Like every artist, Heather takes inspiration for her vibrant and colourful felt work from the world around. And from around the world. Heather and her husband Jonathan have journeyed to some extraordinary locations in recent years. Cuba. Marrakech. The Hebrides. Places far and near where culture and colour create wonderful memories for them, and also inspire the patterns and colour combinations of scarves, bags or wallhangings.
Enjoy a small selection of Heather's inspirations - Cuban Culture, Hebridean Landscapes and Marrakech Colours.

You will also be able to shop directly from my Etsy shop which includes Cowls and Brooches. Great gifts for friends, family or yourself. And, of course, there is also my sculptural felt and wall art. Suffice to say, there will be plenty of fabulous felt on offer, with very reasonable prices. So do pop in and have a look around. 

It was a long time in the planning but, in May, I finally got the opportunity to attend a workshop with Hungarian feltmaker, Judit Pocs.  The 2-day workshop was impeccably hosted by Truus Huijbregts and her husband at the Dutch Felt Academy in Friesland. We (that is, the Scottish contingent of Susan, Pauline and myself) stayed nearby in the pretty village of Boazum enjoying the fabulously laid-back hospitality of Jan and his wife at Gerbrandy State B&B.
The pictures tell their own story but suffice to say that the workshop was not for the faint-hearted. It was challenging and, as a result, immensely rewarding. Judit pushed us to think about feltmaking with a greater precision that I ever had before. Templates for bags were created actual size and then scaled up proportionately according to how many layers of wool we intended to use, and whether we were going to incorporate silk or not (I was). We also learned how to do flaps, handles, fastenings, pockets inside and out....it actually took me 3 days to complete my bag (we spent a day at the B&B, finishing off). But how much I learned. All in all, an excellent workshop. More than that, it is a great place to visit. I will definitely return to beautiful Freisland. 
I hope you enjoy the pictures. The only one that is missing (for the moment) is that of the finished bag. I'll keep that for the next blog post.

Heather has just announced an extended series of all-day workshops, in which participants can learn a range of wool felting techniques.
In her workshops, Heather offers a full demonstration of blending wools, using other fibres, laying out the felt, designing templates (if appropriate) and, uniquely, fine finishing. She helps participants create their own designs, and encourages them to experiment with colour and texture.
Heather’s workshops are renowned for being intensive and energetic, and also fun. Recent participants have said,

“The most intensive workout I have done for a LONG time … ending up with a beautiful item of functional clothing and toned arms. A great workshop.”

"I love Heather's felting workshops!  She puts you completely at ease and gently encourages you through a thorough felting demonstration to create amazing things." 

“Heather is a wonderful teacher … can’t wait ‘til my next class.”

“Very professional and enjoyable. Friendly group, and I learnt so much which I can build on. Loved it!”

The newly announced workshops are,

1.       Saturday 20 June 2015 - Spikes and Resists | 3D Vessels and Pods
2.       Saturday 8 August 2015 -  Colour and Texture | Felt Wall Art
3.       Saturday 5 September 2015 -  Fine Forms | Floral Felt
4.       Saturday 3 October 2015 - Felt in Motion | Infinity Scarves
5.       Saturday 7 November 2015 - Bags


Place: Room 518, St Margaret's House, 151 London Road Edinburgh EH7 6AE
Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Cost: £60, includes all materials and refreshments. Participants should provide their own lunch.

Booking: Online at www.heatherpotten.com

By Nicky Orr

I'm intrigued by Heather's new Pod Brooches. They are so organic in texture and shape, and incredibly tactile. And yet they're just a little bit couture. Avant garde even. I like them. On a beautiful wool coat, or amid the fluff of a faux fur gilet, they'd get noticed. 

Heather told me, "As you know, I love to create 3-dimensional shapes from wool. I can mould them while they're still damp and yet when dry, they keep the form. 
"They're not strictly a form from nature but I've based them on a seed pod, which is why I love sewing the beads on the inside. They can only be seen at certain angles. I've noticed that people like touching the pods. They're smooth and tactile, with the hidden centre. 
"I'm now experimenting with adding tendrils, which can weave in and out of holes formed in the pods. The tendrils are getting a bit more ornate. They remind me of clematis or fern fronds. Or beans. I love their shape and the fact that they spring back when you straighten them. Felt fronds do this too."

So now you know. Heather's wonderful Pod Brooches are now available in the Etsy shop. Please do browse. If you'd like something a little different for a unique gift, get in touch.