Gretel Parker
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woollyhare.bsky.social
Gretel Parker
@woollyhare.bsky.social
730 followers 320 following 130 posts
Needle felt artist, painter, Shropshire cottage dweller. Country/natural history lover. Likes toadstools, art, books, archaeology, folky stuff and history. Work for sale below -

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Gretelparker
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woollyhare.bsky.social
A little trio of my needle felt animals, Albert the dog, Ginger the Fox and Marzipan the Elephant, all off on a big adventure to one of my collectors in East Asia. I’m very happy that they are staying together, as friends. #needlefelting
Three little woollen needle felted animals, styled simply like little toys, are placed on a wooden shelf with a rough plaster wall background. On the left, is a jolly looking yellow elephant, who had knobbly knees and slightly bent legs, as if he is dancing. He wears a little crown and onemof nis knees has a tiny darn stitched onto it. On the right, facing the elephant, is a lively fox, with a big tail and his head pointing into the air, as if sniffing. Behind them is an old musical box, on which stands a small dog, quite stout and brave looking, like a pug, wearing a big red collar which has a tiny gold heart dangling from it.
November 13, 2025 at 5:27 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Lovely day for a ten mile cycle around Shropshire’s country lanes, bumping into the Wrekin around every corner. Mood is much improved. Legs ache, but it was worth it.
A bicycle parked in front of a metal field gate on a bright autumn morning. To the right is a thick hedge of ivy and to the left is a large oak tree, leaves turning golden and scattering over the ground. The sky is mostly clear, with a few puffy clouds gathering on the horizon, where we can also see the solid, majestic hump of the Wrekin poking up above farmland.
November 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Stout-hearted little Albert and Ginger the dancing fox gaze up at the last golden leaf of their tree, waiting for it to fall and for winter to begin.
A wooden shelf is at the bottom of the picture, with a textured pale plaster wall behind it. On it, are two small wool needle felted animals. On the left is a little spotted pug type of dog, short and squat with an inquisitive face and wearing a red collare with a little metal heart attached to it. On the right, nearby, a long, lively fox, who has one foot off the ground, as if dancing. They are both looking up at a little piece of flat, golden glass which is hanging from a twig above them. The twig is bare and withered and stands in an old brown bottle.
September 24, 2025 at 3:23 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Yesterday’s sky, rain heading towards Shrewsbury from the west.
A wide, brooding sky with large, sweeping dark rain clouds smothering the horizon and a little bit of light flltering in from the left hand side. There is a strip of harvested field at the bottom, pale yellow sunlit stubble and red earth. On the horizon is a tree lined view to Bayston Hill, and a large oak is creeping into the picture from the left. A contrast of bright sun and intense gloom, giving a real autumnal feel.
September 14, 2025 at 10:50 AM
woollyhare.bsky.social
A dull, dry evening and a view of the distant Wrekin across the wheat field. #shropshire
A country view of a field of ripe wheat in the Shropshire countryside. On the far horizon are small clumps of dark leaves trees and the blue hill shape of the Wrekin, with long clouds bustling across the sky.
August 1, 2025 at 5:31 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Nice view from English Bridge this lunchtime. #shrewsbury #shropshire
The River Severn pictured from English Bridge, Shrewsbury, on a moody day. There is a wide stretch of dark water flowing away from the viewer, with numerous ducks, geese and a stately swan gliding along with the current. On the left side is a row of old terraced houses, possibly Georgian in age, perched above the riverside. Building work is being done on one of them, as there is scaffolding up. On the other side are clumps of trees lining the way of the river, with glimpses of more nice houses behind them and a tall industrial looking chimney. It has just rained and the clouds lie low, brooding and heavy. The muted colours are reflected in the surface of the river as it slowly flows southwards.
July 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
This afternoon’s work, finishing off a little running fox. I somehow managed to sew and needle felt despite the heat - but I’m all in now. 🥵
A hand holding a little needlefelted (woollen) running fox, with his head held high as if he is looking up at something. In the background is a bare plaster wall, a plain wooden box with three little white needle felted mice sitting on top of eggcups, and the metal end of a white old fashioned bed, Victorian style.
July 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Out earlier for a much needed cycle, before it gets too hot. Spotted a dragonfly who flew in front of me for a while, and a young kite being chased off by crows. #shropshire #cycling
A hot summer morning and the sky is a blazing blue, clear of any clouds. There is a bicycle parked in front of a metal barred field gate, with lush hedgerows either side. The lane is dry as bones and dusty. Behind the gate, a broad field of pale golden wheat, ripe and ready to harvest, with a thin horizon of trees and the dark line of the Long Mynd baking in the sunshine.
July 12, 2025 at 9:55 AM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Nice cool, breezy morning for a quick hour of bimbling around the lanes. #activetravel #shrewsburymoves #cycling
A bicycle with panniers parked in a gritty lay-by in a quiet Shropshire country lane, in front of a gently rising field of ripening wheat, with looming, low clouds and patches of blue sky. There is a moderate warm wind blowing and a little bit muggy - but cooler when riding.
