Mynydd Bach - It's history by Eirian Jones

I went to the book launch of Mynydd Bach last night. Mynydd Bach means' little mountain' in the Welsh language and we live in the foothills of the Cambrian mountains. I am honoured to be featured in the book as there is a section about local artists.
The launch was held in Blaenpennal chapel which was overflowing with people. I was lucky enough to grab the last seat. Refreshments were in the vestry afterwards which was also overflowing (nice cakes though).
Here is the book

and here is my page. I gave the author the felt art I made depicting a hill farmer as that is the traditional occupation of the area and I thought it would be apt.

kindle case - portable felt art

I have decided to add gadget cases to my shop. Kindle cases are an ideal Christmas gift especially for someone with a new kindle. I can make different sized cases  and will make them to order. Because I felt them very densely to make them strong they are hard work to make.
I'm wet felting over a form so there are no seams to come undone. These cases are practically indestructible and each one is a different piece of art work in its self.
Portable felt art to protect your gadget!
Here is the first one.

Framed felt art

As you know, I usually sell my felt paintings on artist's canvases as I don't like to hide the texture behind glass. Some people, however worry about keeping the felt clean and dust free. It is not difficult to keep clean and I always include care instructions with artwork but some people just like their art behind glass.
I recently came across some cute little box frames and decided to offer framed felts for sale. I only have small frames at the moment but will get some larger ones if these prove to be popular. Here is the first one.

Learning Tunisian crochet

I have a new addiction. I mean interest! Tunisian crochet.
In the UK it is not a widely known craft and I had never even heard of it until I joined Etsy. I liked the look of it and decided to have a go. After finding instructions I decided to make a stripey blanket ( nothing minor). I have plenty of yarn lying around the house and thought it would be a good way to use them up. I also love the work of Kaffe Fassett and like his motto of if you're not sure that the colours  match add 20 more! Well I will admit to buying a few extra colours.
I started with a small  practice piece where I did manage to gain a few stitches on some rows and lose a few on others but after a couple of hours got the hang of it. I started my blanket and can't put it down. I got plenty of time at the weekend because we had a long car journey and I was a passenger. Here is what I've done so far

As you can see I haven't sewn in the ends yet even though I told myself I would do it as I went. I just can't wait to start on the next set of colours. I will do the sewing in soon I promise. I intend to crochet all the pieces together but can't decide on what colour to use. Should I go for a neutral colour for all of the joins or try to use a colour which is on the end of each rectangle to join them?

Any advise from an experienced blanket maker would be appreciated. Actually any advise from anyone would be appreciated.

Must go and crochet.