Lis Mertens Feltmaker

Sydney Royal

2012-01-31T21:25:00.001-08:00

This year, I've been encouraged to enter the Sydney Royal Easter Show Arts and Crafts competition. So - here goes!

This wall hanging, entitled White Gums, and hand felted in merino wool and yarn, is entered in class 164.

Photo by Kim Hopper

Lattice samples

2012-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

This one is made with strips of Felbi prefelt in a variety of colours, laid out on white tissue silk.

To hand felt this scarf, I used Rachel Meek's variegated dyed wool.

Both these scarves are available at Studio Altenburg in Braidwood.

New work available in Sydney.

2012-01-23T12:12:00.001-08:00

Hand dyed cotton muslin scarf, solar dyed with Eucalyptus cinerea leaves in a cast iron pot. Hand stitched.

Hand dyed cotton muslin shrug, bundled with red onion skins and boiled in a stainless steel pot containing a small copper pot, hence the green colouring. Hand stitched.

Hand dyed large scarf or stole using cotton muslin bundled with Prunus leaves and twigs. Machine stitched.

Leave a comment with a contact email address if you would like information re: Sydney outlet.

Student work

2012-01-23T01:58:00.001-08:00

Variegated dyed merino on black tissue silk.

These scarves using cotton muslin and a variegated dyed merino in a different colour combination, showed individuality and imagination in their design. The one in the middle is that of a complete beginner and demonstrated methodical learning of the felt making process.

All participants were happy with their efforts and finished the day with a new lightweight scarf suitable for the cooler days and nights of this inconsistent summer.

Lattice / Network workshop

2012-01-10T00:04:00.001-08:00

This workshop is scheduled for Thursday,19th January in Braidwood.

Participants will experiment with laying out merino wool in a lattice pattern either using cotton voile or silk or not.

Latttice felt using indian cotton voile.

Photos by Liz Evans.

This workshop is full. Leave a comment with contact details if you wish to take part in a workshop in the future.

Baby jackets at Studio Altenburg

2011-12-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Two new baby jackets available in sizes Newborn -3months and 3 - 6 months. Lightweight handfelted merino wool on cotton muslin.

Available in Sydney for Christmas

2011-12-19T01:07:00.001-08:00

Eucalyptus cinerea. Cotton muslin wrap/large scarf. Hand dyed and hand stitched.

Brown Onion Skins. Cotton muslin scarf. Hand dyed and machine stitched.

Old Roses. Cotton muslin scarf, hand dyed with old style magenta roses from the garden. Hand stitched.

For information re: my Sydney outlet, contact me: lismertens@hotmail.com

2011-12-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

Donated to the Bushfire Brigade Annual Christmas Fundraiser Raffle.

The top scarf is hand felted merino wool and tissue silk. The bottom one is the merino wool/silk roving 50/50 combination. Both were hand dyed with Eucalyptus cinerea leaves, with surprisingly different results.

New arrivals

2011-11-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

A cot blanket for Jonas Timothy, born earlier this month. Hand felted merino wool with recycled kimono silk and crochet doilies - some made by his great grandmother - and hand stitched.

This jacket of hand felted merino wool on cotton muslin is for an Italian cousin whose birth is yet to be announced.

A similar one is available from Studio Altenburg, Braidwood. Size: Newborn to 3 months.

For Claudia, born yesterday in Italy. Hand knitted merino wool.

This little jacket is a combination of hand felted wool and cotton muslin, hand dyed with old roses from the garden. The central placket is hand felted from merino wool and silk. I made this one for a little "premmie" due to be delivered this week.

Decay

2011-11-15T23:52:00.001-08:00

Decay = decomposition =

De – compost – ition: Tote

Explores the idea of reusing the earth’s resources to their full capacity.

Hand felted merino wool with cotton muslin lining, hand dyed using leaves from Eucalyptus Cinerea (Argyle Apple), picked up from under the tree, presumably ready for decomposition into mulch.

Machine sewn and trimmed with leather to become a tote, to help to avoid the use of plastic bags which take so much longer to decompose than leaves.

(30.5 x 7.5 x 34 cms.)

Special Challenge

2011-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

A scarf of the Volutidae Shell design I have been working on. This shell is found rarely, off the coast of the Northern Territory. I am entering it in the class "Australiana - any article of felting depicting our Australian beaches. It is a combination on merino wool and tissue silk.

Canberra Show, 2012

2011-11-08T15:48:00.001-08:00

It's approaching time to hand in items for the Canberra Show early in 2012.

As well as entering the Mandala Mat in the Hand Felted original item for the home in the Professional Class, I will show a Vest, called "Forest Floor" in the Hand Felted original item for the body.

The vest is made with a combination of merino wool and mohair on black tissue silk.

Detail of hand stitching.