June 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
woollyhare.bsky.social
‘Marzipan’, my little needle felted elephant, standing between two lollipop trees which are from my last needle felt pattern book.
‘Marzipan’, a long legged slightly clumsy looking needle felted yellow baby elephant, with knobbly, knees and wearing a pink crown with a tiny heart on the front. He is standing on a wooden shelf against a plaster wall background. He seems to be dancing and has a shy, happy smile and little black glass eyes, he has a tiny darn stitched to one front knee. He stands between two small needle felted lollipop trees, tall oval in shape, with patches and simple stitching on them. They have thin trunks and are standing in old cotton reels. A scale photo of a hand touching a little needle felted yellow baby elephant called ‘Marzipan’. He has a shy, sweet smile, long legs which seem to be dancing and knobbly knees. He is wearing a pink crow with pearl beading.
May 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Finished my first watercolour painting of the year - it’s a big one at 50x50cm (20x20 inches). The working title is ‘Lucifer and the Angels’. The subtitle is included in the alt-text. #watercolour #magicrealism #watercolor
A large watercolour painting of three wonkily sewn toys. On the left is a little dirty, stumpy pony, with no legs. He has a wire halo tied to his head with red string and ragged wings which are stained with blood. Facing him down are a tall fox like toy with a large tail, which is staring crossly and behind him an even tally deer like toy with large white anglers tipped with gold. The background is mostly s celestial blue aqua sky and the thighs are standing in line on a strip of green grass. There is a small yellow star fallen by the pony. The title is ‘Lucifer and the Angels’ subtitled ‘The Devil comes in many guises, Lucifer is fallen. He is hiding his cloven hooves and his wings are stained with blood’.
May 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Lovely slow summer storm moving over central Shropshire right now.
A brooding, bruised cloudy sky over darkened fields and hedgerows, bringing with it low rumbling thunder and splatters of rain as the birds continue to sing.
May 1, 2025 at 5:12 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
The most glorious day for a leisurely 8 mile pootle round the lanes, with the all watchful Wrekin round every corner. How I love my Shrewsbury Moves bike! #shropshire
A bicycle stood in front of a bushy hedgerow and barred metal field gate on a grass verge sprinkled with big yellow dandelions. It is a sunny Spring day and in the background there are fresh green trees and a glimpse of a zingy yellow field of rapeseed against a backdrop of big blue sky with little dots of cloud. Everything feels warm and lush and tiny insects are flying about. A big blue sky with little streamers of puffy white cloud. In the foreground there is a vast ploughed field, dry and baking in the sun, with neat ridges of reddish Shropshire soil. On the horizon is a long straight stretch of hedgerow with the Wrekin hill pointing up in the middle like a large pimple.
April 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Out on my Shrewsbury Moves bike again, this time for a quick sketching outing at the church at Pitchford Hall. Glorious weather!
A bicycle standing on a long grass edged track which is lined with old, tall lime trees. It is spring and the trees have a faint flush of fresh green foliage. The weather was breezy but not too cold, with large clouds and the sun coming out occasionally . Everywhere is fresh and in flower. A tiny open sketchbook being held up in a hand. The right hand page has a little loose painting and ink sketch of a flat topped yew tree in a churchyard. Behind the hand is the yew tree itself. The churchyard is grassy with spring flowers dotted about and the stone cross of an old grave lying in the background.
April 13, 2025 at 5:53 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
From this morning’s cycle, my lovely ‘Shrewsbury Moves’ bike parked up with the Wrekin looming at the back. Nine miles all round, which is nine miles more than I could have managed this time last year; also the best kind of anxiety relief.
It is a sunny morning with pale blue skies and a few wispy clouds. A bicycle is parked in front of a field with a large red metal barred farm gate, on the side of a muddy country lane. In the background there is a line of bare trees that are slowly coming into leaf as Spring approaches. At the very back, the Wrekin, a large hill shaped feature, looms mistily above the landscape.
March 9, 2025 at 3:45 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Today’s little four mile cycle ride in gorgeous weather, with the Wrekin popping up round every corner.
A distant view of the Wrekin, Shropshire, from a narrow country lane. A warm Spring day and the sky is a clear blue with no clouds. A tidy hedgerow runs alongside the path, with a small tree curving over it for the right hand side. A farmhouse and barns can be seen in the background, surrounded by fields.
March 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
First short journey out on my new Shrewsbury Moves e-bike. Managed to work out the gears and digital gubbins and it’s brilliant - I sailed up the hills and my knackered knees were very grateful for pedal assist! Now I’ve just got to brave going into town.
A big e-bike with ‘Shrewsbury Moves’ printed on the frame, parked on the edge of a country road lined with hedgerow by the side of a metal double farm gate. Pale winter sunshine and cold skies with some light clouds.
January 30, 2025 at 11:46 AM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Making stumpy little needle felted mice with huge ears tonight.
