Foraging for our supper.
At this time of the year we are excited to see what is growing that is edible and we are adventurous enough to try something new. Today it was Alexander’s, Hogweed and Crows garlic. Continue reading Foraging for our supper.
Tag: Ireland
A taste of spring.
I love this time of the year when the hedgerows are coming alive with lush green edibles. On Sunday I collected sorrel, pennywort and nettles. Succulent leaves in fresh greens perfect for giving the body a boost after the winter begging to be picked and made into a meal. Continue reading A taste of spring.
Mixed Media Textile Art
In 2020 I became inspired to create the textile version of my Elemental Colours Range and am very excited to showcase them here. They depict the Ocean, Earth and Fire as well as the Desert. Inspiration comes from the places I visit, landscapes, wildflowers and seascapes. Continue reading Mixed Media Textile Art
Dyeing silks and things in the microwave
I had some fun experimenting this last week dyeing various items in the microwave. I use Dupont silk dyes for all my dyeing projects and these are steamed fixed in a pressure cooker which can take up to an hour plus the use of water to rinse. Some time back I learnt that you could fix dyes in the microwave… but I was reluctant to try not being a fan of microwaves anyway.
However… having seen another textile artist posting gorgeous pieces on Facebook and learning that she had fixed them in the microwave, I vowed to try the very next day. A bit of googling and I found some basic instructions which I followed. This was not enough for my enquiring mind though. I wanted to test other materials that I had previously steam fixed successfully. Continue reading Dyeing silks and things in the microwave
Natures Jewels.
I absolutely love this time of year when natures jewels are ripe and ready for picking. Elderberries, blackberries and rowan mountain ash all grow nearby where I live so I am super lucky to have these to forage. I don’t think I have missed more than a handful of years since being a small child to pick blackberries. It’s almost a ritual. I think perhaps bordering on addictive. Who can resist those juicy black berries. One for me and one for the bucket! Risking brambles and nettles to reach the prize. Continue reading Natures Jewels.
Mixed Media Textile Bundles on Etsy.
These are a wonderful way of gathering gorgeous bits n bobs without having to invest loads in large amounts of things.
As a textile artist I use a large range of products and materials across my various projects and have therefore amassed a vast pile of goodies. I decided to make up these textile bundles as inspirational packages for mixed media textile workers, or anyone who might find them a great resource. They can be used for junk journals, jewellery, scrap-booking, bags, wall art pieces, clothing, needle books and whatever your imagination creates.
These are available to purchase from my Etsy shop. Continue reading Mixed Media Textile Bundles on Etsy.
Back to Dingle
Last week we managed to take a few days away and headed for the ancient lands in the Dingle peninsula. The Kingdom of Kerry is steeped in traditions and culture, history and folklore with a landscape to match. We booked four nights at the Rainbow Hostel, a lovely rural setting surrounded by fields of yellow flag irises and bounding lambs. Continue reading Back to Dingle
Can you make tea with that?
More and more people are looking to what grows wild for an alternative source of teas. The need for a calmer lifestyle away from caffeine enriched drinks and medications is calling people back to the hedgerows. Foraging is re-emerging. As a young child, I remember my grandfather teaching me about the edibles in the woods, fields and lanes. He used to make his own wines and was happy to pass on his knowledge. I am now doing the same for my young grandson. At three and a half, he already knows many names of plants and trees and is aware of the spring growth appearing when we are out and about. This is so important to pass on. This knowledge passed down through generations. I have a Korean friend who always asks when I talk about a plant… Can you make tea with that? Often the answer is yes! Let’s take a look at some of those plants, flowers, trees and leaves. Continue reading Can you make tea with that?
Festival Time
We have been keeping ourselves busy at the Wildly Created studio and having some fun along the way. These two top hats are now completed.
Inspired by a children’s book that we all know and love, this hat is the perfect fit for a festival. Here in our part of the world we have an annual Mad Hatters festival where the towns people turn out in all manner of headgear. This adult sized top hat features soft denim fabric and fleece fur with floppy bunny ears and tail. The brim is decorated with all manner of vegetables, a watering can, wheelbarrow, a small felt mouse and a white picket fence. A robin sits atop one of the ears. Hats like these are timeless like the books. Continue reading Festival Time
Onwards into 2022
January is already well behind us and it was a month filled with creativity. So often we think we have not achieved much when in hindsight that is rarely the case. 9 new silk scarves are now on their websites. 5 silk collage textiles are completed. Between myself and Emma we have also created 8 new hats with 5 more in production. The last week then has been spent doing photo shoots, editing, optimization and website listings for all the new pieces. I have 4 more new hats in the design stage and 3 cuffs. So it has been a busy start to the year. Continue reading Onwards into 2022
Karima Rebecca Powell Artist 