By comparison...

2011-11-08T15:25:00.001-08:00

These two pieces were dyed with Eucalyptus Cinerea (Argyle Apple) leaves, flowers and buds.

The scarf on the left is one layer of fine merino wool laid out on a length of tissue silk, then bundled with fresh leaves, flowers and buds and heated on the fire one cold Spring evening.

The scarf on the right is one layer of a mixture of merino wool and silk fibre, laid out on tissue silk and bundled with dried leaves of the Argyle Apple, then solar dyed ie. pot placed in a sunny spot, in the garden for 3 days.

The wool appears to absorb the natural colours much more readily. The fresh dye material gives a much richer colour, as can be seen clearly in the detail below.

Detail

Spring/Summer 2011 - 2012

2011-10-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

Brown Squares Scarf, hand felted merino wool on china blue tissue silk.

Red Squares Scarf, hand felted merino wool on brown tissue silk.

Blue Squares Scarf, hand felted merino wool on white tissue silk.

#4 Road Trip

2011-10-18T12:42:00.001-07:00

Scarf of hand felted tissue silk with merino/silk roving, hand dyed with bark, leaves, stems, buds and flowers of a yellow flowering gum collected while waiting for a flat tyre to be fixed at Copley, SA.

detail

Mandala Mat Workshop with Martien van Zuilen

2011-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Detail

With Martien, I was lucky to have the opportunity to "learn to make a hand-felted rug inspired by the traditional art and design of the ‘Mandala’. Loosely translated to mean 'circle', a Mandala represents wholeness and balance; its symbolism appears in many cultures and aspects of life.

I explored felt-specific techniques for surface design and texture, including colour blending, pattern inlay, shading, and the effects of using simple stitch and incorporated a variety of fibres, pre-felts and yarns. This class guided students through the stages and process of colour use & effect, design, and mark-making in felt to create individual rugs." (from Martien's course description)

see www.martienvanzuilen.com

#3

2011-09-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

From the kitchen - this scarf has been dyed using the skins of many brown onions!

Detail of Blackwood, a wrap/shawl/large scarf hand felted with fine tissue silk and merino/silk roving and dyed using bark, leaves, seed pods and blossoms of Acacia melanoxylon.

Eco dyeing #2

2011-09-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

A Wrap/Shawl/Large Scarf in hand felted tissue silk and merino/silk roving, hand dyed using Eucalyptus cinerea.

This silk and merino scarf is hand dyed with eucalyptus leaves which displayed a deep pink blush at the end of winter.

Hand dyed with eucalyptus bark picked up on a bushwalk, this silk and wool scarf has added merino wool slashes where the bark may have peeled of the trunk.

One of the first signs of Spring, wattle leaves and blossoms were collected to hand dye this silk and merino wool scarf.

These smaller scarves are now available at the CraftACT Shop, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Civic, ACT.

Interior design

2011-09-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Published in issue 68 of (inside), the interior design review, is the magazine's Design Excellence Awards shortlist for 2011.
Included in the Hospitality section is Matt Darwon's fitout design for Pony, at Neutral Bay.
The above curtain defines the private dining room at the back of the restaurant. It is double sided and hand felted using fine cotton muslin and merino wool.
Check out the magazine for a better view of the space, with its "free-form curving timber-lined ceiling" incorporating five kilometers of timber slats!

Hat, hat hooray.

2011-09-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

I have created this contemporary Snood in charcoal and purple merino wool with vintage button to enter the Hat Hat Hooray Competition organised by Bosom Buddies, ACT to raise funds to support those affected by breast cancer.

Hats will be on display at the National Convention Centre in Civic, ACT on the 1st and 2nd of October .

2011-09-07T02:37:00.000-07:00

For Art's Sake 2011

FOR ART'S SAKE - It's anonymous, inclusive and all in the name of art!

One Gallery
Over 400 anonymous artworks
One starting price of $65 per canvas, no matter the artist
Opening Night Auction of select high profile Contemporary Artists

Now in its third year, ‘For Art’s Sake’ is an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable annual fundraising initiative that believes all people have unique and inspired contributions to make towards Sydney’s creative community. It promotes art as an expression that transcends age, culture, physical and intellectual disability, and in doing so, provides an equal and legitimate platform by which artists of all abilities can exhibit their works without the stigma associated with their perceived limitations.

Professional and emerging artists, celebrities, friends, families and people with a disability are all invited to attend FRANS annual 'For Art's Sake exhibition and fundraiser of over 400 anonymous works of art, hosted by Julie McCrossin at Sydney College of the Arts, Rozelle on Wednesday September 28, 2011 from 6pm to 9pm.

'For Art's Sake' celebrates the creative works of a range of artists in an anonymous art exhibition of over 400 canvases of the same size all for the same starting price of $65 which can be doubled, tripled, etc !

