As Christmas fast approaches I’m
looking back on another very busy year
of workshops. One very special pleasure I’ve
discovered from
my relatively brief time teaching is the amazing feedback that
comes,
sometimes long after the workshops are over…
e-mails are sent with attached
photos of new feltwork, hand-written letters and
beautiful hand-made cards arrive from the most unexpected places…
Some days ago I received this wonderful
Christmas card from Debbie,
along with a letter explaining that the “Winter
Sunset” printed on
the card was actually felted by her daughter Rachel.
Debbie
has been to several of my workshops, including the autumn
‘Painting with
Fibres’ at Northcourt Manor and Rachel was so impressed with the
results that she wanted to try felting some Christmas presents.
Debbie went on to explain
that Rachel has a speech and language disorder
which prevents her from doing
some things, but her artwork is very important,
especially ceramics and she has
now found another new creative medium
which she loves… And is obviously enjoying, with amazing results!
I was really touched by Rachel’s card
and Debbie’s letter.
It made me realise that the knowledge that is taught and
shared in my classes
actually has a life of its own and is passed on again and
again,
usually without me ever knowing…
I came to teaching late in my working
life, and rather reluctantly…
Having free-lanced as a designer/illustrator for
over 30 years, leading a very
solitary existence and having no teaching
experience, the idea was
somewhat daunting! When I started showing my felt
designs at craft events I
had so many enquiries for workshops that the
persuasion was difficult to
resist and I thought I’d have a go…
Now I’m in my 6th year of
teaching workshops, which in itself is unbelievable!
The pleasures and
satisfaction that comes with this ‘new’ job are impossible to explain. There
are many creative aspects to it, but it is that personal interaction
with so many different people that is absolutely priceless.
So the workshops will continue next
year and I will post up the new dates
as soon as they are arranged.
I’m also
celebrating the 100th posting on this blog!
Another milestone, which
also comes with the realisation that it is being read
by so many people all
over the world who I will never know…!
To all of you who have been to my
workshops
and to my blog followers wherever you are
THANK YOU
for your
interest and support and have a wonderful peaceful Christmas
with your families
and friends.