tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576688762219305502024-03-14T02:49:25.911+10:00KIRTON KREATIONSFibre and Textile Art, Felting, Painting, Mixed Media, Sculpture,
Green Alternatives and
All Things CreativeJoan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-96460824255732002012-07-23T11:46:00.000+10:002012-07-23T11:48:56.815+10:00Kerry Thompson on Colour in your Life TVTapping into the inner child. I love painting this way....."singing my song...."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zs2xjQb8Sic" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-6122026245249790982012-01-14T15:35:00.002+10:002012-01-15T09:57:50.621+10:00Earthbag Building - The tests<br />
<br />
I have a dream of building my own earthbag studio. After hours of research I decided I liked the look of <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/112134999496127815400/EarthbagRoundhouse#">Owen Geiger's Earthbag Round House.</a> and purchased his <a href="http://www.e-junkie.com/earthbag/product/464619.php">Earthbag Building Guide.</a><br />
But did I have the right kind of soil. The goal was to use only recycled materials and keep costs to a minimum. Owen has plans for a $300 earthbag house and I want to do even better. It will be a challenge, but I'll give it my best shot.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uigF4OBrzI0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Step 1. To test the soil at the Gum Tree Garden.</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIs4FB7Poqs/TxC7eMluOOI/AAAAAAAACmg/VXiUOKmwVWk/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIs4FB7Poqs/TxC7eMluOOI/AAAAAAAACmg/VXiUOKmwVWk/s320/026.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ylQErfTMQE/TxC6RPxEq9I/AAAAAAAACig/3IKsmz72oF0/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ylQErfTMQE/TxC6RPxEq9I/AAAAAAAACig/3IKsmz72oF0/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">First I had to dig some earth to test. This area was heaped up 2 years ago when I had a drive way pushed. I was hoping for some clay in the soil and judging by this hard brick size lump (top photo) I may have just what I need. I shoveled a small amount into a kitchen colander to remove some of the vegetable matter before trying a sample.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKb598CbQ9U/TxC6zRz60CI/AAAAAAAACmM/quU4Dun63YI/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKb598CbQ9U/TxC6zRz60CI/AAAAAAAACmM/quU4Dun63YI/s320/020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The samples felt firm and seemed to hold together well.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAaqqYjW1vI/TxC60tkT1gI/AAAAAAAACl0/1XRpkLnOjPc/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAaqqYjW1vI/TxC60tkT1gI/AAAAAAAACl0/1XRpkLnOjPc/s320/022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The samples here were : </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Top right lumps dug out of the heap.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Middle right sample had extra water added and was rolled between the palms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> It's been left to dry to see how much it will crack.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The lower right is the sample from the picture above after the "drop" test.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> It seems to have held well. Now to try a bag.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7rBAiA1psI/TxC6QXmue8I/AAAAAAAACiY/nyJwUQRTPxA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7rBAiA1psI/TxC6QXmue8I/AAAAAAAACiY/nyJwUQRTPxA/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the bags collected from Freecycle members, Facebook "Things for free......" members and poultry groups.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I didn't realise how varied 20kg bags could be. Some were very wide and I may need to sew them on the sewing machine to keep a consistent width when building the walls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTGlsAydnsI/TxC7cNaf71I/AAAAAAAACmU/5A2EiEu-FeE/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTGlsAydnsI/TxC7cNaf71I/AAAAAAAACmU/5A2EiEu-FeE/s320/023.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I needed to find a way to fill the bags when on my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A simple clamp on the back of the trolley did the trick.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I did find that without a wood backing on the trolley the bag tended to slump through the trolley bars.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After ramming the first couple of buckets I was able to remove the trolley clamp and only use a clamp on the bag and bucket.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6E-zKeDQwA/TxDEmnk9z1I/AAAAAAAACnE/1or6gMhGtUs/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6E-zKeDQwA/TxDEmnk9z1I/AAAAAAAACnE/1or6gMhGtUs/s320/029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mixing took all 5 buckets of earth and about 5-6 litres of water to reach the right consistency.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The rammer was made for me by a fellow "Freecycle" member about 12 months when I was considering using tyres.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I decided tyres were way to labour intensive and embraced the earthbag method instead.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpMePDiXrk/TxDEkxVuRMI/AAAAAAAACmw/66oFCHOXlNU/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpMePDiXrk/TxDEkxVuRMI/AAAAAAAACmw/66oFCHOXlNU/s320/031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first earthbag. It will be checked in about 2 weeks to see how well the soil mix set. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It hasn't been protected from the elements or the trespassing cattle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">...so let's hope it is still intact when I get back out there</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2. Build something small ( to come)</span></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-85455135274929224782011-10-30T18:25:00.000+10:002011-10-30T18:25:43.810+10:00Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_nQYZNLF_s/Tq0IMVR-KpI/AAAAAAAACYQ/C6rFqd5Z-rs/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_nQYZNLF_s/Tq0IMVR-KpI/AAAAAAAACYQ/C6rFqd5Z-rs/s320/163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>For some time now I have been having trouble replying to the lovely comments left on my blog. None of my logins are being accepted. I have no idea why and I must admit the time consuming task of trouble shooting the problem is daunting. So I will say thank you here to all those who have taken the time to pop in and to let me know that they have found something they like or my post has been helpful. Your comments are greatly appreciated.Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-55102536101843791002011-10-06T11:04:00.000+10:002011-10-06T11:04:16.759+10:00More Pixie Beanies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>More Pixie Beanies</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are made with Merino Cross wool and have a lovely wooly look and feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are after a Pixie Beanie or a hat check out<a href="http://kirtonkreations.blogspot.com/p/my-market-place.html"> <em>My</em> <em>Market Place</em></a> for October.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes the Beanies made for Felt United are forsale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ones on this page are forsale as well at the same price.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X21qbhPNCU4/Toz7EcCUmbI/AAAAAAAACJ0/b1wlhEYANOQ/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X21qbhPNCU4/Toz7EcCUmbI/AAAAAAAACJ0/b1wlhEYANOQ/s320/017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAh55oDCUyI/Toz7IL5H2TI/AAAAAAAACJ4/cWU1sxPJOEQ/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAh55oDCUyI/Toz7IL5H2TI/AAAAAAAACJ4/cWU1sxPJOEQ/s320/016.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGRb5iOAreM/Toz7LLlmBkI/AAAAAAAACJ8/8XlsKSibMvA/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGRb5iOAreM/Toz7LLlmBkI/AAAAAAAACJ8/8XlsKSibMvA/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq0J0A780S4/Toz7OcA2h6I/AAAAAAAACKA/U2DAM6hc6C0/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq0J0A780S4/Toz7OcA2h6I/AAAAAAAACKA/U2DAM6hc6C0/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVEV3vk6oRc/Toz7Ra-8q3I/AAAAAAAACKE/2YZwRV9Gt78/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVEV3vk6oRc/Toz7Ra-8q3I/AAAAAAAACKE/2YZwRV9Gt78/s320/012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYXlOIRTRA4/Toz7UVeQtwI/AAAAAAAACKI/xjQAAf2KjaI/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYXlOIRTRA4/Toz7UVeQtwI/AAAAAAAACKI/xjQAAf2KjaI/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-6133583365655689462011-10-05T10:25:00.001+10:002011-10-05T18:20:40.707+10:00How to Felt Wire....My Version.<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODSZlX3pLIw/TobGInJuEhI/AAAAAAAACDM/6s1aMHITcus/s1600/FINISH%257E1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODSZlX3pLIw/TobGInJuEhI/AAAAAAAACDM/6s1aMHITcus/s320/FINISH%257E1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I first got the idea for making headbands and hair ties for fund raising events during the felting camp at the Jondaryan Woolshed in Oct last year. <strong>Wendy Bailey</strong> had some very pretty hair ties with large felt flowers felted onto foam curlers. I had dismissed the idea as the ties appeared a little bulky for children's pony tails.</div><br />
