Every year, the International Feltmakers Association (IFA) brings its members together through the IFA Felt Swap, an initiative that celebrates creativity and connection. This project invites members from around the world to participate by creating and exchanging felt pieces inspired by an annual theme. For 2024, the theme was bracelets, sparking a wave of wearable art and new friendships.
As someone deeply involved in the IFA, both as a feltmaker and as the Publicity Officer, I eagerly joined this year’s swap. Little did I know, the experience would lead to such meaningful connections—not just through the art we exchanged, but through the stories we shared.
One of my swap partners was Lynn Jones, a talented feltmaker living on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. The other, from Canada, has a story I’ll save for another time. For now, let me tell you about the incredible connection Lynn and I discovered through this exchange.
Lynn’s FB https://www.facebook.com/LynnsArtonArran
Lynn’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lynnsartonarran/
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Meeting Lynn: From Arran to Leicestershire
When I first received an email from Lynn, I was immediately struck by her warmth and her story. Lynn shared how she began felting ten years ago through a crofters’ workshop in Kilmartin Glen, which introduced her to using leftover fleece. Since then, she has created stunning landscapes and seascapes inspired by the natural beauty of Arran, the island she calls home.
In her email, Lynn described her inspiration for the bracelet she was making for me: “The sea is such a significant part of life here. I wanted to create something that would remind you of island living, with all its beauty and tranquillity.”
Her words resonated deeply. Scotland holds a special place in my heart—I’ve travelled to the Highlands and islands with my family and have always been captivated by their rugged beauty. Although I haven’t yet visited Arran, Lynn’s stories transported me there, making me feel connected to her world even before her bracelet arrived.
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Inspiration Strikes: The Story Behind the Bracelets
As I worked on Lynn’s bracelet, I found myself reflecting on the serendipity of our pairing. One evening, while adding the finishing touches, a television programme about Arran aired. It felt like a perfect alignment of the creative and the personal.
The design of the bracelet I created for Lynn was inspired by the sandy beaches of the Arisaig area in Scotland – their soft, muted colours and organic patterns. But there was also a deeper connection. I wanted to infuse the piece with a sense of cultural heritage of Central Asia – where I was born and now take textile lovers for the Felt and Culture Tours to – particularly by drawing on an ancient Kyrgyz textile tradition known as Kurak, or patchwork. This technique, practiced for generations by Kyrgyz people, combines small pieces of fabric or felt to create intricate geometric patterns, symbolising unity and resourcefulness.
By merging these inspirations, I hoped to reflect both the landscapes I’ve come to love in Scotland and the traditions that are deeply rooted in my Central Asian background. In many ways, the bracelet became a representation of how art can transcend boundaries, bringing together different cultures and stories.
When Lynn’s bracelet arrived, it exceeded all expectations. Her cuff bracelet captured the spirit of the sea, with hues of blue and green flowing together in a design that felt alive with movement. It was more than a piece of jewellery—it was a wearable reflection of her environment and her artistry. And it fit perfectly.
Lynn’s response to my bracelet touched me deeply: “I was blown away by its beauty and the thought behind it. I love that it reminds me of sandy beaches and also has a connection to your trip to Kyrgyzstan.”
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The Swap’s Lasting Impact
The IFA Felt Swap is more than just an exchange of felt pieces—it’s a way to inspire and connect with fellow artists and felt lovers. For Lynn, participating in the swap sparked a new interest in wearable felt. “I’d never made cuff bracelets before, but now I’m hooked! I’ve already made several more, and they’ve been selling well. The swap has genuinely influenced my work,” she shared.
For me, the joy of the swap lay not only in the creative challenge but also in the friendships it fostered. Lynn and I bonded over our shared love of Scotland, and we’ve talked about the possibility of meeting—whether on Arran, in the Midlands, or somewhere in between.
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A Note on the Power of Community
The IFA Felt Swap reminds us of the incredible power of art to bring people together. It’s about more than the physical pieces we create; it’s about the stories, connections, and inspiration we share along the way.
As I reflect on this year’s swap, I’m reminded of how it enriched my own creative journey. I look forward to sharing the story of my Canadian swap partner soon, as their bracelet and story were equally inspiring.
If you’re an IFA member, I encourage you to join next year’s Felt Swap. You might just find yourself creating not only beautiful felt pieces but also lifelong connections.
Do not Miss it on Social Media
The Felt Swap is an internal IFA project that provides a safe and supportive environment for those taking their first steps in felting, helping them build confidence in sharing their work within a trusted community. Some of our members have also given their permission to share their creations on IFA’s public social media channels. Starting tomorrow, I will begin posting the beautifully crafted slides created by our International Officer, Ariane Mariane, who led this year’s Felt Swap project. Follow along to see the incredible pieces our members have made and get inspired!
Textile Artist
@NadiaReinDesign
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Article by Nadia Rein, Publicity Officer