Designed to promote Art for Art’s sake, artworks from people with disabilities will hang alongside professional & emerging artists and the wider community. The anonymity means each piece is judged on its artistic merit and allows art lovers and investors the wonderful possibility of purchasing a bargain that they will truly enjoy.

This year, FRANS is thrilled to have pieces contributed by renowned artists such as Mambo artist Reg Mombassa, former Archibald winner Garry Shead, internationally acclaimed surrealist Mike Worrall, Wynne finalist Paul Haggith, Indigenous prize winner Jody Broun, and contemporary artists Lindy Lee, Daniel O'Toole, Christian Morrow, Merilyn Fairskye, Deb Fineberg, Paul Smith, Ro Cook, Keith Hansen and more.

All funds raised from the exhibition will go towards maintaining and enhancing the level and quality of innovative support programs, while furthering the independence, access and inclusion of the people and their families that FRANS cares for.

For Art's Sake 2011

2011-08-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

Disability support group FRANS will hold an anonymous Art Exhibition & Fundraiser at Sydney College of the Arts, Rozelle from Wednesday 28 September - Saturday 1 October.

In past years the event has featured over 400 canvases by a range of artists of varying skills and background, all for sale at the same starting price. Professional and emerging artists, celebrities, hobbyists and people with a disability were asked to create and donate works for the exhibition.

Entrants were provided with a blank canvas on which to paint, draw, paste, plaster, sculpt or sew.

I chose to hand felt a landscape entitled Afternoon Walk - Budawang, using hand dyed tissue silk and merino wool and silk rovings, which was then stretched over the canvas.

Neptune's Garden

2011-08-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Volutidae (Velutoconus Bednalli) is long scarf in hand felted merino wool and silk embellishment on tissue silk.

"Marine Elements" is a large kerchief of hand felted merino wool, merino yarn and hand dyes tissue silk.

These pieces, along with the Soft Orange Coral, Fan Coral and Kelp and Shell Neckpiece, will be on show at the studio@flinders gallery, Mornington Peninsula, Vic. in September.

They reflect an appreciation of the colours, textures and vitality of the sea as a natural force.

Kelp and shell neckpiece.

2011-08-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hand felted merino wool, shells attached with hand stitching and button closure

A scarf for Celia

2011-08-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

Celia is an artist who just does it. No planning, no design. She follows an idea. At the moment she's wearing a hand knitted cardigan which is a "work in progress".

I saw the variegated wool I've used in this scarf for her and it reminded me very much of the warm earthy tones she favours. When I began to make it, I decided to follow her method of working and see where it led me.

I hand dyed the tissue silk in the microwave, then laid out all the wool I had in random stripes. I like the way the wool shirrs the silk.

Fan coral

2011-08-04T02:01:00.001-07:00

Merino wool, alpaca yarn and tissue silk selvedges hand felted on black tissue silk.

Soft Orange Coral

2011-07-16T03:05:00.001-07:00

Ready for Spring, a lightweight hand felted scarf in hand dyed tissue silk and merino wool.

Coasters

2011-07-16T02:58:00.001-07:00

West MacDonnell Ranges and Dry Creek Bed
Hand felted merino wool and silk with hand stitching.
(10cm x 10cm)

Ecodyeing demystified.

2011-07-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

I had a great opportunity last week to learn about ecodyeing from Sandra, a natural. She has committed to memory so many plants, where to find them, as well as the results obtained when using them in different seasons and whether used fresh, dried or frozen.

This first one was done using two different coloured roses, petunias and iris, all frozen last summer. I laid out a piece of white tissue silk with one layer of merino and silk roving. This was rolled and fulled before placing the flowers on in a concertina fold, tied around a rusted metal bar and boiled up in a cast iron pot for a little over an hour.

The small scarf below is a pre-hemmed silk scarf laid out with dried cinerea eucalyptus (Argyle apple) leaves, then rolled around a chromed pipe, tied and boiled.

Happy Birthday, Alex.

2011-07-05T00:49:00.001-07:00

Where in the world...

2011-06-30T23:38:00.001-07:00

Someone asked me not long ago, if I did anything else as well as make felt. At the time, I thought making felt, part-time teaching and family and friends, with a little travel thrown in when possible, might be enough to keep one person busy.

Later, I decided, maybe I could just try my hand at collage...

(Click on image for an enlarged view.)

Another Portal - a hat this time.

2011-06-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

In creating pieces for the Portal series, I've enjoyed using the mixed greens from a Finnish wool producer, called Pilku.

As the colour Indigo is no longer available from Fibre Fusion in Victoria, I attempted to create my own version by laying two layers of black wool over a bed of mixed blues from Pilku. Did it work? You be the judge.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2011-05-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

The Fire Beanie depicts colours and patterns which remain after a desert fire storm has passed. It is hand felted in merino wool with embroidery cotton detail.

