Ullswater: A Tribute to the beauty of the Lake District
I came to Ullswater for the first time over 20 years ago. I had previously been to the Lake Distict many times, but not to this valley. On that first visit, I had a profound feeling that 'this is where I belong.' Within 3 years, we had found our forever home where I now work from a converted garage. The valley is a place that stirs the soul and invites creativity. Inspired by this natural beauty, I embarked on my felting journey beginning with the sheep. I am known for my animal portraits so creating felt art that captures the place is a huge challenge.. This blog post is a invitation to explore how Ullswater-inspired felt art brings the Lake District’s charm into a tactile, textured form.
The Inspiration Behind Ullswater Felt Art
Ullswater is more than just a lake; it’s a living canvas of nature’s finest work. The shimmering water, the slopes of the fells, the animals grazing in the fields and the wildlife all tell a story. My felt art aims to re-tell that story through a medium that feels as inviting as the landscape itself.
Each landscape piece begins with exploring the local environment. I spend time walking the fells, armed with my camera, observing the colours in changing light and the changing seasons and studying how the unique textures of the minutae around me might be recreated in hand-dyed felt. This close connection to the land allows me to translate the natural world into felt, using layers of wool to mimic the depth and movement of the scenery.
Autumn oak photographs for the 'Autumn Oak' below.
Crafting Ullswater: The Process and Materials
Creating felt art inspired by Ullswater is a labour of love that combines traditional techniques with a personal touch. The process starts with selecting the right wool fibres. I use locally sourced wool whenever possible, as it adds authenticity and supports regional farmers.
The wool for my landscapes is often dyed specifically with a project in mind, and is then blended and layered using both wet felting and needle felting techniques. Wet felting involves using warm water, soap and friction to cause the scales on the surface of the wool to interloc , creating a sturdy base. Needle felting adds intricate details and texture, allowing me to sculpt the landscape, water and trees to match what I have in mind..
One of the joys of working with felt is its versatility. The fibres can be manipulated to create soft gradients of colour, mimicking the effects in the photograph that is the insproation for a particular piece. The tactile quality invites viewers to not only see but almost feel the landscape.
I often incorporate subtle embellishments like silk or bamboo fibres to enhance the depth and vibrancy of each piece. These details bring the artwork to life, making each creation a unique window into the Lake District’s soul.
I’ve found that displaying the pieces in local galleries and events sparks wonderful conversations. People are drawn not only to the visual appeal but also to the stories behind each creation. It is rewarding to see how the art resonates with those who know Ullswater well, as well as those discovering it for the first time.
The inspiration for my ‘Autumn Oak’ comes from Swinburn Wood, a pocket of temperate rain forest near where I live in the Ullswater valley, in which the trees are dripping with lichens and mosses and are covered in epiphytes. My oak branch is in autumn colours with both leaves and acorns. Autumn is my favourite season so I often incorporate felted oak leaves and acorns into my pictures.The branches are covered in a neighbour’s Bluefaced Leicester wool locks dyed to look like mosses and lichens. The hardest part was creating a method for making the felt epiphytes because I wanted them to be able to be shaped once in place. I dyed white pre-felt in various greens and then wet felted wire sandwiches so that the each fern frond could be bent into shape.
Why Felt Art Resonates with Nature Lovers
There is something deeply satisfying about felt art that connects it to the natural world. Unlike flat paintings or photographs, felt offers a three-dimensional experience. The texture invites touch, and the layering creates a sense of depth that mirrors the complexity of nature.
For animal lovers, felt art can capture the texture of a sheep’s fleece whether it is course and weatherproof like the Herdwick or fine and soft like the Shetland; or the many different length of fibre on a red squirrel or the striking contrasts on a badger. It’s a medium that honours the tactile qualities of the subjects it portrays.
Moreover, felt art is sustainable and eco-friendly. Using natural fibres and dyes aligns with the values of conservation and respect for the environment. This harmony between medium and message makes felt art a perfect choice for celebrating the Lake District’s wildlife and landscapes.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Ullswater-inspired felt art. I hope this glimpse into the creative process and the stories behind the pieces has sparked your interest and appreciation for this unique art form. If you’d like to learn more or see the latest works, please visit ullswaterfeltart Here’s to celebrating the beauty of the Lake District, one felt fibre at a time.
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