A NEWLY formed group of artists are showcasing contemporary crafts, ranging from needle felting to woodcraft, over six days at Quarr Abbey.

Fibre artist, Loren Thorn, has put the group together after having two exhibitions cancelled last due to the pandemic.

Loren specialises in needle felt, which combines wool and art, creating pictures depicting nature ranging from sheep to garden birds.

Originally from South Wales, Loren moved to the Island in 1994 and rook up craft during the winter months as a hobby, now selling her work at local galleries and craft fairs.

Isle of Wight County Press: Loren Thorn specialises in needle felt,creating pictures depicting nature ranging from sheep to garden birds.

Loren Thorn specialises in needle felt,creating pictures depicting nature ranging from sheep to garden birds.

James Bradley (Jim’s Woodcraft) makes all sorts of things from sustainably sourced wood, like coffee tables, trinket boxes, hand-carved spoons and more.

Nicky Baker, known as The Wight Pencil, is a graphite artist from the Island and started drawing after a 16-year break.

Her drawings are inspired by wildlife and nature and are available on a variety of items such as prints, cards, tea towels, and notebooks.

Firestone Studio is a husband-and-wife team of artists whose studio overlooks Firestone Copse, working in ceramics, textiles, leather, and glass.

They use traditional skills and techniques and innovate new applications to promote British crafts to a wider audience.

Kirsty Hayler, the wife of the team, has created quirky pottery designs, which are recognised and well-loved across the Island.

Carly Groves is a self-taught artist based in Cowes, who works with oil and acrylic, and most of her work is on a coastal theme, seascapes, waves, and seabirds.

She also needle felts bird sculptures using wire and wool.

Carly is an active member of Cowes Art Group and participates in various exhibitions throughout the year.

In October, her painting was awarded third place at the IW Landscape Exhibition at Ventnor Botanic Gardens.

Elaine Saunders, Rustic Threads, is a textile artist and has always been surrounded by creative women.

She originally took up watercolour painting with a village group but was also taught calligraphy by a gentleman who has taught some of the monks at Quarr Abbey.

Elaine won the People’s Choice Award this year at Monkton Arts for her creation of fabric and free motion embroidery pieces.

The exhibition, featuring all the above, runs from Thursday, December 9 to Tuesday, December 14.