Wednesday, March 17, 2010

AMDWS Zumaya's Oliver Twist

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AMDWS Sultan of Gold

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Alpacababes

Aren't these just adorable?  I didn't make them so I can brag about them!  They are made out of recycled sweaters by a friend of mine who has fallen in love with alpacas.  I understand completely . . .

 
I'd like you to meet the Alpacababes!

 
 Cammy's favorite game is "hide and seek".  He is truly the best at hiding outside.  Keep your eye on Cammy who stands about 12" tall.

Happypants is just happy that's all!  Happypants stands about 12" tall.

Mato is a bright tomato red.  She is ripe for the pickin'.  And she's ready for fun.  She will have juicy stories to tell.  She stands about 12" tall.

 
 

Cashmere is soft and cuddly but was born with a big snout and it tends to get in the way...on the other hand Cashmere loves kisses and his snout is a perfect place to put your kisses.  He stands about 12" tall.

Freckles is so very proud of her spots.  So proud that she named them all!  Freckles stands about 12" tall.
Mr. Man is quiet and true.  He listens to everything you have to say before making any comment.  He is very laid back and you will feel calm just being with him.  Mr. Man stands about 12" tall.


  
Creamsicle is a delicious friend.  All she likes to do is cuddle and giggle.  That is all.  She stands about 12" tall.

Tweed is a proper English gentleman.  He is so polite, with a wit that will keep you on your toes.  Tweed stands about 12" tall.

Alpaca Meadows is headed to Best of the US Alpaca Show in Columbus, Ohio this weekend and taking the Alpacababes with me.  If I don't sell out at the show, I will list them on our website next week.  They will retail at $40.  If you just have to have one before then, contact me and we can make it happen!


Friday, March 5, 2010

Fiber Art Classes

Though I’ve never thought of myself as a teacher, I’ve been asked enough times if I give classes, that I’m going to give it a “stab”! So, for those of you in our area (Ohio) here is my schedule:




Saturday, March 20, 2010
10am-3pm (or whenever we finish)
$35

Basic needle felting combined with some wet felting to make a basic egg shape with embellishment, then building a 3-D bunny for your Easter table! Coffee to get you started and lunch included. Peak at alpacas and visit to The Farm Store after lunch, then back to work! 

*You will need:
8 Ounce Batt of Fiber
Liquid Soap in Pump Dispenser
Plastic Tub Approximately 12”x14”
Towel
If you need fiber, please let me know ahead of time so I can card it. It is not pictured on my website but is available at $24 for an 8 ounce batt, available in light fawn and black.



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Saturday, May 8, 2010
10am-1pm (or whenever we finish)
$35

This class is a walk-through of what can you can do with your fiber at home, without spending a lot of money, in order to have a product to sell. Introduction to sorting, tumbling, washing, drying, picking, carding, packaging, and selling. Lots of ideas to go home with! Coffee to get you started and lunch included. Time to see the alpacas and visit The Farm Store.

 
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Saturday, June 26, 2010
10am-3pm (or whenever we finish)
$35

Hand-Painting with Gaywool Dyes and introduction to a variety of other methods. This fiber will fly off your shelves, people love it! Bring your own fiber, rovings, or yarn, or purchase from Alpaca Meadows in advance. Coffee to get you started and lunch included. Time to peak at alpacas and visit to The Farm Store.

*You will need:
4-8 Ounces Fiber, Rovings, or Yarn (white or light fawn)
Large Aluminum Roasting Pan—2
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Bottles—3 (can use empty dish soap bottles)
Plastic Gloves
Dish Soap—(any kind)
Plastic Tub Approximately 12”x14” or Small Bucket
Towel


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Saturday, September 4, 2010
10am-3pm (or whenever we finish)
$35
A combination of needle and wet felting on a form. All supplies included as well as tools to take home and make more with your own fiber. Coffee to get you started and lunch included. Peak at alpacas and visit to The Farm Store after lunch, then back to work!
*You will need:
4 Ounce Batt of Fiber
Towel
Liquid Soap in Pump Dispenser
Plastic Tub Approximately 12”x14”
Bubblewrap (supplied)
If you need fiber, please let me know ahead of time so I can card it. It is not pictured on my website but is available at $12 for a 4 ounce batt, available in light fawn.



*If needed, these items can be purchased on our website prior to class.

All classes will be held at the farm.
Alpaca Meadows
185 Bethel Lane
Mansfield, Ohio  44906

Questions?  Call (419) 529-8152 or e-mail me at Julie@alpacameadows.com.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Bead Felting Kit

I've been busy finishing up projects and getting ready for Best of the US Alpaca Show in Columbus, Ohio next weekend, March 12-14, where I will be setting up as a vendor.

This felting kit includes alpaca fiber in a variety of different colors for making beads, a felting needle, and detailed instructions.  The process described involves both needle and wet felting.

 
 There also is some suri fiber that works well for embellishing beads, be sure to pull apart and use very thin, wispy pieces.
  
I like to use a combination of both needle and wet felting.  Needling your fiber into a smooth round ball actually makes the wet felting go very quickly and makes a nicer bead.

 
Here I made beads and then flattened them to make buttons for my felted mittens, coming soon!
Shibori Knitted Felt: 20 Plus Designs to Knit, Bead, and Felt


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Monday, March 1, 2010

Felted Easter Eggs

The sun is actually shining today - it is so pretty!  I must get out and enjoy it.  The first day of March, we are getting there, and oh how we will appreciate those first signs of Spring!

  

I know our alpacas will too.  They have spent way too much time in the barn, that is where the hay is, the snow has been too deep to venture very far. 

 

And it is way too deep for their keepers, us, to venture through it to put hay in the pastures.  They will be very happy to see green grass and run in the pastures!

 

Thinking Spring, these are some Easter eggs that I have wet felted.  

 
If you've been wanting to try wet felting, this is easy, just takes soap and water!  I have put together a kit that is fun and with some creativity, produces lovely results!


The fiber in the kit is from our guard llama, Lacy Lady!  There are also bits and pieces of other fun fibers to embellish with.



In Christian times, the egg was a symbol of new life just as a chick might hatch from the egg.  The egg is symbolic of the grave and life renewed by breaking out of it.
The Easter Egg


And in doing some reading about the symbolism of eggs, I found a good article about The Easter Egg on a website called The Holiday Spot.  Here is a little blurb from the article that I thought was interesting . . . 
Many traditions and practices have formed around Easter eggs. In Europe an egg was hung on New Year trees, on Maypoles, and on St. John's trees in midsummer. Indeed, all were of one accord in using the egg as a symbol of the regenerative forces of nature. Later during the Christian period, it was believed that eggs laid on Good Friday, if kept for a hundred years, would have their yolks turn to diamond. If Good Friday eggs were cooked on Easter they would promote the fertility of the trees and crops and protect against sudden deaths. And, if you would find two yolks in an Easter egg, be sure, you're going to be rich soon. That's what they believed!