From Friday 24th June to Sunday 26th July, Competition Beanies will be on display in Gallery One, Araluen Centre, Alice Springs cultural Precinct, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs.

This year the Competition will be celebrating the beanie's ability to ascribe to the Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.

Sharing my work

2011-05-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

Check out some "Desert" work on:

http://feltfashion.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/share-your-work-lis-mertens/

Winter Warmers

2011-05-16T02:24:00.000-07:00

"Moss and Indigo": unisex scarf hand felted in merino wool with recycled silk shirting.

"Verdant and mixed greens": hand felted wrap/large scarf in merino wool with vintage button.

Snood: hand felted in merino wool with vintage button. Apple green finds its way from the inside out through the black exterior.

The pieces in this show are part of a larger exploration of the colour green, the pervasive colour of the natural world, and its ability to soothe and relax both mentally and physically.

The combination of wool and silk creates an invitation to wrap up in these wearable garments and contemplate the interaction one has with the space in which one finds oneself as well as the sense of renewal and harmony to be discovered within.

On display at the studio@flinders Gallery, Mornington Peninsula, Vic. from 11th June to 3rd July.

Fashion Parade ensemble.

2011-05-13T13:30:00.001-07:00

Pademelon - Midnight, wrap or large scarf, hand felted merino wool and tissue silk.

Hand felted seamless merino wool skirt with incorporated tissue silk lining.

Photos by Kelly.

Available in the Bazaar.

2011-05-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

On trend purple hand felted merino wool cummerband with matching pin. Adjustable size.

Photo by Kelly.

Rapt in Felt Exhibition, Fashion Parade and Bazaar, 2011.

2011-05-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Some new work will be available in the exhibition:

Plaited scarf in autumn colours: hand felted merino wool.

My Portal: hand felted and tailored poncho in merino wool, with hand stitching and vintage buttons.

Opening night is Wednesday, 25th May at 7pm, at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross Rd., Acton, ACT.
The show is open to the public from Thursday, 26th May until Sunday, 29th May, from 10am until 4pm.
The Fashion Parades are on Saturday and Sunday at 12.30 pm.

Birthday scarf

2011-05-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Matching hat

2011-05-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

A companion for the plaited scarf available at:
Studio Altenburg
Wallace Street,
Braidwood NSW

Layers for Feltmakers by Liz Evans

2011-04-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

Images of my work, created for the "Winter Solace: Simply Red" Exhibition held at Cowra Regional Art Gallery in 2007, have been included in Liz Evan's newly published book, Layers for Feltmakers.
Examples of pieces combining merino wool on Indian cotton voile and tie-dyed bandhani cotton cut from a rajastani turban can be found in the sections on felting on fabrics, using fleece strips and creating pattern and texture.
In the book, Liz shares a wealth of ideas for creating a variety of surfaces using wool, fabric and many other materials including buttons, seeds, coins, sequins, shells and mirrors.
Layers for Feltmakers is available online at www.textilesanyone.com.au or by contacting info@textilesanyone.com.au, and will offer ideas and inspiration for both the novice and more experienced feltmaker.

Braidwood Regional Arts Group Annual Members Exhibition

2011-04-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Birth Muslin

2011-03-25T12:30:00.001-07:00

Alfie ( 84 x 79 cms) is a baby wrap of cotton muslin and merino wool.

Two Fires Festival of Art and Activism Exhibition

2011-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

"Save Me" (163 x 63cms) is a wrap or large scarf of felted merino wool and mohair on hand dyed tissue silk, with hand stitching. It refers to the tenacity of voices which have spoken up over many years for the preservation of the relatively pristine environment of the Shoalhaven Catchment Area.

"Save Me" - detail.

"Budawang Sunset" (129 x 71cms) is a wrap of felted merino wool on hand dyed tissue silk.

"Budawang Sunset" detail.

These pieces will be on display at the Serrated Tussock cafe, Wallace Street, Braidwood from Friday, 1st April until Sunday, 3rd April, 2011.

Striped and plaited.

2011-03-05T22:14:00.001-08:00

Stripes of colour, hand felted on black tissue silk and ecru cotton muslin, team with plaited merino wool into scarves to ward off cool autumn breezes.

Available at Studio Altenburg.

Photo by Kelly.

Royal Canberra Show, 2011.

2011-03-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hand felted item for the body - First Prize, the colours of Volutidae, a shell of the species, Volutoconus Bednalli, are captured in this hand felted silk chiffon and merino wool wrap.

Australiana - Any article of Felting depicting our Australian landscape - Third Prize, feather hat inspired by the poem "Bellbirds" by Henry Kendall (1839-1882), merino wool, hand stitched with embroidery cotton and sculpted with wire.
Judge's comments - "reflects theme, feathers exceptional."