<br />
A few months later Abbie Vievers was visiting and over a cup of coffee I listened while she brain stormed ideas for an <strong>Open Day at the Serendipity Farm Animal Centre on October 22</strong>. I then remembered Wendy's pretty ties and thought they would be great for a felt demonstration and as a fund raiser. The bulkiness of the tie, and the time needed to make the flower, was a concern. I needed to simplify the process. Once again it was put on the back burner .....until I read an article in the 5th Issue of <strong>Felt Magazine</strong> by <strong>Anita Larkin</strong> "Felting around wire..Fungi Bracelet". She used Corriedale wool which gave it a rustic look. I became excited when I found I had all the materials at hand .....recycled fly screen tubing from old screen doors, wire from repairing the fence and of course various types of wool.<br />
<br />
I found Anita's process, while effective was awkward, and I needed to be simplify it if children were to felt wire on Open Day. I also needed to find a decoration that could be made quickly and still be as appealing as Wendy's flowers. I found the solution in <strong>Christine White's</strong> <strong>Uniquely Felt</strong> ..."Bodacious Bamboo" page 49.<br />
<br />
<em>So here is my version for felting around wire</em>:<br />
<br />
I decided that bracelets would be something quick and easy for the girls to make and snakes and lizards for the boys. I wrapped the ridged fly screen tube (spline) around my wrist and let the ends overlap about an inch. This should be a good length for the children's bracelets, hair ties and little snakes and lizards.<br />
The tubing can be found at hardware stores for about 60c metre or a little cheaper in packs of about 13 metres. I used galvanised wire from my tool box. You can see the wire size in relation to the tube in the photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyQ5nVC0-H0/ToY37oPW37I/AAAAAAAACAM/v08dLiRdo3E/s1600/wire+and+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyQ5nVC0-H0/ToY37oPW37I/AAAAAAAACAM/v08dLiRdo3E/s200/wire+and+tube.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7GTH_746UM/ToY4EXEwHbI/AAAAAAAACAQ/WH0foRagXoY/s1600/wire+and+tube+detail+of+bending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7GTH_746UM/ToY4EXEwHbI/AAAAAAAACAQ/WH0foRagXoY/s200/wire+and+tube+detail+of+bending.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
You will notice that the wire has a curve (a memory) which persists through out the process. This can be used to advantage. First the wire was bent back onto the topside of the curve to reduce the risk of scratching when worn. The wire was stroked along the length when shaping to avoid kinks. However any shaping was avoided until finished.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4GSvBg0pk/Toa9iFKbNiI/AAAAAAAACAw/MfBv7DrfGrQ/s320/4+making+the+felt+tube++-template.jpg" width="320" /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Using a template</em>: I used exactly the same process as I do when felting hats, bags etc. I cut a piece of lino (floor vinyl) one and a half times the length of the tube and about inch wide, to use as a template. Fine Merino tops were laid across the template and a thin layer down the length. It was then dampened down and felted with netting over the top till I was able to turn it over. <br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img border="0" height="242" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQgr5AwjRcA/Toa9jXNzxVI/AAAAAAAACA0/CuhMXKedAB4/s320/6+felting+the+other+side+of+the+tube.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
The sides were folded in and tops were laid on the second side. At times I found very little wool was needed on the second side as the folded sides often cover the side quite well. I did need to do a full layer on the one in this photo though. When it felted well and straining at the edges..... the ends were cut and the template pulled out. To pull template out the felt tube was pushed down like a sock part way and then grabbed at the bottom and pulled off. The tube is very fragile at this stage so go slow.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wgyJA_tr30/Toa9kTS9dQI/AAAAAAAACBA/ej7P1J7KyrI/s1600/8+ends+of+the+wire+and+inserting+into+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wgyJA_tr30/Toa9kTS9dQI/AAAAAAAACBA/ej7P1J7KyrI/s320/8+ends+of+the+wire+and+inserting+into+tube.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Covering the ends:</em> Next some wool was hooked in the wire ends and pliers used to fix it firmly. Here my method varies again from Anita's. The wool is held between finger and thumb and the wire twirled so the wool winds around the tube and wire like a "cotton bud". This gives a good cover over the wire end. When both ends were covered the wire tube was pushed into in the felted tube. The ends of the felt tube were pulled over the first "cotton bud". </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wgyJA_tr30/Toa9kTS9dQI/AAAAAAAACBA/ej7P1J7KyrI/s1600/8+ends+of+the+wire+and+inserting+into+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsrL79queZw/Toa9k8wPVzI/AAAAAAAACBE/6Ydz-kh-1TE/s1600/9+felting+the+first+end+of+wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsrL79queZw/Toa9k8wPVzI/AAAAAAAACBE/6Ydz-kh-1TE/s320/9+felting+the+first+end+of+wire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>To felt the tube:</em> Wet the end thoroughly with soapy water and gently rub the felt ends together. As it starts to felt together the end can be rolled on a wet towel or between the palms. When the end has felted onto the wool that was twirled around the wire ... push the felt tube up the wire and repeat the process on the second end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEblEsDfNxw/Toa9lx38s8I/AAAAAAAACBM/PvIVJQ4gfBU/s1600/10++felting+the+second+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEblEsDfNxw/Toa9lx38s8I/AAAAAAAACBM/PvIVJQ4gfBU/s320/10++felting+the+second+end.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Felt both ends well before felting the middle. To start the process roll the wire felt between the palms as if washing you hands. Move the folds up and down as you felt to avoid them felting onto themselves. The folds will shrink and disappear as you roll.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzmWClOwlXw/Toa9liVexMI/AAAAAAAACBI/Gmtf2v5HcKI/s1600/11++felting+the+full+length+of+wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzmWClOwlXw/Toa9liVexMI/AAAAAAAACBI/Gmtf2v5HcKI/s320/11++felting+the+full+length+of+wire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Last stages of rolling</em>. Rolling on a wet towel helps in speed up the final process. Putting it into hot water and then using a mallet as Anita suggests to shock the felt is also an option. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wire felt finished ready for decoration. I found this basic method quite quick and perfect for children on Open Day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ok_aZ9LKY/Toa9mZfnJtI/AAAAAAAACBQ/CaFX4v1eDcg/s1600/12+the+finished+felted+wire+ready+for+decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ok_aZ9LKY/Toa9mZfnJtI/AAAAAAAACBQ/CaFX4v1eDcg/s320/12+the+finished+felted+wire+ready+for+decoration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wgyJA_tr30/Toa9kTS9dQI/AAAAAAAACBA/ej7P1J7KyrI/s1600/8+ends+of+the+wire+and+inserting+into+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQgr5AwjRcA/Toa9jXNzxVI/AAAAAAAACA0/CuhMXKedAB4/s1600/6+felting+the+other+side+of+the+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4GSvBg0pk/Toa9iFKbNiI/AAAAAAAACAw/MfBv7DrfGrQ/s1600/4+making+the+felt+tube++-template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQgr5AwjRcA/Toa9jXNzxVI/AAAAAAAACA0/CuhMXKedAB4/s1600/6+felting+the+other+side+of+the+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQgr5AwjRcA/Toa9jXNzxVI/AAAAAAAACA0/CuhMXKedAB4/s1600/6+felting+the+other+side+of+the+tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQgr5AwjRcA/Toa9jXNzxVI/AAAAAAAACA0/CuhMXKedAB4/s320/6+felting+the+other+side+of+the+tube.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 175px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1379px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-16163334219414906702011-09-17T15:42:00.000+10:002011-09-17T15:42:23.273+10:00Felting with WireI've been working on some ideas for Serendipity Farm Animal Rescue's Open Day in October. I hope have some wire felted head bands and bracelets to put toward the fund raising effort, as well as demonstrating my wire felting method on the day. I have adapted the process and ideas of 3 other felters and will post my own "how to" version at a later date. <br />
<br />
To learn more about Serentipity go to the link at the top right hand side of this blog. Please come and support the efforts of this lovely family in caring for unwanted animals. Many of their animals were lost when a wall of water hit the Lockyer valley in January 2011 and they are working hard to rebuild pens and fences, as well as feed newly rescued animals. I will post more information about the Open Day as it comes ......or you might like to follow Serendipity on Facebook.<br />
<br />
Below is the first wire felt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1tu0vIb1dk/TnQry9OcIkI/AAAAAAAAB_8/neKhR_bNch8/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1tu0vIb1dk/TnQry9OcIkI/AAAAAAAAB_8/neKhR_bNch8/s320/006.jpg" width="277" /></a><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQvjUcgVNYY/TnQrvi3mOQI/AAAAAAAAB_4/aJ6L92Q32jE/s320/004.jpg" width="240" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHR7YSeOzLY/TnQrjHGffsI/AAAAAAAAB_w/YKmMzwU5K9o/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHR7YSeOzLY/TnQrjHGffsI/AAAAAAAAB_w/YKmMzwU5K9o/s320/002.jpg" width="227" /></a><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUmc9__gJWo/TnQr4rZyv9I/AAAAAAAACAE/HbH_lkZM0pY/s320/008.jpg" width="311" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Ga3BrRBRM/TnQrspsNTBI/AAAAAAAAB_0/wPx3igEHaKI/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Ga3BrRBRM/TnQrspsNTBI/AAAAAAAAB_0/wPx3igEHaKI/s320/003.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />
<img border="0" height="298" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ru0Edm_z3o8/TnQr1k2kC-I/AAAAAAAACAA/givjQpDIU8Y/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUmc9__gJWo/TnQr4rZyv9I/AAAAAAAACAE/HbH_lkZM0pY/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQvjUcgVNYY/TnQrvi3mOQI/AAAAAAAAB_4/aJ6L92Q32jE/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ru0Edm_z3o8/TnQr1k2kC-I/AAAAAAAACAA/givjQpDIU8Y/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div align="left"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-21843252349289135652011-09-17T10:53:00.001+10:002011-09-17T10:55:07.994+10:00Red Beret and Blue Pixie Beanie<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6b_PKdu8As/TnPpwSsXjRI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/vJDTIgj3Oto/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6b_PKdu8As/TnPpwSsXjRI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/vJDTIgj3Oto/s320/014.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although have made many felt hats I have never had any success with berets. Most were too thick and heavy, or the head opening was too large and fell over my eyes. Often they were recycled into bags and bowls or cut up and used in some other way. This time I only used 2 thin layers of merino cross tops and made this little red beret. At last something that might work. I'm already thinking about how I can improve the process.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8dNQ0HziE8/TnPplyqwTII/AAAAAAAAB_I/isOjA9_r3Ec/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8dNQ0HziE8/TnPplyqwTII/AAAAAAAAB_I/isOjA9_r3Ec/s320/015.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The little Red Beret will join this Blue Pixie Beanie on International Felt Day.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For the blue beanie I used a mix of fine Merino and a blended Cross Merino. Each beanie takes on its own unique character and I have found that each can change again and again by simply wetting and re-folding. Lots of fun and very functional.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auJBV-km6Bo/TnPs4HsvpLI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/ctdrrrHECiE/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auJBV-km6Bo/TnPs4HsvpLI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/ctdrrrHECiE/s320/001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="273" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYdm_ZrNAe0/TnPtGmV3BnI/AAAAAAAAB_o/K_TPksf47WI/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYdm_ZrNAe0/TnPtGmV3BnI/AAAAAAAAB_o/K_TPksf47WI/s320/005.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-my4ekeZacaw/TnPs7YahpoI/AAAAAAAAB_c/vb8nlyvxc0k/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-my4ekeZacaw/TnPs7YahpoI/AAAAAAAAB_c/vb8nlyvxc0k/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg6qIxwMSTw/TnPs-VL_QtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/FewkSYUxA9g/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bg6qIxwMSTw/TnPs-VL_QtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/FewkSYUxA9g/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6tbhZeb9lg/TnPtDu5qG5I/AAAAAAAAB_k/dGjjF0Xb4v4/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6tbhZeb9lg/TnPtDu5qG5I/AAAAAAAAB_k/dGjjF0Xb4v4/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auJBV-km6Bo/TnPs4HsvpLI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/ctdrrrHECiE/s320/001.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 491px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1250px; visibility: hidden;" width="82" />Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-72073046791512614992011-09-05T15:09:00.000+10:002011-09-05T15:09:16.164+10:00Shades of Red Purple Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PIXIE BEANIES - RED PURPLE BLUE<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b6SnQPHuCY/TmRUuY0R6cI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/ENeM3dL96qA/s1600/red++purple+blue+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b6SnQPHuCY/TmRUuY0R6cI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/ENeM3dL96qA/s320/red++purple+blue+005.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting ready for Felt United......International day of Felt 1 October 2011</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Jg6aozczw/TmRUyCF3U4I/AAAAAAAAB-U/uUvKtfNHy8g/s1600/red++purple+blue+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Jg6aozczw/TmRUyCF3U4I/AAAAAAAAB-U/uUvKtfNHy8g/s320/red++purple+blue+006.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9dlCTSyyAA/TmRU2A8c1fI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/favn-NhYDjg/s1600/red++purple+blue+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9dlCTSyyAA/TmRU2A8c1fI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/favn-NhYDjg/s320/red++purple+blue+007.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a>SHADES OF RED</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVXU0hE-3Vo/TmRU5qjSozI/AAAAAAAAB-c/vm33bnDyatg/s1600/red++purple+blue+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVXU0hE-3Vo/TmRU5qjSozI/AAAAAAAAB-c/vm33bnDyatg/s320/red++purple+blue+008.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WW6mSjd2Ys/TmRU9YTsCmI/AAAAAAAAB-g/nxpZQVCY11s/s1600/red++purple+blue+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WW6mSjd2Ys/TmRU9YTsCmI/AAAAAAAAB-g/nxpZQVCY11s/s320/red++purple+blue+010.