Making Christmas wreaths.

Last Sunday I did a mini course with Coralie (my daughter, for anyone who doesn't know me) We each made a needle felted Christmas wreath.

The course was held in Peterborough, in the basement of a lovely shop which I had never seen before, called Art in the Heart.  If you are ever in Peterborough, stop by as they have some fabulous goodies.  I could have spent a fortune but luckily for me, (or rather Simon), we arrived just as the course was starting and by the time it ended the shop was closing.

Despite the fact that Coralie claims she had told me it was needle felting, I was under the impression that we were making bog standard wreaths with foliage, pine cones and berries.  You know the kind of thing. You can pick them up in the supermarket for about £15.  Once I realised what we were actually doing  the cost made more sense.

To be honest I wasn't sure what to think as I have never tried needle felting.  It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon with my daughter and we both enjoyed it very much.  There were only 4 of us and the tutor, Eve Marshall, was excellent.  It tuns out that she lives a few villages away from me and she does lots of classes so I may have another go in the new year. 

Having never done any needle felting I was a little apprehensive as to how it would turn out and if I could actually get it done in time.  Well, I am actually thrilled with what I produced.  A bright, colourful wreath complete with a Robin (my favourite bird) and I made it all myself!  Here's a few photo's 

Here are the finished wreaths

The blue one above is Coralie's and the red and green one below is mine.  I have it hanging on my living room door.

The actual process of needle felting is fairly easy.  It is the artistic side of things that I would struggle with I think. It is very relaxing and you can do it whilst having a good old chat. Just don't lose concentration because it flipping hurts if you accidentally push the barbed needle into your finger!  Yes, I did do that several times.  I also broke a total of 4 needles!  Not to worry as Eve, says she factors broken needles into the cost of her beginner classes!!

So what do you think?  Have you tried needle felting before?  I purchased the materials to make a second Robin so I shall definitely be giving it another go.