Felting
Blooming Designs offers a unique felt bowl making workshop led by Rachel Morley, a skilled feltmaker and fine artist. Using British wool and natural dyes, Rachel guides participants through the wet-felting process to create sculptural bowls inspired by the Scottish coast. Her designs—often layered, textured, and topped with whimsical natural forms—reflect her fine art background and love for native sheep breeds. This hands-on, therapeutic workshop is a chance to learn from Rachel’s expertise in a warm, creative environment.
Felt bowls and felt pots
Felting is one of the oldest textile techniques, dating back thousands of years. Originating in Central Asia, it was used by nomadic peoples to make warm clothing, rugs, and shelter from wool. The process relies on wool fibres naturally locking together when wet, heated, and agitated, allowing fabric to be made without weaving. Over time, felting evolved from a practical craft into an art form, used for both functional items and decorative pieces. Today, it remains a valued technique blending tradition with creativity.
Why we love Rachel Morley
We love working with Rachel Morley because her felting workshops bring a unique blend of fine art expertise and a deep connection to nature. She creates a warm, encouraging atmosphere where participants of all levels feel inspired to experiment with textures, colours, and shapes. Rachel’s workshops go beyond just teaching technique—they nurture creativity and mindfulness, allowing everyone to connect deeply with the materials and enjoy the calming, hands-on process of wet felting. Her signature natural influences, like pebbles, ferns, and coastal forms, add a beautiful artistic touch that makes each workshop truly special
Felt Pot Workshop
In Rachel Morley’s felt pot workshop, participants are guided through the process of creating a seamless, three-dimensional vessel using the wet felting technique. Starting with soft layers of wool, you'll learn how to build structure around a resist, gradually shaping the fibres into a hollow form. Rachel shares her tips for adding texture, colour, and surface detail, drawing inspiration from natural elements like seed pods, moss, and coastal rock formations. The workshop is both creative and meditative, offering a chance to slow down, work with your hands, and craft a unique felt pot that’s both decorative and functional.
Felt Bowl Workshop
Rachel Morley’s felt bowl workshop is a hands-on, creative experience that invites participants to explore the ancient craft of wet felting in a relaxed and supportive setting. Using natural wool fibres, warm water, and soap, you’ll learn how to shape and sculpt your own felt bowl from start to finish. Rachel shares her expert techniques, drawing on years of experience and a deep love for natural forms and materials. With inspiration from her signature designs—often echoing pebbles, ferns, and coastal textures—you’ll leave not only with a beautiful handmade bowl, but also with new skills and a sense of connection to the calming rhythm of craft.
Explore the Experience
Felting is a wonderfully tactile and immersive experience. As you work the wool with warm soapy water, the fibres begin to shift and bind together under your hands—soft and loose at first, then gradually firming into shape. It’s a rhythmic, almost meditative process that engages the senses: the scent of wool, the warmth of water, the gentle friction of your hands coaxing texture and form. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a piece take shape from raw fleece to a finished object, all through your own touch and intention.
About Rachel
Since 2005, Rachel Morley has been creating hand-made sculptural pieces using wet felting—a traditional technique that transforms natural wool fibres into durable, textured forms. Each item is individually crafted, designed to bring warmth and character to interior spaces.
Rachel’s work reflects a deep connection to nature. She holds a Fine Art degree and Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Feltmaking, and is a member of Design Nation, the International Feltmakers Association, as well as a supporter of The Campaign for Wool and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Working from her rural Leicestershire studio, Rachel travels down to Hampshire in her husband's electric car to deliver workshops with Blooming Designs.