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlbIzI8CIEw/TmRVAMapCtI/AAAAAAAAB-k/btWav08jido/s1600/red++purple+blue+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlbIzI8CIEw/TmRVAMapCtI/AAAAAAAAB-k/btWav08jido/s320/red++purple+blue+011.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyHUyHyPMoI/TmRVD42XkmI/AAAAAAAAB-o/WaoLDSnjfKU/s1600/red++purple+blue+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyHUyHyPMoI/TmRVD42XkmI/AAAAAAAAB-o/WaoLDSnjfKU/s320/red++purple+blue+012.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEx_JHaLJUM/TmRVHaIbsGI/AAAAAAAAB-s/E5xyLvJWXks/s1600/red++purple+blue+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEx_JHaLJUM/TmRVHaIbsGI/AAAAAAAAB-s/E5xyLvJWXks/s320/red++purple+blue+014.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> SHADES OF PURPLE</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyq3DkDw8jw/TmRVZJwJRwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/RTeGgO_TXV4/s1600/red++purple+blue+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyq3DkDw8jw/TmRVZJwJRwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/RTeGgO_TXV4/s320/red++purple+blue+023.jpg" width="312" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8sduslAnAY/TmRVT9BcejI/AAAAAAAAB-4/Illj4KnURs8/s1600/red++purple+blue+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8sduslAnAY/TmRVT9BcejI/AAAAAAAAB-4/Illj4KnURs8/s320/red++purple+blue+021.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">SHADES OF BLUE</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yo7kDkQc-o/TmRVQAOOAhI/AAAAAAAAB-0/7kMHEYDsb-w/s1600/red++purple+blue+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yo7kDkQc-o/TmRVQAOOAhI/AAAAAAAAB-0/7kMHEYDsb-w/s320/red++purple+blue+019.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkMZgYtBzzY/TmRVLEd4x7I/AAAAAAAAB-w/2poc5jAhfJQ/s1600/red++purple+blue+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkMZgYtBzzY/TmRVLEd4x7I/AAAAAAAAB-w/2poc5jAhfJQ/s320/red++purple+blue+016.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-91896706905929812932011-06-14T08:21:00.000+10:002011-06-14T08:21:09.769+10:00Felted BeaniesWinter is here and I have decided to take time out from the Gum Tree Garden Studio for a little while. The wet cold weather provides the perfect opportunity to do some felting and replenish my supply of hats, beanies and scarves.<br />
<br />
<br />
I love wearing these popular Pixie beanies and have 2 more orders to fill.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybAQyv9X3F8/TfFW5YRi94I/AAAAAAAAB7M/mJOLX2dA7T0/s1600/pixie+beanie+ready+for+shaping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybAQyv9X3F8/TfFW5YRi94I/AAAAAAAAB7M/mJOLX2dA7T0/s320/pixie+beanie+ready+for+shaping.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pixie beanie ready for shaping</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3n0XlH5vg/TfFW01_Fm-I/AAAAAAAAB60/gwJR8gXvOeM/s1600/pixie+beanie+-+choc+brown+and+variagated+shades+of+rust+and+mustard+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3n0XlH5vg/TfFW01_Fm-I/AAAAAAAAB60/gwJR8gXvOeM/s320/pixie+beanie+-+choc+brown+and+variagated+shades+of+rust+and+mustard+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After shaping SOLD</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmcF-drZ5Y4/TfFW5MRXQxI/AAAAAAAAB7I/mvz1nFHLEYk/s1600/pixie+beanie+pulled+out+for+effect+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmcF-drZ5Y4/TfFW5MRXQxI/AAAAAAAAB7I/mvz1nFHLEYk/s320/pixie+beanie+pulled+out+for+effect+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3GgPUDeL64/TebTAM-LKVI/AAAAAAAAB6M/0QcKw5kKBpY/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3GgPUDeL64/TebTAM-LKVI/AAAAAAAAB6M/0QcKw5kKBpY/s320/029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pixie beanie shaped and worn with folds pushed down. <br />
It can also be worn with folds pulled out as shown in images above.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-10441061559026478302011-02-18T16:33:00.001+10:002011-02-19T09:36:24.135+10:00Felted Fedora Hat - Creating Texture with Novelty Yarn <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aEykugVNcw/TV4KjrG6R0I/AAAAAAAABsw/3lMb0BuR6BI/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4aEykugVNcw/TV4KjrG6R0I/AAAAAAAABsw/3lMb0BuR6BI/s400/011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies Fedora - 57cms <br />
Fine Merino tops and acrylic and mohair novelty yarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I had promised to post some more samples of textures, but I decided to try some textures on this little fedora instead. <br />
<br />
After laying down graduated colours using merino tops I selected a number of novelty yarns to be gathered ready for my texture. Most novelty yarns have a cotton thread through the centre that can be gently pulled to <a href="http://kirtonkreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/inspired-by-bark-felted-wall-hanging.html">create interesting effects.</a> Some yarns were laid down in lengths while others were cut into little caterpillars. I was pleasantly surprised at the range of texture that emerged.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjMb6I_WO0/TV4KmiXxLHI/AAAAAAAABs0/YAgShTApVuk/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjMb6I_WO0/TV4KmiXxLHI/AAAAAAAABs0/YAgShTApVuk/s400/012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnnrktWSBJI/TV4KpuNZk3I/AAAAAAAABs4/yOzGBopOI4c/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnnrktWSBJI/TV4KpuNZk3I/AAAAAAAABs4/yOzGBopOI4c/s400/013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9OK4_eR5Hc/TV4KsitfVEI/AAAAAAAABs8/d5a_POgJHeo/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9OK4_eR5Hc/TV4KsitfVEI/AAAAAAAABs8/d5a_POgJHeo/s400/016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-51141121623801795192011-02-09T13:36:00.001+10:002011-02-09T13:41:41.357+10:00Pastels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TVILgneBRHI/AAAAAAAABlQ/oKrP50JNnDk/s1600/parsnips+pkt+and+daffodil+pastel+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TVILgneBRHI/AAAAAAAABlQ/oKrP50JNnDk/s320/parsnips+pkt+and+daffodil+pastel+003.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>I found my self overworking my paintings in my attempt to get them finished and send them on their way. So I grabbed a piece a left over matt board to do a bit of doodling to break the tension.<br />
<br />
Playing with this quick pastel painting of Frangipanies was just what I needed to break the intensity of portrait painting.<br />
<br />
Might use this one as a sketch for a larger painting further down the the track.Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-6628703385178007232011-01-27T07:15:00.002+10:002011-01-31T07:26:49.384+10:00Not the Australian Way - SHAME<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TUCNtIYshhI/AAAAAAAABgE/hT2B14GmDro/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TUCNtIYshhI/AAAAAAAABgE/hT2B14GmDro/s400/001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Choko and Pumpkin crop vandalised</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had a huge load of work to get through and I needed to take control of my time. Tasks like: proof reading for students....like me often left out words or phrases when immersed in the topic. Commissioned portraits that were long over due...these can take 3 months even with total focus. Felting orders to be sent overseas as presents. Many business tasks that created feelings of anxiety and vexed my creative spirit. Purchases to be invoiced and posted and more. Of course there was the Gum Tree Garden Studio that drained me physically, especially when I had bouts of Chronic Fatigue and needed to take constant power naps. Lastly my veggies that I am trying to increase to help those in need....some were going to help the local Green grocer keep fresh produce available to the community. Some were reserved for a little 10 year old girl with liver cancer, who could only eat chokos during treatment - they were not available in the shops after the floods. Some went to single parents, aged pensions and young families.<br />
<br />
Because I was constantly being interrupted I decide to post a very polite, but firm notice on my door to let unexpected visitors know that I may not be answering the door during this time and why, thanking them for their consideration. Most had my email address and phone number and were free to contact me at any time. One person saw this "please do not disturb" sign as being for everyone else and her interruptions escalated.....I stood my ground and continued with my tasks working well into the night. Others were depending on me to meet my deadlines so they could meet theirs.<br />
