I am such a slacker

But I really have been busy, honest!
And busy creating, to boot!

My current goal is beefing up my stock so I don't look like a going-out-of-business sale at the market each month.

Along with that goal, I have been interested in trying some more adventurous projects, like vessels and playing with textures.

The business card holder above was totally fly-by-the-seat. I was felting a rock. And then took it in another direction before I was even aware of it...
It turned out really fun. I am not sure if I will add more to it yet or not.
Merlin, my little wool junky, liked it.

I'm on a flower kick at this very moment. I am aiming for 5 each day. Day one, check! Day two (today) 3 down. And a big sheet of leaves.
That will have to count as goal reached because I am done.

About 6 have sold before I got pictures of them. Some pretty ones, too. Oh well.

A pansy (or is it iris?) lariat. Felt rope is probably my favourite thing to felt. Lots of these to come...
I think this one is appropriate for an adventurous male. Could be really hot and quirky on the right dude.
Ripples. Extra long scarf. You can wrap this one around several times. It's so lovely, the way it falls due to the ripple of two tones of merino wool against silk chiffon I dyed a shocking violet.



Micro scarf, super duper long. I was somewhere else when I made this one...


The bird, a nest. Yummy warm scarf.



Textural orgasm, this one.Cushions! I have a whole line of these botanical beauties planned up top...





Strawberry purse, adorned with assorted yellow vintage buttons.


Tiny treasures bowl.


Neon bowl:


Purple merino/silk/flax cloche



I did this Flash of Lightning nuno scarf last year but it's one of my favourites, still.



Wooly acorns. All the kiddo's fave.



Tidal Pools capelet/shrug



Check out the texture. It's pretty dreamy.



Barn owl face throw pillow.



I made this a long while ago, but recently finished it up with vintage button embellishments and a pretty ribbon to hang by. A stocking fit for an elf!


This little Rod Stewarty fellow is Cornelius, of which I know two.



Watermelon purse with vintage buttons on the handle:

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