Hand felted original item including recycled materials - First Prize, using merino wool and hand crocheted doilies by Gerritje Mertens.
Judge's comments - "good attachment of recycled items and use of colour."

Prizes in these three classes led to the award of 2011 Champion in the Professional Section for the second year in a row.

Photos by Kelly.

Braidwood Art Auction

2011-02-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

for details see link

Photo by Alison Alder

Student work

2010-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

pet rocks or paperweights

shoulder bags with leather strap and felt ball button

2010-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is a kerchief version of "Pademelons - Midsummer", hand felted with merino wool on hand dyed tissue silk.

The colours of Volutidae, a shell of the species, Volutoconus Bednalli, are captured in this hand felted silk chiffon and merino wool kerchief.

Both these pieces have been added to the Summer Exhibition of "Silk and Paper" now on display at Studio Altenburg, Braidwood, NSW until February, 2011.

2010-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

"Volutidae : Paramoria guntheri #2, distribution Southern Australia, merino, mohair and silk chiffon hand felted kerchief (52 x 49cms).

The original I made of this kerchief was entered in to the Royal Canberra Show and then sold at the Rapt in Felt Exhibition of the Canberra Region Feltmakers earlier this year.

A friend requested another. So here is version #2, incorporating a border of floating silk to represent the foot of the Hydatina Hydatis sea snail, transformed into a swimming organ.

Latest additions.

2010-11-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the birth of identical twins to my nephew and his wife, I have made a revised version of the Heirloom Blanket - smaller snuggle size for pram and bassinet (86 x 53cms).

Ava Wilhelmine

Emily Sophia

Studio Altenburg - Summer Exhibition

2010-10-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sea and Sand - Large scarf/Stole. Hand felted with hand dyed tissue silk and merino wool. (203x43cms)

Detail - Sea and Sand

Habitat - Wrap for shoulder or skirt. Hand felted Habotai silk, hand dyed with beach stones, merino wool and tissue silk embellishment. (126x66cms)

Detail - Habitat: Sooty Oyster Catcher.

(This piece has been sold.)

Paper & Silk Group Exhibition at Studio Altenburg, Wallace Street, Braidwood.

Opening on Friday 29th October at 6pm and running through Summer.

A magnificent, changing showcase of the beauty of hand made paper and books lovingly bound and decorated; pairs of framed works on paper from artists from all over Australia - lino cuts, collages, watercolours, gouache, graphite, pen and ink drawings etc; plant printed silks and Nuno Silk wearable art; japanese silk wraps; wood block printed hand made papers; sewn and silk bound journals covered in magnificent japanese papers and more.

Samples of students' work from our recent "Creating with Prefelt" Workshop held in Braidwood.

2010-10-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Braidwood Regional Art Group Exhibition

2010-10-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

…And straightway the hues of their feathers unfolden

Are the green and the purple, the blue and the golden.

“Bellbirds” by Henry Kendall (1839 – 1882)

“Feather Hat”

(Size: medium)

Hand felted, stitched and sculpted with merino wool, mercerised embroidery cotton and wire by Lis Mertens.

For the:

Second BRAG Exhibition for 2010. – “The Braidwood Open”

Theme: “Birds & Poets”

When: Opening November 10 – closing November 20 – the week before the Braidwood Quilt Event

Where: The National Theatre

Wallace Street,

Braidwood NSW

Unfortunately, this exhibition is not going ahead.

More blossoms...

2010-10-12T01:02:00.000-07:00

apple, and

quince.

Pademelon - Spring

2010-10-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Both these wraps are hand felted using a combination of hand made and machine- needled pre-felt and nude coloured tissue silk.

Cherry Blossom scarves.

2010-10-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

detail

Hand felted using yoryu silk chiffon, machined pre-felt and hand dyed, uncarded merino wool.

Cherry Blossom, 2010.

2010-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Challenge, 2010.

2010-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

This year the Challenge is to interpret a photograph in felt. Photos were available at earlier meetings in sealed envelopes.
Interpretations can be in 2 or 3D, but should be small enough to fit in a shoe box.
Entries will be displayed at the AGM/Christmas meeting in November, and the winner will be determined by a special guest mystery judge.
The winner will have the honour of holding the "Ashes" for the next year. The "Ashes are the remains of the CRF's rainbow tepee which was destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

My first attempt:

My second attempt:

While our annual challenge is designed to stretch and challenge our feltmaking ideas and skills, it is also meant to be a bit of fun, which a hand felted rock doorstop certainly is.

2010-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Pademelon - " Moonlight"

Detail

Workshop: creating with prefelt.