<br />
After 3 days of pounding on my door and not contacting me via email or voice mail she gave up. But had she .....on the eve of Australia Day I looked out my window. Why I decided to look out that particular window I don't know. What I saw astounded me........ she had ripped all the choko vines off my fence and cut the stems of my pumpkins leaving half ripened fruit to die. I might add that she had been harvesting the chokos from this vine for over three years...it was originally planted to allow her ongoing access to fresh chokos for her family and friends.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TUXVrwPj5OI/AAAAAAAABhE/VOR2nvuS-SA/s1600/Pumpkins+vandalised+-+the+right+side+of+the+vine+was+cut+-+unripened+fruit+left+to+die..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TUXVrwPj5OI/AAAAAAAABhE/VOR2nvuS-SA/s320/Pumpkins+vandalised+-+the+right+side+of+the+vine+was+cut+-+unripened+fruit+left+to+die..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One lone pumpkin vine was looped over the paling to support<br />
the young pumpkins that had decided to grow there.<br />
Instead of lowering the pumpkins gently down, the vine was<br />
deliberately cut where it was looped and the unripe pumpkins left to die</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Every where else in Australia people are pulling together ...helping one and other through recovery during the national crisis. But occasionally we come across an incredible lack of concern for others. I will now need to tell those waiting for their veggies that they will not be coming for a while. I will of course make sure the little girl still gets her chokos even if I have to buy them myself.<br />
<br />
<strong>Her behaviour is not the Australian Way. SHAME</strong>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-77879228378610713182011-01-25T19:19:00.000+10:002011-01-25T19:19:19.046+10:00Playing with More Textures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some more textures, using commercial tops in natural and brown, hand spun knobbly yarn, sprinkles of natural and brown dyed mohair. Lengths of tops were laid down and pulled apart. Then felted where they landed, creating an interesting open pattern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBk4Oc1hI/AAAAAAAABb4/KejTDZIjyEc/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBk4Oc1hI/AAAAAAAABb4/KejTDZIjyEc/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBotg6hSI/AAAAAAAABb8/oQyz55gNsQo/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBotg6hSI/AAAAAAAABb8/oQyz55gNsQo/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBr-A1BjI/AAAAAAAABcA/R6YPYqlUDvg/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjBr-A1BjI/AAAAAAAABcA/R6YPYqlUDvg/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here a length of natural coarse merino tops was laid down and pulled apart and then Romney Liecester cross was laid on top in the traditional way. When felted it had the look of an animal skin. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjB595QGuI/AAAAAAAABcI/X9w8jvXx0gI/s1600/laying+out+romney-Leister+wall+hanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjB595QGuI/AAAAAAAABcI/X9w8jvXx0gI/s320/laying+out+romney-Leister+wall+hanging.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjB-ai-RqI/AAAAAAAABcM/oMnNrYWHUIc/s1600/natural+coarse+merino+with+Romney+-Leister+overlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTjB-ai-RqI/AAAAAAAABcM/oMnNrYWHUIc/s320/natural+coarse+merino+with+Romney+-Leister+overlay.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-55028050641979801692011-01-21T08:23:00.000+10:002011-01-21T08:23:38.248+10:00Felted Wall HangingHere it is...... the finished wall hanging using natural wool and the wool I <a href="http://gumtreegardenstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/solar-dyed-merino-tops.html#links">solar dyed</a> using <a href="http://gumtreegardenstudio.blogspot.com/2010/10/dyeing-with-native-daphne.html#links">Native Daphne</a> and Acacia leaves and beetroot skins. Some commercial tops were added for contrast. I am really excited about the range of textures that emerged and will be trying something on a larger scale soon....or at least when the weather cools down. You can get a quick glimpse of the process in the previous post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv5khlEvI/AAAAAAAABbg/kwE3rhifyJo/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv5khlEvI/AAAAAAAABbg/kwE3rhifyJo/s400/009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Like most of my creations it began inspired by something I saw or imagined...in this case bark....and then reinvents itself during the process. This is what is so enjoyable about the creative process.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv9ZKqFeI/AAAAAAAABbk/Bb6sk3EHdk0/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv9ZKqFeI/AAAAAAAABbk/Bb6sk3EHdk0/s400/010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwBclW1RI/AAAAAAAABbo/JrV4q8UH-5Y/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwBclW1RI/AAAAAAAABbo/JrV4q8UH-5Y/s400/011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwE1mxQoI/AAAAAAAABbs/q3phqGafIHE/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwE1mxQoI/AAAAAAAABbs/q3phqGafIHE/s400/012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwIQyFTyI/AAAAAAAABbw/vGG6-MnhLmM/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiwIQyFTyI/AAAAAAAABbw/vGG6-MnhLmM/s400/013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have a couple of options for the hanging. One is to make very fine felted ties and to attach them to a rustic branch ......the second is to use Velcro and fix the hanging to a contrasting background before hanging. I think I prefer the first option as I like the way the light shines through the openings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv0ZlXsWI/AAAAAAAABbc/yqJUeTr1W6c/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTiv0ZlXsWI/AAAAAAAABbc/yqJUeTr1W6c/s640/008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall hanging measures approximately 98cm x 50cms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-90916427789626934832011-01-20T17:22:00.000+10:002011-01-20T17:22:12.385+10:00Inspired by Bark - Felted Wall Hanging - The Process <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfbtM4R47I/AAAAAAAABak/vt5ehTDhAaI/s1600/paper+bark+and+solar+dyed+wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfbtM4R47I/AAAAAAAABak/vt5ehTDhAaI/s320/paper+bark+and+solar+dyed+wool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My neighbour was peeling bark off her Paper Bark trees and she did I noticed the wonderful colours on the underside. I had not long finished solar dyeing some merino tops and thought they would work well in recreating some of the barks patterns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfbzdRtX6I/AAAAAAAABao/UKPqLC5xj3E/s1600/basket+of+roughly+spun+natural+wool+-+what+a+tangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfbzdRtX6I/AAAAAAAABao/UKPqLC5xj3E/s320/basket+of+roughly+spun+natural+wool+-+what+a+tangle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I needed some embellishments so pulled out the basket of roughly hand spun. What a tangle! I had spun these balls a few years ago...trying my best to make them as uneven as possible. For many years prior I had spun very fine even yarn that did not inspire me at all. I wanted something organic looking and I was surprised how hard it was to spin chunks and slubs randomly. Now they were to be put to good use. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcBBYxBSI/AAAAAAAABas/NszW9y7KZks/s1600/gathering+the+handspun+to+form+a+textured+embelishment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcBBYxBSI/AAAAAAAABas/NszW9y7KZks/s320/gathering+the+handspun+to+form+a+textured+embelishment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make the yarn more interesting I gathered the over spun yarn creating various spirals (above)</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcHIKENgI/AAAAAAAABaw/maM-d_wRoJ4/s1600/gathering+fluffy+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcHIKENgI/AAAAAAAABaw/maM-d_wRoJ4/s320/gathering+fluffy+yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some novelty yarns were also gathered to create fluffy lengths reminiscent of caterpillars ( above) and nobbles (below).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcRGD8qkI/AAAAAAAABa4/Vkdfswf_0_0/s1600/091gathering++novelty+yarn+-+nobbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcRGD8qkI/AAAAAAAABa4/Vkdfswf_0_0/s320/091gathering++novelty+yarn+-+nobbles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcW8EnXQI/AAAAAAAABa8/F5dRFor5VMo/s1600/098+distressed++medi+gauze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcW8EnXQI/AAAAAAAABa8/F5dRFor5VMo/s320/098+distressed++medi+gauze.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Pieces of Medical gauze were distressed and then dyed with tea bags.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcaO1VCkI/AAAAAAAABbA/BauKGBBwYnw/s1600/097+tea+bag+dyed+medi+gauze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcaO1VCkI/AAAAAAAABbA/BauKGBBwYnw/s320/097+tea+bag+dyed+medi+gauze.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
