The Balloon Tree

Coming together in a circle of women to create and share is a special thing.

Two weekends ago, that is what I did.

We sat circling the most luscious collection of wool. The colours, textures and scent enticed us.

And there I discovered the – so very addictive – art of needlefelting tapestries.

We were guided by lovely Waldorf artisan Mary Hirsch-Jones.

Mary has been touring this wonderful country of ours, teaching groups of women how to make weighted Waldorf dolls, create felt tapestries and more!

Mary supplied us with a hessian rice pack to work on, which was a lovely change to the usual foam.

She poured delightful wool into the center of our circle, enticing us with the colours and textures. So much beautiful fibre to choose from!

With me, was my somewhat battered copy of the storybook, The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman.

A story my mother read to me as a child, and which I now read to my children.

The Balloon Tree is a story of hope and overcoming adversary.

Moon balloon, moon balloon, tickle the tree

Four balloons, more balloons, blossom for me

As I chose fibre and started laying it and felting it into place, I held the story and illustrations in my mind. Slowly building the tree up out of the tapestry.

Before the beautiful balloons bloomed out, a riot of rainbow colour.

I will be felting more pictures I am sure. What a special day and a special craft to learn

Blessings, Kelly

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