Yesterday afternoon first time felter and expert chef Aine McAteer popped over with her sister Helena (Helena and I both started felting with Carmen at the same time!!!) to join Cristina and I in an afternoon of felting magic.  Helena worked on a hat, Cristina plotted and designed a dress/skirt while I showed Aine how to make felt flowers and I must say she was an excellent student!  Because Aine is organising and hosting a week of raw food classes with Marie Pavillard from 14th – 18th in Wicklow she won’t be able to join us next weekend but we are planning a couple of intensive workshops prior to her departure home to Malibu at the end of the month, (contact her directly if you are interested in more info re. the raw food classes).

Aine's wonderful flowers

For those of you who might be free next Saturday I am hosting a beginners day long felting workshop here at Clasheen so if you would like to explore this fascinating craft in a fun and friendly environment why not come along and join me?  The day will start with a quick chat about the basics over a cup of coffee/tea and then we will roll up our sleeves and get stuck in and create a beautiful colourful piece of flat felt.  It is always amazing to watch the reactions of beginners/improvers as a loose and fluffy wad of fibres changes to become a beautiful and strong piece of fabric.  In the afternoon we will work on a second piece which can either be framed, stitched into a clutch bag, used as an insulated pot stand or maybe wrapped around a diary or notebook to create a colourful cover.  Please let me know asap if you would like to reserve a spot, the cost for the full day (felting from 10am until approx 4pm) is E75 including all materials, tea/coffee and cold drinks are freely available all day but participants are asked to bring their own packed lunch.  If you are interested in more information just email me for extra details and directions.