More novelty yarn was frayed for yet another effect (below)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcovr3PMI/AAAAAAAABbE/-E8zR9Sgtas/s1600/frayed+novelty+yarn+as+embellishment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfcovr3PMI/AAAAAAAABbE/-E8zR9Sgtas/s320/frayed+novelty+yarn+as+embellishment.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Below are a few shots of the process as the bits and pieces came together to form a unique wall hanging .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfczfuRrDI/AAAAAAAABbI/ueLzTxm3elI/s1600/Laying+out+the+bark+colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfczfuRrDI/AAAAAAAABbI/ueLzTxm3elI/s400/Laying+out+the+bark+colours.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfc4LCJNVI/AAAAAAAABbM/ks_33l9BP3k/s1600/more+gathered+and+frayed+yarn+with+gauze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfc4LCJNVI/AAAAAAAABbM/ks_33l9BP3k/s400/more+gathered+and+frayed+yarn+with+gauze.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfc8zi1xjI/AAAAAAAABbQ/V0-NZZsoPEc/s1600/nobbles+and+frayed+novelty+yarn+layed+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfc8zi1xjI/AAAAAAAABbQ/V0-NZZsoPEc/s400/nobbles+and+frayed+novelty+yarn+layed+out.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfdG2iFjvI/AAAAAAAABbU/Z5oP-hlNJ90/s1600/adding+gauze+and+hand+spun+embelishments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTfdG2iFjvI/AAAAAAAABbU/Z5oP-hlNJ90/s400/adding+gauze+and+hand+spun+embelishments.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished hanging will be posted later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-12013330458302501632011-01-19T18:04:00.001+10:002011-01-20T08:45:30.076+10:00What Happened to My worldMy daughter Linda sent this to me in the hope that anyone with children experiencing difficulties after the floods may find it useful. Linda works at the Flexible Learning Centre in Cairns and is very familiar with the effects of cyclones and floods on children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTaZx-hfKBI/AAAAAAAABaU/A47EefafnQY/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTaZx-hfKBI/AAAAAAAABaU/A47EefafnQY/s320/017.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Find the <a href="http://www.mercycorps.org/publications/11846">Free Booklet here</a><br />
<br />
I believe it was published after Cyclone Katrina in New Orleans. Please pass it on.Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-21594367021164740532011-01-15T09:34:00.001+10:002011-01-20T16:16:39.983+10:00Home Grown Veggies Support the Local Green GrocerI ventured out yesterday to see how the supplies in the shops were faring. Even though we were not in a flood area many of the shelves of our local Green Grocer were quite empty. Milk was particularly hard to get and only 2 bottles were left on the shelves last night. I had looked at the heavily laden chokos on my clothes line before going down to the shop and wondered if these would help. The response was " we would be very grateful for any vegetables".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTDNN_wSzbI/AAAAAAAABYU/OrZj6m5KMh0/s1600/chokos+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TTDNN_wSzbI/AAAAAAAABYU/OrZj6m5KMh0/s320/chokos+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So I loaded up my trolley first thing this morning, and wheeled them down. I wanted to give them away as I did on Freecycle, but this wasn't allowed.... so we agreed to barter. This way their business doors would remain open a little longer, locals could still get veggies and I would be supporting my local grocer by using their shop. I still have plenty of chokos left over for low income earners on Freecycle, plus a fresh bumper crop on it's way.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was 7.0am when I made my delivery and found they had only managed to get about half doz bottles of milk, .......so I very was lucky to receive one in my barter. The rest would be gone in half an hour or sooner. I also managed to get a pack of carrots. Some prices had gone up ....some by 30%.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, our local butcher is not having any trouble getting beef and lamb as they source their meat locally from places like Pittsworth. Chicken is scarce though, with a convoy of trucks blocked by flood waters. I did notice that the sides of lamb had also increased by 30%....even so it was still an economical buy at $7.99 per kg<br />
<br />
So, if you have a surplus of home grown veggies contact your local shop and see if they need help in supplying the community with fresh produce and help keep their doors open. <strong>Many need food</strong> <strong>NOW</strong>.<br />
<br />
Some of the produce that may be hard to source now and in days to come will be things like Chinese greens, capsicums, broccoli, tomatoes etc. The Lockyer Valley was the salad bowl of Queensland and supplied most of the state as well as many parts of Australia. Some of these veggies are fast growing, so planting a few extra in your garden now, will go a long way in supporting our local communities during recovery.<br />
<br />
Well I am off to plant some Chinese greens and potatoes, prop up my tomatoes, blanch and freeze my beans and get the snails off my silver beet......after all there are just so many chokos one can eat :)<br />
<br />
All the best to those affected in any way by the floods<br />
Cheers <br />
JoanJoan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-5738066113826756782011-01-13T17:21:00.000+10:002011-01-13T17:21:26.196+10:00We Are OKThanks to all who rang or emailed wanting to know if we were affected by the horrific flash flood in Toowoomba. I had just left the CBD when the inland tsunami ripped through our main streets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TSrNxeW2kJI/AAAAAAAABXU/nYTc7yQHEy0/s1600/toow--claytonnnnn-600x400%255B1%255D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TSrNxeW2kJI/AAAAAAAABXU/nYTc7yQHEy0/s320/toow--claytonnnnn-600x400%255B1%255D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are many You-tube videos of this inland tsunami's incredible force and devastation as it tore through Toowoomba., down the range to Grantham, Murphy's Creek, the Lockyer Valley and onto Brisbane.<br />
<br />
I haven't been down town since as I have been glued to the TV for news of the floods in Brisbane and Ipswich where my children and grandchildren live. All are fine with only my eldest son David and his family having to be evacuated from a low lying area in Ipswich. His house was an old Queenslander, possibly about a hundred years old. It was built high on wooden stumps so the water only came up to the floor boards. Those old timers certainly knew how to build houses to cope with all seasons.<br />
<br />
The long term concerns for us are the food shortages after the state wide loss of crops and live stock. The forecast is that prices for meat, fruit, vegetables etc. and petrol will increase.<br />
<br />
So out comes the fork and shovel....it's time to get serious about my veggie garden.<br />
