Today we introduce Karen Rao, a unique and exciting felt artist. Much of Karen’s work is animal inspired and she is a regular at the Makers Boutique craft market and Brighton Artists Open Houses. Karen will also be conducting one of our workshop stalls where you can learn to felt a soap or Brighton rock! Find out more…
“My individual method of felt making results in highly colourful, stunningly tactile works of art that are rich in texture and depth!”- Karen Rao
Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….
I am a felt artist creating unique animal inspired wall art for kids, cosy handmade floppy eared felted hats and pretty floral jewellery. More recently my ‘Brighton Rocks’ have joined my felted goodies.
How would you describe your style?
Bright, dynamic and tactile. My individual method of felt making results in highly colourful, stunningly tactile works of art that are rich in texture and depth!
How long have you been making your craft items?
I stumbled across felt making about 4 years ago
Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?
Rose brooches always sell well, either dainty and discreet or large and vibrant. The fastening makes them a versatile accessory, worn as a hair piece or as a corsage.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
Felt is such a versatile medium that I am constantly experimenting and branching off into new areas. There is a whole world of inspiring techniques that I have yet to explore!
Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?
I regularly attend the monthly Makers Boutique. I’ve taken part in Art Junky, The Brunswick Festival and Art Fair , The Brighton Mini Maker Faire and my work can be seen in Open Houses in the Fiveways and Dyke Road Trails.
You will be providing a workshop for The Fairy Tale Fair- what will your workshop involve?
I will be running a ‘Felted Soap Workshop’ where you will Create a gift using the wet felting technique to encase a soap in seamless Merino wool. This work of art is meant to be used as a scrub – you are still felting it as you use it! You can alternatively take part in the popular ‘Felt a Brighton Rock Workshop’.
What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?
Earlier this year I ran a couple of ‘Whole Class Workshops’ in schools where we made some stunning large scale wall hangings. This is a direction that I definitely would love to be more involved in. In the meantime I have taken the plunge and announced some dates for my own felt making workshops.
Any other comments you wish to make:
I have found that people of all ages love to learn the ancient art of felt making and how they can make material using just wool, soap and water! I’m looking forward to inspiring more of you at my workshop at the Fairy Tale Fair
Find out More: website: http://karenrao.com/ | Etsy: http://karenrao.etsy.com | Facebook