2010-09-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

I will be running a school holiday workshop on Thursday, 7th October at the Central School in Braidwood.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the many and varied ways in which prefelt can be used to create a finished piece of felt.

Numbers are limited and places are filling fast, so leave a comment for further information and to book your place.

Some examples of pieces created with prefelt.

"Scribbly Gum" hat, hand felted, merino wool with hand and machine made prefelts and hand spun yarn.

"Scribbly Gum" merino wool scarf, hand felted with machine made prefelt.

"Autumn Leaves" wrap, leaves were pre-cut from machine made merino wool prefelt and hand felted onto silk chiffon.

Scarf with hand made merino wool prefelt, hand felted onto silk chiffon with silk embellishment.

For Fathers Day

2010-08-29T15:07:00.001-07:00

Hand felted, single thickness, merino wool scarves for those still chilly September mornings and evenings in the South.

l-r Urban, black and china blue; urban, smudge and moss; and smudge, black and turkish red.

Weekend workshop with Claire Hayashi

2010-08-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Participants began the workshop with Claire, who specializes in pictorial felt, by sharing prefelts to create a picture.

"KIngs Canyon", strips of prefelt laid side by side and overlaid with silk.

2010-08-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, David.

Single thickness scarf in merino wool.

2010-08-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cherry blossoms in merino wool and mohair yarn on silk chiffon.

2010-08-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

Made to order scarf in double thickness merino wool for the discerning Italian motor cycle rider.

2010-08-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

Another in the Pademelon range, "Midsummer" - wrap in hand dyed silk chiffon and merino wool.

2010-07-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hand felted overjacket in merino wool, hand dyed silk hankies and tie dyed Indian silk from Gujarat.

2010-07-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Some shapes, patterns and colours brought back from the remote island of Hoga, located off the south-east coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It's an island situated close to one of the best reefs in the region for diving and snorkeling.

Despite bombing of the reef being the preferred method of fishing some 15 years ago, it continues to provide a rich habitat for a wide variety of tropical marine life. The colours and their combinations are an inspiration for transformation into pieces using wool and silk.

Of particular interest to me is the shell on the bottom right, with it's extensions, as well as another shell - hydatina hydatis - I spotted in a reference book, a picture of which showed parts of the body of the shellfish - lanaellae - extended outside of it's shell, waving around like silk in the wind.

Collaboration

2010-05-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

The collaboration continues with this wrap on yoryu silk chiffon. (October, 2010)
(Photo by Lis Mertens)

I am most fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with a very astute, fellow lover of textiles.

Together we have come up with new colour combinations for the Pademelon Wrap. This one is "After the Firestorm".

These photos by Sandra Fisher.

Time to deliver

2010-05-18T23:50:00.001-07:00

Saturday is the deadline to deliver work for the annual Rapt in Felt Exhibition, Fashion Parade and Bazaar held by Canberra Region Feltmakers Inc., at the CSIRO Discovery Centre in Clunies Ross Road, Black Mountain, ACT.

The Exhibition opens on Wednesday, 26th May at 7.30 and will continue through to 4pm on Sunday 30th May. There will be a fashion parade of members' pieces at 12.30pm on both Friday and Saturday.

I will be entering some new work in all three areas.

The tunic below will appear in the Fashion Parade. It is handfelted in merino wool with silk inserts which were hand painted by Alison Alder.

This "Scarfigan" in autumn tones, with pockets, will be in the exhibition along with an Heirloom Blanket and a fine nuno kerchief based on a shell design, hand felted with silk chiffon, merino wool and mohair yarn.

There are some new pieces to go in to the Bazaar.

A Red Scarfigan in merino wool with pockets.

An 80's revival wrap using recycled indian cotton voile designed by Susan Howard for Amnesty International, and merino wool.
Photo by Kim Hopper.

and a poncho / wrap in merino wool on silk chiffon.

I will be on roster all day Friday 28th May, so come and introduce yourself.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing all the colour and excitement of the show.

This week's work

2010-05-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

And for something completely different... the results of a weekend workshop with Anita Larkin.

I created these 3D objects using a variety of multiple resists including shade cloth, fabric, bubble wrap and an orange!

Perfect for the autumn chill, a nuno felted scarf in merino wool on silk chiffon.

New work

2010-05-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

Urban Cowboy

2010-04-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

Kerchief hand felted in cotton voile and merino wool.

Photos by matt@machine.

Completed Quilt

2010-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Student work

2010-04-13T14:10:00.001-07:00

A range of pieces of hand made felt created by students at a recent holiday workshop held in Braidwood.

Some students were first time felters, while others have experience of basic felt making and working with nuno felt.

Students produced samples incorporating surface design, while others made nuno scarves, water bottle covers using a resist, beads and covered polystyrene balls for use as pincushions.