In the foreground is a hand positioned flat, with two little round, dumpy pink needle felted wool mice balanced on top. They have white tummy patches, shiny black eyes and overly large round felt ears. In the backfield is a rustic country bedroom interior, showing a guitar, an old pine dressing table with side mirrors, a pile of vintage suitcases on which are piled magazines and a tray full of craft materials and a toy blue dog. There is an antique white feather fan pinned to the plaster wall at the back. The whole scene is warm and comfortable.
January 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
The lovely Moon and Venus above the farm next door as the sunset fades.
A tiny crescent Moon shining brightly in a dark sky with the spot Venus just above it. At the bottom is a blsck horizon of hedgerows and witchy looking bare trees and a squat open barn which is lit up, to the bottom left of the image. There are faint traces of the recent sunset still glowing as dusk turns to night.
January 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Printing out some letterpress labels for my needlefelted acorns - I only realised 8 labels in that the ‘N’ was upside down, but it was easily fixed. #printing #needlefelt #letterpress
Viewpoint from above, looking down onto two vertical rows of decorative old type spelling ‘ACORN’, to the left is a a large wool felt acorn with embroidery details and to the right is a little iron frame containing the metal type. It is all arranged on an old flat bed proofing press with subdued lighting casting shadows. Viewed from above, two vertical lines of decorative letter pressed labels spelling ‘ACORN’ with a wool felt acorn in the bottom left hand corner, which has embroidery detailing. The lighting is subdued and yellowish and there are cast shadows.
December 8, 2024 at 8:06 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Little needle felted robin off to a new home - I’ve sold my final two in as many days, so it must be almost a certain season. I’m all robin’ed out now.
A little smooth, rounded brown and white robin decoration sculpted from needle felted wool and hanging from a knobbly horizontally placed twig. The robin has beady black glass eyes which have a lifelike shine and it has a pointy wooden beak made from a cocktail stick. The twig is placed in an antique green glass bottle with straight sides. It stands on a wooden surface and the robin and bottle stand out against a pale pinky white bare plaster wall for a background. The light is soft and the atmosphere is quiet and gentle.
November 25, 2024 at 5:55 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Starting a small linocut with my new Pfiel micro chisels - oh what a difference having good tools makes!
A small grey rectangle of lino on a wooden table background, with an image transferred to it, showing a little cat sat on a windowsill with heavy swagged curtains tied back with tassels on with side. Outside the window is a country landscape, hills and little clumps of trees, tiny bird silhouettes being blown across a stormy sky. There is a geranium plant in a pot on the window sill and the window is divided into four quarters, with a snail crawling across one of the frames. Next to the lino plate is a piece of paper with the original sketch drawn in scribbled black biro. There are some small chisels laid out above the lino and paper. A warm inviting cottage interior with red brick walls and a small wood burning stove alight at the back. There is a wooden table taking up most of the picture, with an assortment of lino cutting tools, inks, and knives, and a piece of lino which is about to be carved, with a small sketch lying next to it. The light is mellow as it is evening, with cast shadows and pools of dark.
November 23, 2024 at 7:42 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Today’s snow in Shropshire, now mostly melted but it’s still freezing!
A snowy landscape, very stark with black trees and hedgerows against a thick, heavy grey sky. The sky takes up most of the picture, giving an empty, bleak feeling, with the darl strips of landscape low down and a flat field of snow in the foreground, at the very bottom.
November 19, 2024 at 7:54 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Just made my first batch of preserved lemons with a few extras, as I had a couple of ‘well aged’ ones rolling about in the fridge. I’ve been meaning to try this for ages and it made the early dark evening go a bit quicker.
An arrangement of food ingredients for making preserved lemons. On a round wooden chopping board are placed a thick white ceramic bowl full of coarse salt with black bits of crushed peppercorns scattered through, with a little wooden scoop. There are two ripe and lumpy old lemons, some sliced garlic cloves, fragments of dried bay leaves and a clean, shiny empty jar. There are shadows cast by the lemons and the lighting is darkly warm and atmospheric.
November 14, 2024 at 6:32 PM
woollyhare.bsky.social
Thanks for all the new follows! I’m still a bit shy here, but in a nutshell, I’m a self supporting artist specialising in needlefelting and lino-printing. Enjoying the Shropshire feeds, and not missing the other place at all. Here’s a little goose in fancy dress to say hello! #needlefelting
A pretty long necked toy goose, made with firmly sculpted wool, sitting with on a small, lavishly embroidered silk cushion. Behind her is a plain rough plaster wall. She is pale grey with a gentle expression and is dressed in a ruffled tutu skirt made from thin light pink ribbon, with a flouncy white bow on the back and thin straps of silver beads holding it up. She has a light pink dawn on one cream coloured foot and carries a little fairy wand made of a gold cocktail stick with a cream coloured heart button fixed to it. Around her long neck is a collar of pink beads with a tiny gold heart pendant. There are frilly trimmings of pink French knots around the tops of her legs and around the base of her beak and she has little shiny black bead eyes which look directly at you.
November 13, 2024 at 5:48 PM