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Handcrafted 'Fabric Souls' lovingly stitched by Ella Kearvell in rural Somerset...
fabric soul
noun
> a textile figure that embodies human characteristics, adorned in handmade clothes
> a creation to treasure through family generations
'Ella's Handmade Creations' are handcrafted textile dolls, made with an emphasis on recyclability and sustainability. Ella’s creations combine her love of animals and costume design, which she studied at Arts University Bournemouth in 2022. Each creation has its own unique character, brought to life in recycled, natural and vintage fabrics, using the combination of machine and hand-stitching.
Explore the herd...
"I am absolutely delighted with my Coronation commission piece, thank you so much. The detail and skill is breathtaking. His slippers with CR111 on are adorable. As a military wife, he is the perfect reminder of a special day..."
Helen, Lincolnshire
Ella begins her creations by deciding on which animal head she would like to create; she looks for animals that have interesting colours and fur types. She enjoys replicating these in different fabrics, trims and stitch techniques. Her favourite part of the process is sewing the patches on around the eyes, every stitch and thread of “fur” gives the doll its own unique character. The clothing is created once the doll’s face and body is complete.
Sustainability is an important factor in Ella’s art practice, using materials and fabrics that work with nature and not against it. She loves recycling materials into new creations, using a scrap selvedge edge or corner of an embroidered handkerchief can create the perfect effect for a Lion's mane or Giraffe's eyelash. Collecting vintage fabrics, clothes and trinkets is a favourite hobby of hers.
Ella also loves learning about the history of her local area in Somerset, UK. Learning stories about the lives and work of past locals, has given her great inspiration towards her art practice over the years.
Stocklist
ACEarts, Art Gallery in Somerton, TA11 7NB. Online shop here.
Sou'-Sou'-West Contemporary Arts Gallery, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, DT6 6HG