Melbourne Scarf Festival, 2010.

2010-04-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

This year’s festival revolves around the concept of reflections. Scarf makers are
encouraged to reflect upon their art and craft and what has inspired it in the past. Where
have your ideas come from? What are your roots? Does your craft express your cultural
or artistic heritage?

Braidwood Regional Arts Group (BRAG) Annual Members' Exhibition and Sale

2010-03-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Every year, over the Easter Long Weekend, Braidwood hosts this event which gives the public an opportunity to view new works by both well known and emerging local artists.

The Exhibition will be officially opened by local author, Jackie French on Thursday 1st April at 6.00pm and will close on Monday, 4th April. It will be held at the National Theatre in Wallace Street, Braidwood.

My entry this year is "X and Y", a his and hers scarf set in hand felted merino wool with hand dyed silk chiffon, crinkle silk chiffon and recycled silk shirting.

We hope to see you there.

The completed Family Heirloom

2010-03-03T02:36:00.000-08:00

2010-03-03T02:28:00.000-08:00

The invitation to the 2010 Canberra Region Feltmakers exhibition Rapt in Felt, from May 26th to May 30th, contains small detail images of work by Jesusa Lockwood, Lynne Sanders, Jennie Curtis, Lis Mertens and others.

The Fashion Parades on Friday and Saturday of the exhibition showcase the wearable quality of contemporary felt and are well worth the effort.

See you there!

The Show is over.

2010-03-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have been awarded the 2010 Champion in the Professional Class at the Royal Canberra Show, with Firsts in the Felted Item for the Home and Head Categories, a second in the Felted item using recycled materials and a Third for the Felted Item for the Body.
The display of over 90 items was impressive and we had fun demonstrating how felt is made to the many interested show goers.
On my way to the Craft Pavilion, I had a laugh watching the Flyball Relays for teams of dogs including Blue Heelers, Labradors, Poodles and Jack Russells, amongst others. Good fun!

2010-02-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Continuing with my exploration of indigo, black and moss, I spent the past ( sunny ) weekend laying out a quilt using blocks of the above colours plus mink and lemongrass.
The overall effect is muted but strong.
I'm looking forward to completing this project to see the interplay of the blocks of coloured wool, on both the right and wrong sides of the quilt.
This quilt is longer than the last, ie. 3 x 5 40cm squares at the initial laying out.

2010-02-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

It's been raining all weekend - a good time to spend experimenting with indigo, black and shades of green merino wool and hand or commercially dyed silk chiffon and shirting.

These five scarves are the result of rain + play.

The Uniform Project

2010-02-02T00:17:00.000-08:00

Day 277. Mon, February 01 2010

Mmm cookies...

Pillbox hat in black merino wool with kimono silk embellishment handmade by Lis Mertens. See more of her creations at lismertensfeltmaker.blogspot.com. Chocolate chip cookie scarf donated by Tara Gill of Pro-Portional Designs. Vintage vest from eBay and winter boots from Salvation Army. Sorry about the evening posts lately, work's been a bit too hectic.

Comments

Sue tagged this Cute

That's one of the best hats I've seen you wear. A cozy classic wool, yet with that great silk band to take it beyond basic.

Payal tagged this Good morning Monday!

What better way to start your week than with a charming little cookie scarf! What a fun idea! The hat is just precious! I love how this look is so simple and happy! You must've made quite a few people at/ on the way to your busy work smile!

West Macdonnell Range

2010-01-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

Entered in the Royal Canberra Show in the catergories, Hand felted original item for the head and Hand felted original item for the body, are these matching hat and fingerless gloves in the West Macdonnell Ranges range.

The hat is hand felted merino wool and a merino wool/mohair combination, with silk chiffon design.

The fingerless gloves are hand felted in the same merino wool and a merino wool/mohair combination. In addition to the silk design they are lined with black silk chiffon.

Summer holiday workshop

2010-01-21T01:33:00.001-08:00

These nuno scarves were created at our workshop today.

Some of our participants were first time felters, others have some experience of the felting process. All produced an excellent example of nuno felt, using either silk, cotton voile or polyester fabric.

Nuno felt is the term used to describe the process of hand felting merino wool ( or alpaca, as was the case today) and fabric to achieve a unique new textile.

Hand felted original item for the home

2010-01-12T01:35:00.000-08:00

My entry in this category at the Royal Canberra Show and Crafts Expo, is "White gums", a lapquilt or wallhanging which is hand felted in merino wool and yarn. This piece is finished with hand stitching. It measures 120 x 72 cms.

The Royal Canberra Show & Crafts Expo, 2010

2010-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Entered in the category, "Hand felted original item in recycled material" is "80's Revival" - a hand felted wrap using a recycled Indian cotton voile sarong designed by Susan Howard for Amnesty International, and merino wool.

