Karen took part in a workshop at our last Fairy Tale Fair and we are lucky enough to have her back again, find out more…
Remind us a bit about you and what you do/ make….
I am a felt artist creating unique animal inspired wall art, cosy floppy eared hats, pretty floral corsages, felted pebbles and a host of other hand felted goodies!
Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?
My Red Rose Brooches are popular throughout the year but my Husky Hats have been selling well. I have a range of hats inspired by the wonderful dogs I meet on my daily dog walks!
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
Felt is so versatile. It’s uses and techniques are endless. I use soft Merino Wool but add different wool fibres to create added texture and depth. I experiment with Alpaca, Camel and Yak wool, plant fibres but also manmade fibres. Recycled plastic bottle create the brightest white, curly soft fibres. My source of inspiration within nature is constantly changing and my work is forever evolving. I love passing on my knowledge about this fantastic medium in the form of workshops so that it can be can enjoyed by all ages.
Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?
I regularly take part in the monthly Makers Boutique and will be exhibiting with them at the Brighton Fishing Quarter through March to May. During the Artists Open Houses you can find my work at The Trojan House. After a successful workshop at the Brighton Mini Maker Faire, I will be holding another one at the Brighton Science Festival. I also hold felt making workshops in schools too!
You will be providing a workshop for The Fairy Tale Fair- what will your workshop involve?
Keeping with the theme of Spring, I will be holding a ‘Felt a Spring Chicken’ Workshop. Here you can create a mini art in the form of a cute fluffy chick (or your favourite animal of course) I will be teaching the ancient wet felting technique using just wool, soap and water! Add a little rubbing and rolling to create your own hand felted work of art to take home. Suitable for all ages.
You took part in our Christmas Fairy Tale Fair- did you enjoy it?
I held a ‘Felt a Brighton Rock’ workshop where we hand felted pebbles. It was great to see people’s fascination with felt making and what you can do with it. Seeing all the wonderful stall holders with their unique work was inspiring too in a super venue with a really friendly atmosphere.
What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?
I am constantly working on new ideas. Even in a year the nature of my work has changed direction. I am experimenting with hand felting brimmed hats, so hopefully I’ll be able to work to commission soon. I love teaching too, so plenty of workshops to participate in would be fantastic!
Any other comments you wish to make:
I’m looking forward to seeing all the inspiring stall holders in a super venue with a really friendly atmosphere.
Find out more about Karen’s lovely work: www.karenrao.com