For over 3 years now I have had a surplus of chokos and pumpkins that I have passed onto Freecycle members. Mostly young families, single parents and aged pensioners. This year I have also had a surplus of eggs from my little bantams that have helped to stretch their budget a little further. With the inevitable increase of prices for fresh fruit and vegetables an even larger variety is needed. I suspect that we will all need to apply the same ingenuity that our grandmothers used during the great depression for quite some time....even if we have not been directly affected by the floods waters. There is already a state wide ripple affect, so we need to be prepared.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TS6lt0FP-FI/AAAAAAAABYA/TdYmRq_5JA0/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TS6lt0FP-FI/AAAAAAAABYA/TdYmRq_5JA0/s320/021.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First pumpkins of the year scrambling over a shed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TS6je0EuZLI/AAAAAAAABX4/MgtuXhG8WM8/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TS6je0EuZLI/AAAAAAAABX4/MgtuXhG8WM8/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This years Chokos on my clothes line<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-70500052351615375642010-12-23T07:50:00.000+10:002010-12-23T07:50:58.689+10:00Another Free Form Bowl Emerges from the DepthsFrom deep amongst the massive pile of wools, fibres, artist materials and junk (all treasures waiting to be added to a wonderful creation), I found this little free form bowl that I made some time ago. It was made with fine Eucalyptus merino tops and novelty yarn. It tended to be a bit floppy and dull, and consequently had been thrown in the reject pile ready for recycling. After looking at it with new eyes I decided to turn it inside out ........ and here it is...... a smart little bowl with a unique style all it's own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TRJv4V0yjgI/AAAAAAAABUY/LL2WIbrGG5Y/s1600/Free+Form+Bowl+-+Eucalyptus+merino+and+yarn+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TRJv4V0yjgI/AAAAAAAABUY/LL2WIbrGG5Y/s320/Free+Form+Bowl+-+Eucalyptus+merino+and+yarn+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TRJv92DkzAI/AAAAAAAABUc/X5Yo7SH2ytA/s1600/Free+Form+Bowl+-+Eucalyptus+merino+and+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TRJv92DkzAI/AAAAAAAABUc/X5Yo7SH2ytA/s320/Free+Form+Bowl+-+Eucalyptus+merino+and+yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can see the first post describing how these simple little free form bowls are made <a href="http://kirtonkreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/free-form-bowl.html">here</a> if you would like to have ago. <br />
<br />
Happy felting.Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-4170301481629402722010-12-21T08:14:00.002+10:002010-12-21T08:17:31.432+10:00Felting Frivolities RetreatCatch up time! Sorting through all the photos and activities over the last few weeks. The first is the Felting Frivolities Retreat held in March and October each year at the Historic Jondaryan Woolshed, Qld....a time to just play with ideas, or use the space to work on those BIG projects. Alternatively one can just relax and watch and enjoy the down time.<br />
<br />
Here is a quick look at some of the felters in action. More photos can be found <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kirtonkreations/FeltingFrivolitiesRetreatOct2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCK-_xo3s6p2Cdw&feat=directlink">here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_Gf7ltoVI/AAAAAAAABT0/PA9v2z5LRMQ/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_Gf7ltoVI/AAAAAAAABT0/PA9v2z5LRMQ/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+063.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_G-VJ628I/AAAAAAAABT8/qrJsnBCcLBU/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_G-VJ628I/AAAAAAAABT8/qrJsnBCcLBU/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+055.jpg" width="222" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_ELCTmW6I/AAAAAAAABRk/8SxTXTI7ye0/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_ELLe1TyI/AAAAAAAABRs/Ax0OJQXwZCE/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_ELLe1TyI/AAAAAAAABRs/Ax0OJQXwZCE/s200/felt+camp+oct+2010+011.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EZ_CqaeI/AAAAAAAABRw/Vr4hZDVDKQI/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EZ_CqaeI/AAAAAAAABRw/Vr4hZDVDKQI/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+013.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EaK6L8sI/AAAAAAAABR8/RX0Zj93YVqc/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EaK6L8sI/AAAAAAAABR8/RX0Zj93YVqc/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EaZImsvI/AAAAAAAABSA/rmtndhfhc6o/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EaZImsvI/AAAAAAAABSA/rmtndhfhc6o/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpJAqv0I/AAAAAAAABSI/3bl7UOJTuLI/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpJAqv0I/AAAAAAAABSI/3bl7UOJTuLI/s200/felt+camp+oct+2010+019.jpg" width="200" /></a> <img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpPdl_AI/AAAAAAAABSE/P1fcTFf02C4/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+018.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpFck_fI/AAAAAAAABSM/sN8ELaHIfGQ/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpFck_fI/AAAAAAAABSM/sN8ELaHIfGQ/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpZqSNSI/AAAAAAAABSU/coDhInaeKdo/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_EpZqSNSI/AAAAAAAABSU/coDhInaeKdo/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_FAxLYLSI/AAAAAAAABSo/p5hd6HF9z88/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_FAxLYLSI/AAAAAAAABSo/p5hd6HF9z88/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGdE9onI/AAAAAAAABTU/XNRwJZLsjLM/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGdE9onI/AAAAAAAABTU/XNRwJZLsjLM/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+057.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGhlqpXI/AAAAAAAABTg/fJx5Pjhr6Yg/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGhlqpXI/AAAAAAAABTg/fJx5Pjhr6Yg/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+060.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGlZyNvI/AAAAAAAABTk/_s5EclX6VwY/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_GGlZyNvI/AAAAAAAABTk/_s5EclX6VwY/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+061.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_Gf0WJPvI/AAAAAAAABT4/_InsKAeYAvI/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_Gf0WJPvI/AAAAAAAABT4/_InsKAeYAvI/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+062.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_G-i4oapI/AAAAAAAABUA/ODpUlVzm1gY/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ_G-i4oapI/AAAAAAAABUA/ODpUlVzm1gY/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+056.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ-4NhHGEhI/AAAAAAAABQ8/wF-RlcQny5I/s1600/felt+camp+oct+2010+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TQ-4NhHGEhI/AAAAAAAABQ8/wF-RlcQny5I/s320/felt+camp+oct+2010+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-91852548656901533842010-10-16T06:49:00.000+10:002010-10-16T06:49:53.286+10:00Playing with the PagesWhen I found I could add pages to my blog I started to play around with them. They may change from time to time as my mood changes, so pop back now and then for updates.<br />
<br />
The <strong>"The Chest"</strong> is for the little treasures I have around the house that may rarely see the light of day. With them here on my pages....I am reminded that they are there and can bring them out once in a while. It is also for viewing the occasional photo that is stored in my home made wooden chest. A little bit of nostalgia.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLi9sKnuykI/AAAAAAAABKY/TUQYXtfKOqQ/s1600/studio+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLi9sKnuykI/AAAAAAAABKY/TUQYXtfKOqQ/s320/studio+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"<strong>My Gallery" </strong> A little bit of a push to get more paintings and portraits done. With this tab up I can no longer procrastinate. I have 2 studios with half finished watercolour, pastel , oil , acrylic and mixed media paintings.......plus assemblage and sculpture experiments. This page is a strong reminder that I still have some wonderful creative journeys to complete.<br />
<br />
<strong>"My Market Place"</strong> is the place to display works for sale..... that until now have been hoarded in dark cupboards. There may also be a link to a photo stream. In time I will have information and prices or links to an online store. In the meantime if you see anything you would like to buy ...email me for information...most works are for sale.<br />
<br />
