Maker Spotlight: Nadja Rein

Our maker this month is Nadja Rein from NadiaReinDesign.  Nadja produces some of the most stunning wet felted items; from 3D animals all the way through to wedding dresses!

When did you start your craft?
I’ve been wet felting for 15 years now. It started as a curiosity about possibilities of the material and techniques and quickly became a passion that I now can’t imagine life without.

What do you like best about wet felting?
Wet felting has a magical ability to merge you with the process and stop time. Each stage brings its own joy.
Layering wool and fibres can be meditative or precise, depending on the mood. It calms or stimulates the brain—it’s a beautiful duality.
Decoration is the most thrilling part for me. I often start with a hazy image in my mind, like a blurred photo when you squint your eyes. One example is my Rosebay Willow Herb Vest. The inspiration came after a holiday in Scotland. To me, Scotland is purple, usually because of heather. But that year, I kept passing fields of rosebay willow herb, and the idea just stayed with me until I translated it into felt.
Of course, creativity doesn’t replace structure when making wearable art. I consider comfort, flow, durability and practicality. I don’t sample a lot, but when I do, it’s usually to test materials in smaller projects like berets.
And then there is felting process itself, I love combining different ones based on the task at hands or to be kind on my body. It can be fun and hard work. And I always aim for a balanced approach. 

Do you have a favourite thing to make?
Wearable art, without question! I also love large interior pieces and collaborating with other crafters and artists.
And I’m equally passionate about creating smaller projects that help others fall in love with felting. I run both online and in-person workshops where I share the knowledge and joy this craft brings me, and how it helps to keep my brain and my body in good health. 
Why is crafting important to you?
Wet Felting and other crafts (I do combine techniques in my projects) are essential for well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, felting allows you to slow down and experience what I call “fibre meditation.”
Alongside being a textile artist, I work in local government and volunteer for the International Feltmakers Association. Life gets busy and stressful, but as soon as I touch wool and fibres, my shoulders drop, and I feel myself dancing around the felting table again. It resets me and helps me face whatever challenge or opportunity is presenting next.

What are your preferred products to use?
I’m in love with fibres—especially silk and effect fibres. They open up endless possibilities in wet felting. Every day brings a new adventure. 
Any advice for someone wanting to take up wet felting?
Just do it! Wool is such a forgiving material. It helps you reconnect with yourself and your creativity. It awakens your senses—touch, sight, and intuition.
And with so many resources available nowadays, it’s easy to start. I run both online and in-person workshops where I guide people step by step or give them space to explore. There’s a path for everyone.

What’s your favourite thing about World of Wool?
World of Wool is such a gem—local to the UK, with great delivery, and a beautiful selection of fibres in every colour you could want. I especially love their silk, bamboo selections, which I use often.
They also stock variety of white effect fibres which I would encourage people to try to use in wet felting and local British wool, which is do diverse and offers such a variety of properties which are of benefits for different projects. Since I became a part of the mentoring team at the International Feltmakers Association three years ago, I order new wool breed each time to add to my library from Discovering Feltmaking One.  

Felting connects my past and present. I was born and raised in Kazakhstan, and Central Asian traditions still influence my work. At the same time, I’m drawn to modern felting techniques like nuno felting and working with specialty fibres. I love that I can honour heritage while pushing boundaries. That balance is what keeps me inspired every day.

You can find Nadja on her website and instagram.