A Closer Look: Heart Felt

Sharon Parker is an artist who works out of Artspace in downtown Raleigh (if you haven’t been there you should really check it out during First Friday!).  She makes vibrantly-colored sculptures and wall-hangings out of handmade felt.  I was amazed to learn that she makes it all from scratch, using raw wool that is worked and dyed to perfection.  I think the results of her labor speak for themselves!

 

 

But Felt is not only for artists!  Designers are increasingly using the material in a wide range of projects from headboards to impromptu rugs.  One of the most unique applications can be found in the Fluff Bakery (pictured below), where Lewis Tsurmaki Lewis layered strips of felt on end to create a unique wall covering.

Felt comes in a lot of thicknesses, and in a broad range of colors if you are buying in the thinner range. The basic colors are grey and white, and many have a pleasantly warm, creamy consistency. 

Check out this great chair by Cappellini, executed in purple felt!

 

And check out this rug by Mary Ann Williams – it must feel amazing underfoot.

 What can you imagine doing with this unique material?

-Robert

image 1,2,3: by the author

image 4: Lewis Tsurmaki Lewis

image 5&7: Apartment Therapy

image 6: Cappellini