The Circus comes to town Miranda Auckland

I drew a number of pictures about the circus before deciding on a clown’s face.

I drew this freehand on 12”x12” hessian and at an angle. I wanted to use bright colours so I decided to use yarn and, because I wanted some detail, I hooked the wool. I started with the clown’s face and hat and then I used a thin-cut, patterned fleece for the background to try to represent an audience watching the clown.

I did not plan the border until I had finished the piece but left an inch all round. I did the border in small triangles using the colours in the clown. I made a pom pom for his hat and gathered up a piece of fabric to make his collar.

Bette Collins

I live in Carmarthenshire, W. Wales and have been a rug maker for over 20 years. Hook, Prod and Punch, using recycled materials. Have not dyed, and don’t really wish too. (I would knock everything over!)  I enjoy the hunt for a colour or a type of material.

The Circus comes to Town Jane Rushworth

I decided to make a small picture and researched circus images on the internet.  I originally intended to hook a clown with balloons, but when I sketched it out I realised the picture would need to be bigger. So I choose a picture of colourful balloons. (This now doubles up as a birthday card!)

A template was made for the balloons and this was drawn around directly onto the canvas. To complete the image a border was added making the final piece 6 by 8 inches. New hand dyed and recycled woolens were used and the finished piece is backed with fabric.

I hope the birthday recipient likes their card.