Open Studios Joy, New Workshops & A Little Sunflower Magic
- May 5
- 3 min read
I am feeling pretty blessed right now.....be ready for a long grateful post with new ideas, some of them already turning into workshops!
After returning from holiday, I was sick, had to cancel a workshop, appointments and had to prepare for Open Studios whilst feeling under the weather, certainly not having the energy or efficiency I would have liked. I had to catch up on everything too and was feeling pretty sorry for myself. Now, this week, everything has fallen into place. I feel so much better, appointments rescheduled, Open Studios was wonderful, and my single cancelled workshop has turned into two!
Open Studios has been such a joy...truly, for so many reasons 🩵🐑🩵.
I sit demonstrating the needle felting technique and hear people walk past, spot my little felted sheep, and make noises “Ooooh…” or “Ahhh…” It makes me smile. So many visitors have been choosing my creations as gifts for others, it feels incredibly humbling. I still get such a buzz of disbelief that people will pay money for something I have made!
The support from family and friends… having them show up, encourage me, and share in this journey—it really does feel so special.
Another highlight has been mingling other artists and forming new friendships. There’s something wonderful and energising about being surrounded by creative people, all doing their own unique thing, though sometimes I do have to chase that little "imposter syndrome" away. Do I belong here?! Really!? I really just feel so thankful to have the chance to have time to explore where I can take this needle felting I love, both in sharing it with others and discovering new techniques.
Talking of new techniques. I made two new things in the week before Open Studios, and another on request, yesterday!
It just came into my head that I wanted to needle and wet felt some silk and wool jewellery. So I did! And I was very pleased with the result (I nearly kept them both!), and to have Viv buy some on the second day added to the joy! They look heavy but are so light, and feel silky and soft!
Monarch Butterfly.... I had an email from Nannup Flower Festival asking if I wanted to return, and if so, what would we make? So, remembering the plethora of Monarch Butterflies at the event last year I worked out a quick and easy way to make them using soluble fibre, Merino wool and some pony hair (the antenna!)!
At Open Studios, someone (they have to remain anonymous as it is a surprise gift) asked if I could make a sunflower. So last night and this morning I finished it off. As usual, my marketing/selling skills are not the best, so I hadn't made note of who wanted it. Luckily social media came to the rescue, I posted it, it was seen and now she knows I have made it! (I had said I would try, no guarantee!) So, she is coming to visit me at Open Studios on Saturday to collect it.
I think that one of the things I do well, is taking something that looks detailed and complex, simplify it into something achievable and enjoyable to create. I guess that is really what's at the heart of why I love teaching my workshops. Breaking things down, making them approachable, and helping others discover that they can create something beautiful is a joy.
Well, I really have waffled a lot today...If you’ve been thinking about coming along, Open Studios is on again next weekend (9th & 10th May). It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of creativity—I’d love to see you there. Here's the link to the map and booklet online. I am Number 19!
And… Very Importantly, I have downloaded a whole load of new workshops onto my website. Hopefully there is something there for you. They include the favourites of sheep and ocean textured paintings, and new ones of soap pebbles and butterflies. If you do not see what you want, just get in touch via my email or website.
So, that is all for now, wishing you a warm and woolly May. Looking forward to meeting up with some of you this weekend, and if not, maybe at a workshop!
Audra 🩵🐑🩵
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