11th December 7-9pm

Each class is $25, which includes all supplies. If you would like to bring your own three bars of soap, you may drop the price to $20.

To sign up, please comment or email me at amba.whatley@gmail.com

Here are some more pictures of some bars I have made:




For inspiration, check out some of these soaps selling at Anthropologie for $14 each!
www.anthropologie.com