Hi, I’m Deborah Allen.. the maker and designer (and everything else-er) behind FeltersJourney. Based near Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire in the beautiful Teme Valley surrounded by wooded hills, rivers and rolling fields. We moved here in 2018 and I am fortunate to now have my very own dedicated home studio.. which is wonderful!

I am passionate about using natural materials and traditional techniques; this gives me a feeling of deep peace.. it soothes my soul. Very occasionally I may add a little synthetic Firestar for sparkle or an upcycled button or 3 but they are always clearly mentioned in the listings. Otherwise it’s natural materials all the way; wool fibres, silk fibres, leather, wood and sometimes copper or silver. I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint.. I use traditional methods, recycle/upcycle and avoid waste whenever possible.. I also try to keep it local.

Under normal circumstances I teach workshops in my studio but due to covid and all the restrictions that have come with it that is on hold for the foreseeable.. I'm sadly bamboozled by Zoom so no chance on providing online workshops. I have however created some rather lovely kits which have thorough instructions, along with all necessary materials and embellishments. And I am always happy to chat if there is something you are unsure about (preferably through Facebook or Instagram as I actually get message notification from them unlike Etsy!)

My inspiration often comes from ancient art / artefacts, mythology and folklore, the natural world - weather, flora and fauna, beautiful places, and my families shared experiences.

Good quality felt is important to me! If I am not 100% happy with an item it doesn't get sold, anything that doesn't make the grade tends to get cut up and recycled, most often becoming something I love.

An element which keeps wet felting exciting is that even though I will plan a project, judging how much shrinkage will occur and how the different fibres will interact with each other, there is always an element of chance involved in felt making.. just a few more rolls this way, a little more rubbing there, less or more heat - all have their own say in how a piece will turn out. It often feels like felt has a life force of its' own.. it certainly has a wonderful energy.

I always buy top quality materials! Trying to source them as close to home as possible. I often blend fibres on my Jumbo Classic Drum Carder (which I love and highly recommend!) either for felting or for spinning. I enjoy spinning fancy art yarns on my trusty little old Ashford Traveller spinning wheel or sometimes my drop spindle and incorporating them into my felt.

Even though every aspect of FeltersJourney is my responsibility, from designing and making to; face to face selling, photography, packing and posting, sourcing supplies, marketing, monitoring statistics and tax returns.. and probably more that I can’t think of at the moment :) I have the support of a wonderful family. My lovely husband (who has the patience of a saint putting up with all of my fluff n fibre) and our children (and grand babies now!) they chip in with ideas and suggestions and moral support if something gets me down.

In the spring of 2012 I finally took the plunge. I quit my part time job working at a local museum to focus on felting and building up my business. I have not looked back! Every night I lie in bed thinking and planning tomorrows work. It is so exciting to be here, now, doing what I love and working for myself from home.

I also sell my work at regular local Arts Markets and at The Spotty Dog Tearoom & Art Gallery in Tenbury Wells (they have excellent cake by the way!)