Dydh da and welcome to my little corner of Cornwall.
I’m Marion Hoch and I live in a special place, rich in heritage and outstanding natural beauty. On the north coast, on the far side of St Ives Bay is where you will find 3 miles of golden sand, awesome surf and Stargazey Crafts.
Deliciously addicted to needle felting I’ve turned a hobby into a genuine cottage industry. I’ve always had an interest in crafting and art and am inspired by nature and the world around me. I took a stab at needle felting in 2013 and since retiring from the NHS, I have turned my hobby into a full-time career.
Naturally hand-crafted using wool from various breeds of sheep, I use needle and wet felting techniques to sculpt three dimensional designs. The nature of the medium means that each creation is one of a kind. Free from the constraints of patterns, each of my little critters have individual character and personality designed with love and a little humour to make you smile.
I retail my products through co-operative galleries and online from my Etsy shop. If you’re looking for something bespoke, then you can commission me to make it. Once I know your budget, the size and style, I’ll come up with something personal just for you.
You can also purchase from me direct or arrange a visit to my studio by phoning for an appointment 07773 143122.
Makers Store, Fore Street, Copperhouse, Hayle TR27 4DX
Cornish Makers, Tinners Court, Truro TR1 2LL
Stargazey Felting
I love the tactile and therapeutic nature of working with wool and watching a little creature with its own personality come to life in my hands. Needle felting requires very little equipment and is a great way to pass the time and express creativity. Craft can go beyond being a simple ‘hobby’ and can have very real health benefit. Improving mood and cognitive function are just a few of the ways that it can improve your well-being. Best of all, you don’t need any particular artistic talent. Because it’s a fun and mindful activity you can felt your way to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
So how does that fluff turn into amazing creations? Here is the science bit! Needle felting is the art of sculpting fibre into shapes using a special notched needle. Agitation of the wool fibres causes them to entangle and form a dense matted felt. It’s all to do with microscopic scales on the fibre that catch and lock together. The magic happens when the felting process is controlled and the wool can be formed into sculptural shapes. So with a lot of stabbing and layering you can create pretty much anything.
If you want to learn more…
As a certified trainer with a BTEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training, I run popular and fun workshops twice a month at the Hall for Gwinear near Hayle. The social networking from craft groups like ours also provides the added benefit of friendship, support and cake! You will find full details of all my workshops on Eventbrite and my Facebook page.
Beginners will learn the basic techniques, including how to create 3D shapes, attach parts, add colour and a bit of personality to their sculpture. For those who become infected with the felting bug, you can go on to learn more complex skills at intermediate classes for improvers. If you are interested in learning this craft, places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
If you would like me to run a workshop, demonstration or presentation for your group, please enquire about group rates here.
Supplies and equipment are available to purchase at my workshops so you can continue your new hobby.
I’ve put together my own starter kit which comes complete with instructions and everything I would have wanted in one box when I first learned sculptural needle felting.
Take a look in the box Stargazey Felting Kit for Starters.
I also have a selection of kits and fibres from World of Wool together with needles and felting pads.
