Heartfelt by Liz: Crafts know no boundaries, language of wool

What a busy time Heartfelt Studio has had over this last month.

Behind the scenes there is much development of new ideas and new skills.

This month three new artists made their début at Heartfelt Studio.

Through networking with international groups we shared a wonderful event here at Dalmally Railway Station.

For two whole days 28 Slovak and Icelandic students worked with native wools and woven tartans to learn techniques such as wool preparation, natural dying using native plants, nuno felting with recycled blankets and creating modern designs for sustainable small scale rural business.

Everyone had an opportunity to try all of the workshops and created a keepsake of their visit. A tall remit with a big cross range of skills and ages. Ann Ross, Gina Lawson , Lesley Convery and myself rose to the challenge and provided fun in a great learning environment. The attentive Graham saw to the refreshment needs and any difficulties that arose.

The platform at Dalmally Station rang out with laughter and sharing and we all had a delightful two days.

We learned much too as some very talented men and women shared their speciality in a variety of crafts.

Friendships have been forged and a hunger raised to visit both countries where these generous natured people live.

The platform had a series of felted banners loaned by the Scottish Feltmakers and made by the community of Scottish felt artists and were much admired by not only the attendees but also all the train passengers travelling between Oban and Glasgow. A wonderful experience all round . New life has defiantly come to Dalmally.