Summer Solstice

Warm wishes to you all this summer solstice!

It is rather grey and misty here..  good job I made a solstice lantern to brighten things up a bit :)

I started off  by cutting a resist to fit my jar.
I planned to use Shetland fibre in 2 fine layers, not having felted with Shetland for aaages I allowed
the same shrinkage as I would expect from merino

Scattered lots of silk and linen fibres, then drew a simple sun

added some nice yarn

And proceeded to felt it as usual.  Turns out Shetland really doesn't shrink as much as merino..  so I was most fortunate to have a bigger jar handy :)

Once it was fairly snug on the jar I slipped it on

and with soapy hands worked it to fit the shape of the bottom and neck

I lit a tea light candle inside last night to help it dry quicker..
it shone up a treat

This morning I've added a brass wire handle, with jade beads
threaded on.  I think the wire may get hot, but hope that the jade
will remain cooler.. we shall see

 I added a couple of dangles..

brass I ching coin

Glass beads and spirals

This was very quick and simple.. it would be a nice project to work on with kiddies I think.  

I'm planning to give this to a good friend of mine this afternoon.. I just know she will be celebrating at a fire pit somewhere :)  she can take a little lantern along too.

I shall have pools of candlelight tonight as my quiet little solstice celebration :)  

xxx