I was recently reminded of these fantastic rock cushions made of felted wool, while reading this interview with Vicente Wolf, where he mentioned that his most recent purchase for his home was a set of 'felt cushions that look like rocks' . While I'm not sure of the source for his recent purchase, I'd venture a guess and say it might be some of these beauties by South African designer Ronel Jordaan. I've known of her work for quite some time, and have been lusting away after these beautiful and unusual cushions ever since. Wouldn't they be just perfect in a casual seating area?
Ronel, a textile artist for almost 30 years, in 2005 she began to explore the concept of using felt as a creative medium. Entirely self-taught and following her own creative instincts, she began to turn fine gossamer thread into robust felted forms. By patiently rubbing and coaxing threads of pure wool into shapes in nature that inspire her, she found her direction and started a small home industry. Her most recognizable creations being her pebbles and rocks.
Soon outgrowing the limitations of a home business, Ronel expanded and trained a group of over 40 women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the art of felting. These women are now closely associated with all of her creations. While they produce items with Ronel, they have also begun to create their own designs with her help. Through this project, they are able to earn a decent income for themselves and their families, and are felters of international standing.
With a strong ethical conscience, these pieces are produced with ecologically friendly dyes and soaps. I was impressed to see that they have even developed organic food gardens at the plant using the waste water from production. The vegetables grown are for the women who work there to either take home or sell.
Ronel's pieces are each unique and range from giant boulders to little pebbles that are sewn together to form pillows or mats. There are pieces to be used both indoors and out and of course, compliment either beautifully with their natural organic feel.
To learn more about Ronel and to source her beautiful creations, visit her site here.
6 comments:
These rock cushions are truly amazing! They look so real. Is the whole cushion made of felt? Or is the center made of something else?
-Camberley
Those rock cushions look so real and amazing:) Totally would love to have one in my place:)
Kisses,sweetie
Oh my goodness! This is so cool and totally something I would love to give as housewarming gifts.
Love the rocks!
I found them sitting in the window at Calypso Home.
Cheers!
They really are amazing - and Teri - Calypso Home is one of my favourites, no surprise you found something so fantastic there!
xo
Wow! These are amazing. They would be so much fun to have!