As the date for Wonderwool Wales looms ahead, I have been dyeing and bookbinding like a madwoman for the past few weeks! I have found time however, to test out my good friend GypsyDancer's yarn bowls.

You see, her and I are sharing a stall at the event, and her unique, hand-thrown bowls are the perfect companion for my yarns. With a stall to fill up, she has been working hard day and night to make sure that everyone can have the chance to take home one (or two!) of her beauties! 

My favorite of this particular collection is the second one from the top:

This week's Yarn and Yarn meeting was at Le Salon, an off-site art installation part of Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff. Hassan Hajjaj, a Moroccan artist, explores the 'style of the souk' by creating installation environments using recycled materials to make objects that can be used in everyday life.

A series of graphic canvases were exhibited both in the Caffi Bar and in Le Salon; these were inspired by Arabic advertisements and product packaging in North Africa and the Middle East.

The installation was set up in a disused garage by Chapter Arts Centre; it was transformed into a meeting place that was full of character. There was a trendy, earthy feel to the place, which came complete with wireless internet, an Arabic Library, and mint tea... all encased in colourful walls covered in newspapers and cement packaging.

Gill Nontha is a talented local artist from Porthcawl, Wales, that I had the opportunity to meet at a local craft fair. Her jewelry-making techniques are unique, and she has a very contemporary, imaginative take on fashion...

Purple Sparkle Crafts is the brainchild of Rebecca Amesbury, who makes deliciously scented wax melts and candles... 

I met Bryn (Rebecca's lovely mother) at the Red Dragon Craft Fair; I chatted with her for a while as she was setting up her stall; I was lured by the fabulous spread of cake and pastries, which turned out to be scented wax melts and candles! They smelt heavenly, and so very LICKABLE!