Needle felting Archives ~ Happy Whimsical Hearts

A Spring Story Apron

Years ago I came across a photo of a beautiful story apron, and I found the idea so very enchanting.

The idea that you could create a magical storytelling setting by wearing a special apron. An apron that has a flowing silk skirt and little pockets wherein the characters for your story reside.

So now that I have a new crafting obsession ~ needle felting ~ I thought I would try my hand at creating such a story apron for Ruby’s Waldorf kindergarten teacher. A spring story apron with lovely lush greenery and a lovely blue sky above.

I started with a felted jumper as my base and sewed pockets from the same material into place.

Then I layered beautiful wool roving and felted it into place, layering more as I went, slowly building up this whimsical storytelling setting.

Once I was happy with the felted picture I hand sewed the silk skirt and ribbon ties into place. Next time I would use a machine and do this first because my finish was not a neat as I would like.

Then I used a green gradient yarn and blanket stitched around the apron bib piece completing the apron.

I wrapped the apron up in cloth and tied it with yarn. Gifting it to Ruby’s teacher and her class. One day I hope to see the story apron being used *smile*

You can see my first felt tapestry here and my other handmade creations here.

??? And follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see snippets of our days ???

Blessings, Kelly

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November 14, 2016 by Kelly

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.