A Congleton woman is making a big impact in the world of craft across the region - not only on her own but as part of an arts collective.

Vicky Pulman, of Needlessly Felted, is a talented and passionate artist, working with the sustainable, and incredibly flexible medium, of natural wool.

Needle felting involves using special barbed needles to interlock wool fibres and sculpt them into various shapes and designs.

It's a meticulous and therapeutic process that requires both skill and imagination.

Gradually Vicky has progressed onto the world of wet felting - where hot water, soap and friction bond the fibres.

"Working with wool is a fascinating and ancient process. It feels like alchemy when the wool felts as part of the process and becomes a solid object. The range of colours and textures of fibres is staggering - we are so lucky to have a wealth of artisan producers in the UK".  

Vicky's creations range from tiny pieces of jewellery, through colourful Waldorf dolls and into large scale art pieces. Each piece reflects her love of colour, attention to detail and dedication to perfecting her craft. Locally produced fleece is incorporated into Vicky's work wherever possible, with wool from Congleton Valais sheep and alpacas, and Wardles Ryelands in Biddulph.

Vicky's passion for needle felting extends beyond her personal creations.

She is also a dedicated teacher, sharing her knowledge and skills with others who share her enthusiasm for this art form. Her workshops and tutorials have inspired many aspiring needle felters to embark on their creative journeys.

Next workshops are Pumpkins on Sunday, 22 October, a special Halloween ghost drop in session on the 28th, and Christmas Angels on Saturday, 9 December - all at the Artisanity shop at Glebe farm.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening, it was a brilliant event and I really enjoyed myself. You are a brilliant patient teacher, definitely would attend again" Angela, Cheshire.

Vicky is proud to be part of a brand new venture from Clare Watson (Knotting Special) and Jenny Drew (Little Jen Jewellery) - artists also based in Congleton - called Artisanity.

Artisanity is an independent artists collective, based at the beautiful Glebe Farm in Astbury, Congleton.

A selection of local crafts persons display handmade gifts and artworks in a shared retail space. This is also the venue for Vicky's workshops. You can also find Vicky's work at the Artisanity Christmas Fair on Sunday, 19 November in Congleton Town Hall.

And a selected range of Vicky's creations - specifically Congleton-themed images and pendants - will be available at Congleton Museum in the next few weeks.

The museum is independently run, free to enter and stuffed with fascinating artefacts and stories from in and around our beloved town.

Useful links

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NeedlesslyFelted

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/needlessly_felted/

Website - https://needlessly-felted.square.site/

Etsy - https://needlesslyfelted.etsy.com

Workshops - https://www.artisanity.co.uk/events/#!event-list