Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Mandy Rowe from Australia, will be in San Francisco on June 24th

by

wrap_worn_med_boa

Great News for felter from  http://www.indiepublic.com


Australian artist Mandy Rowe will be at the Women?s Building in San Francisco on Wednesday the 24th June 2009 (www.womensbuilding.org). She is inviting local women to come along and help create a felted wrap. This wrap will eventually be felted in with other wraps created in other destinations. The aim is to make one long wrap that reflects our diverse similarities. This wrap will form part of her exhibition in 2010. Women are also invited to write a short story or ?wrap? about something from their lives. All ?wraps? or stories will be bound in a beautifully crafted hand-made book and displayed for the duration of the exhibition. Some of these stories will be made into paintings, others will be transcribed onto long cylinder lampshades. These stories will be illuminated.

If you would like to help create a San Francisco felted wrap while learning this ancient craft, come along to the Women?s Building on the 24th June anytime between 6.30 and 8.30pm. This is a free event. If you cannot make the evening and would still like to be included in this exhibition I would love to receive your story or ?wrap?. Stories may comprise of a simple one line philosophy others may be longer. Short, long, happy, sad,
frivolous, serious…..all ?wraps? are welcome, after all it?s your story.
send your story or ?wrap? to [email protected]. You can learn more about Mandy on her website – http://www.mandyrowedesigns.com.au
I wish I lived closer to go to this free workshop! I hope if you are able to you should join her for the evening and if not, maybe you will send in a story to be included in the book. I think I would like to do that myself.
Thank you,
Casie, IndieAdmin
Visit Indiepublic at: http://www.indiepublic.com

Creativity has been paramount to Mandy all her life. Ceramics, fabric painting, acrylics, pastels and watercolors have all been explored. This year, however, has heralded a new creative venture. The ancient art of felting using light weight fabrics and vibrant silks has captivated the artist. This coupled with the fact that felting becomes something tangible, wearable and ‘givable’ is intrinsic to the creation of ‘Mandy Rowe designs’. Handmade wraps become the perfect gifts for friends, sisters, cousins, mothers and aunts. Silk chiffon has become Mandy’s new canvas. Colors and textures are creatively mixed to make an exquisite piece of wearable art.
Heart felt creations are a gift of love, joy and inspiration

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building

Sometimes clay tools feel more like magic than equipment, and this Moth Pottery Template definitely falls into that category. One moment you’re working with a flat slab, and the next you’re holding a detailed, sculptural moth that looks like it could flutter right off your table.

Why This Template Caught My Eye

This design stands out because it combines structure with artistry. The template gives you the clean, symmetrical base of the moth form, but once you have that shape cut, the real fun begins—adding textures, underglazes, or even metallic accents to bring the wings to life.

It’s ideal for slab-builders who want to go beyond mugs and bowls and dive into more decorative or sculptural projects.

What Makes It Special

  • Unique Subject: How often do you see a pottery moth? It’s an instant conversation starter.

  • Sculptural Yet Simple: The template does the tricky work, leaving you free to decorate.

  • Wall Art or Table Décor: Finished moths look stunning hung on a wall, framed, or displayed on a shelf.

  • Room for Creativity: Paint with bright colors, earthy neutrals, or even metallics for different vibes.

Ideas for Makers

  • Use glossy glazes with shimmering metallic accents for a celestial-style moth.

  • Keep it natural and muted for a woodland-inspired look.

  • Make a series of moths in different colors and sizes for a gallery wall effect.

  • Turn smaller versions into pendants or ornaments.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are inspiring because they bridge the gap between functional pottery and decorative art. It’s not just about making something useful—it’s about making something memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s the kind of piece guests will immediately comment on when they spot it in your home.

You can grab it here: Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building on Etsy.

This spotlight is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates and tools that push creativity beyond the basics. If you’re ready for a project that feels both bold and whimsical, this moth template will absolutely deliver.

Crochet Pattern – Adorable Fluttering Moth Sprite Doll [Crochet]

DIY Moth Embroidery Pattern And Kit [Needle Work]