I've copied what I have here to the "pages".Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-84552043079107493992010-10-13T12:33:00.001+10:002010-10-13T13:10:02.151+10:00A Felted Bag for my Birthday<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNCi_CZDI/AAAAAAAABJ4/74DPImWkQYc/s1600/Felted+Bag+-Graphite+X-bred+merino+and+black+merino..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNCi_CZDI/AAAAAAAABJ4/74DPImWkQYc/s320/Felted+Bag+-Graphite+X-bred+merino+and+black+merino..jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
I decided that this simple bag would be one of the bags to replace the old faded and frayed tote bag that I always took with me when shopping. <br />
<br />
So during the deluge over the last 2 days I designed a template for a resist roughly the same size as my old tote and another roughly 50% larger for a fun tote.<br />
<br />
I didn't use measurements ......I just drew a shape I liked on a piece of paper, fold it in half and then cut out from best looking side for a nice even shape. The design was based on one I saw Judit Pocs use in her DVD... where the bag and handle were made in one piece. I decided to test out my pattern on the smaller resist first and get an idea of how much wool I would need to make the big tote. The big tote resist is HUGE!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNBAxI7cI/AAAAAAAABJ0/QG30y6LSuk0/s1600/Small+resist+for+tote+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNBAxI7cI/AAAAAAAABJ0/QG30y6LSuk0/s200/Small+resist+for+tote+bag.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNDohjtfI/AAAAAAAABJ8/R1a1fXDb-M0/s1600/larger+resist+for+fun+tote+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUNDohjtfI/AAAAAAAABJ8/R1a1fXDb-M0/s320/larger+resist+for+fun+tote+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I started with 125gms grey Merino Cross, but ran out very quickly and needed to supplement with graduated grey X merino and black merino in the last layer. The handle was felted first then a piece of bubble wrap was placed over the handle before felting the body of the bag. The flap was embellished with flowers cut from a piece of nylon and then nuno felted. I haven't decided if I will put a clip on the flap yet. Quite happy with it the way it is for now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUS1XPFHPI/AAAAAAAABKE/Lcr8-qmHM5s/s1600/Finished+bag+and+resist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUS1XPFHPI/AAAAAAAABKE/Lcr8-qmHM5s/s320/Finished+bag+and+resist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUM_meDbvI/AAAAAAAABJw/grdxHZpojTs/s1600/Outlines+of+flowers+where+cut+out+of+nylon+material.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TLUM_meDbvI/AAAAAAAABJw/grdxHZpojTs/s200/Outlines+of+flowers+where+cut+out+of+nylon+material.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
It is my birthday today ...so this one is for me. Before it was even dry ...my purse, camera, sunglasses, lippy, keys and list were all stuffed in ........selfishly taking ownership before someone else expressed an interest. <br />
<br />
This was really quick and easy to make. I can't wait to try the BIG bag!!Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-37514651573040041072010-10-09T14:36:00.000+10:002010-10-09T14:36:15.757+10:00Felted Cobweb Shawl - Silk, Alpaca & Fine Merino BlendWhipped up another cobweb shawl during the wet weather. The wet continues and I am surrounded with balls of yarn and yummy coloured tops. How cosy it is inside.....lost in the creative zone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wYSM0D6I/AAAAAAAABJM/nFYfbVwpsCw/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="377" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wYSM0D6I/AAAAAAAABJM/nFYfbVwpsCw/s400/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wZXEeTDI/AAAAAAAABJQ/bsF45RZ_WD8/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wZXEeTDI/AAAAAAAABJQ/bsF45RZ_WD8/s320/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <img border="0" ex="true" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wair9G3I/AAAAAAAABJU/DlCZc3jQ13E/s320/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+011.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TK_wair9G3I/AAAAAAAABJU/DlCZc3jQ13E/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-silk+and+alpaca+green+blend+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-54188914492235036842010-10-04T06:57:00.000+10:002010-10-04T06:57:57.143+10:00With Great Pomp and CeremonyThere was a lot of excitement as we cut and folded the little pieces of paper and placed them in the hat. A little like Xmas. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TKjqu-RkofI/AAAAAAAABH8/LZ002qCThGg/s1600/cob+web+scarf+winner+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TKjqu-RkofI/AAAAAAAABH8/LZ002qCThGg/s320/cob+web+scarf+winner+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The hat was raised and a hand fumbled around as it tried to separate the one name from the rest........that just seemed to want to lock themselves together. Then....with great pomp and ceremony the winner was revealed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TKjqsIbY7EI/AAAAAAAABH4/RL5J45NQkUk/s1600/cob+web+scarf+winner+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TKjqsIbY7EI/AAAAAAAABH4/RL5J45NQkUk/s320/cob+web+scarf+winner+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Congratulations Lainie</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lainieslittlethings.blogspot.com/">http://lainieslittlethings.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Your new scarf will be in the mail as soon as I receive your postal address. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you to all who participated in the draw. I really enjoyed gifting this little scarf and I hope to have other draws in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers Joan</div>Joan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757668876221930550.post-47042113988421113882010-10-01T15:47:00.001+10:002010-10-01T15:49:43.704+10:00Last Days - Give Away Cobweb Scarf. A Reminder..............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj-ik-snvI/AAAAAAAAAqk/vascXXNqqr4/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj-ik-snvI/AAAAAAAAAqk/vascXXNqqr4/s320/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair+(3).jpg" width="203" /></a></div>International Felt United Day is this weekend and also the day to see where this little scarf will find a new home. How far will it travel? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj9_br0ubI/AAAAAAAAAqc/AhRCKjVGcmc/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair++(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj9_br0ubI/AAAAAAAAAqc/AhRCKjVGcmc/s320/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair++(2).jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj9b2l6DaI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AiFTGWijWPo/s1600/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u5IFdHEOsHY/TFj9b2l6DaI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AiFTGWijWPo/s320/cobweb+scarf+-+super+fine+merino+with+cobweb+mohair.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Last chance. Leave a comment or follow on either blog to be in the draw.<br />
<br />
As the new <a href="http://gumtreegardenstudio.blogspot.com/">garden studio</a> is an extension of my main blog most visitors come here first and find their way via my link. So it is only fair that visitors commenting and following over there should also be included in the draw. It is still a very new blog corner and I'm still waiting for fine weather to be able to continue the journey.<br />
<br />
More about the give away can be found at <a href="http://kirtonkreations.blogspot.com/2010/09/original-wearable-art-give-away.html"><span style="color: #993322;">Original Wearable Art Give Away</span></a> post. I will post the Winner on Monday. If your name is drawn and you don't have an email link open you will need to email me by the end of the week ... Friday 8 Oct...or it will go back into the draw. <br />
<br />
Today, I am also celebrating over 1000 visitors since the 1 August 2010. An unexpected celebration, but a very delightful one. Thank you to all who have taken the time to visit. I hope you have found something to interest or inspire you.<br />
<br />
Good Luck!<br />
Cheers <br />
JoanJoan Kirtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007209179780991925noreply@blogger.com2