sustainable practice
How I create is as important to me as what I create.
From the materials to the processes used, I ensure sustainability is at the core of everything I produce.
materials
Using local Devon wool (where possible) or British Wool, my aim is to be as kind
to our planet as possible by using natural fibres. I also re-purpose other materials to
help with conserving our planet's valuable resources .
Wool:
This is at the heart of everything I produce and features in some form or another, whether that be through felting methods, embroidery or some other means.
Wool is such a versatile fibre, with many amazing properties which can be used to give attributes to products, from creating warmth, to keeping cool or giving structure.
Other natural fibres:
In addition to wool, I may also use other natural fibres such as silk or plant fibres which can add a touch of luxury to an item, add to the decoration with a natural lustre and more.
These natural fibres, like wool, are repairable, but also biodegradable, which means they can be returned to the earth via the compost heap at the end of their life.
Recycled or upcycled materials:
I may also use recycled or upcycled materials, which are usually also biodegradable. In the event synthetic materials are used, these will be very clearly marked & usually serve a particular purpose in relation to the function of the product.
Traceability and transparency is important to me, to prove the provenance of each felting feels product.
creative practice
I have spent many hours evolving my creative practice to ensure it is as sustainable as I can make it. Nothing is perfect, but through continual review of all aspects of my process, I aim for my creative practice to be as kind to the planet and resources as possible.
Plastic:
I have eliminated using virgin single use plastic in my felting practice. I occasionally recycled packaging materials as resist materials - usually what has been sent to me in parcels!
I use a few recycled plastic tools which I have carefully sourced to ensure they will sustain many uses.
Natural Resources:
I am aware that wet felting can be wasteful process for water resources. I therefore use a variety of tools to ensure I conserve water as much as possible during my felting practice.
I also use only natural soaps that do not add harmful chemicals to the environment so in addition, water can also be recycled for garden plants.
Felting tools:
I choose my felting tools with care to ensure their longevity for reuse many times. Tools are made of natural or recycled materials wherever possible.
Using the correct tool for the correct process also ensures that the process itself is as efficient as possible, which keeps the use of resources to a minimum.