For the Special Challenge - Australiana: any article of Felting depicting our Australian Flora and/or fauna, I have entered "Volutidae : Paramoria guntheri, distribution Southern Australia, merino, mohair and silk chiffon hand felted kerchief (44 x 44cms).

Heading east

2010-01-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

This snug little hat in black merino wool with kimono silk embellishment and hand stitching, is heading to New York to become part of the Uniform Project.
For more information about the Project, which raises funds to educate kids in India, follow the link.
Sheena teams found and donated pieces with her lbd to create a new look each day for a year.
Thanks to Sophie for putting me onto this blog.

New work for the New Year

2009-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

With the next generation of my family at the stage of getting married and having babies, I've wanted, for a long time, to create a family heirloom, in the way that my mother crocheted a multi-coloured afghan square blanket for my son.

Using machine-made prefelts in merino wool, I've laid out a throw of geometric shapes and am very interested to see the interplay of colours when the overlapping blocks felt together.

A scarf of silk chiffon animal print, hand felted with merino wool for those cool Summer evenings (measures 175 x 16 cm). This one is a gift for J.J.

If you would like to order one, email me.

And the winner is...

2009-12-05T02:30:00.001-08:00

Photo by Jennie Curtis.

The entries for the Canberra Region Feltmakers Challenge for 2009 were judged by two colleagues from the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.

The ashes of a previous group felting project in the form of a tepee which was burned in a fire, are contained in a glass urn inside the conical felted form at the front of the photo.

Lis was awarded the ashes for her fingerless gloves which the judges found "chic and practical".

The show has opened.

2009-11-23T23:48:00.000-08:00

Kerchief in merino wool and silk chiffon.

(75 x 75 cms square scarf in merino wool and silk
chiffon.)

Studio Altenburg Gallery's Summer Exhibition opened on the
12 th November.

Lis has added extra Shell scarves to the display, this time hand felted in a square format or a smaller kerchief style.

Fore Warmed is Fore Armed

2009-11-03T00:46:00.000-08:00

Each year the Canberra Region Feltmakers pose a Challenge.

The Challenge for 2009 is any item for the forearm (fingertips to elbow). It could be mittens, gloves, bangles, bracelets, glove puppets, gauntlets...
A 'mystery' judge will select the best response to the Challenge at the November meeting of the group, which also happens to be their Christmas Party.
In recognition of her/his creativity, the winner becomes the custodian of 'the ashes' for the coming year.

Lis has hand felted the pictured pair of fingerless gloves in silk chiffon and merino wool and embellished them with hand stitching.

Who will be the winner? Keep posted to find out after the 28th November.

Summer Exhibition at Studio Altenburg, Braidwood.

2009-10-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

She sells...

The colours of Volutidae, a shell of the species, Volutoconus Bednalli, are captured in this hand felted silk chiffon and merino wool scarf by Lis Mertens which will be part of the Group Summer Exhibition showing from mid - November until February at Studio Altenburg in Braidwood.

This scarf reflects the colours and design of the shell, Orthalicidae, of the species Liguus Virgineus, which is found in Cuba, Santo Domingo and Haiti.
It is hand felted silk chiffon and merino wool.

Keep posted for information regarding the pre- Christmas opening of the Summer Exhibition.

Back from the desert

2009-10-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

White Gums

2009-09-27T01:31:00.000-07:00

Taking "Goodnight in the gully where the white gums grow" by printmaker, Jessie Traill, Australia 1881-1967, as a starting point in 2008, Lis began a series of images using merino sliver and spun yarn.
In response to a call for entries for the Braidwood Quilt Event 2009 Indoor Exhibition, she has completed an art quilt to enter in two categories ie. Lap quilt and Wall Hanging.
The two-day indoor Exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, the 28-29 November, 2009 at the National Theatre,Wallace Street,Braidwood, NSW 2622.

Uluru Watercourses - Cape.

2009-09-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Back

Front

This is the last piece in the 2008-2009 Desert Collection. It is handfelted and hand dyed merino wool and silk chiffon and is reminiscent of the paths water and minerals make as they descend Uluru after the rains.

The Cape will be available at Studio Altenburg, one of Lis' Spring Wearables.

Cherry blossom time

2009-09-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

It's Cherry blossom time on the Southern Tablelands.

Another birthday.

2009-09-07T13:35:00.001-07:00

Gina celebrated her birthday last week with a red-themed party and lots of family and friends.
Lis made this hand felted and hand stitched merino wool and recycled kimono silk scarf to fit in with the red theme.

Happy birthday, Cecile.

2009-08-27T03:02:00.000-07:00

Lis made a hand felted nuno scarf in silk chiffon and merino wool, hand dyed by Pip Creasey, as a birthday present for long time friend, Cecile.