In the heart of the West Midlands, a special exhibition is set to celebrate the diverse and often overlooked world of hobbies. Among the many creative souls participating is Mandy Smith from Tipton, whose passion for needle felting has not only brought her personal joy but also captured the attention of hobby enthusiasts across the country. As part of the "Come As You Really Are" exhibition, Smith's intricate and whimsical creations will be on display, offering a glimpse into the therapeutic and transformative power of this unique craft.

The Craft of Needle Felting

Needle felting is an art form that involves sculpting with wool. Unlike traditional knitting or crocheting, which require counting and following patterns, needle felting is a tactile and free-form process. Mandy Smith describes it as "sculpting with wool, basically." Using unspun wool and special needles, she pokes the wool to mesh it together into intricate models. This technique allows for a high degree of creativity and personal expression, making it an ideal hobby for those seeking a mindful and therapeutic outlet.

Smith's journey with needle felting began during the Covid lockdowns, a time when many people turned to creative hobbies as a means of coping with isolation and stress. "I've tried knitting, I've tried crochet, but there's too much counting and following a pattern," she said. "Whereas this, it's very tactile, you're feeling, you've not got to concentrate and it just takes your focus away from everything else."

A Therapeutic Escape

For Smith, needle felting has been a source of solace and creativity. Her projects range from whimsical animals and figures to intricate scenes, such as a dog sitting on a chair, a tree with a lady sitting underneath, and even a Jack Skellington movie character. One of her most recent projects was an anime figure for her son, showcasing the versatility and personal touch that needle felting allows.

Smith's work has already been exhibited in Croydon and Swansea, where it received positive feedback from viewers. Her pieces are not just decorative; they are a testament to the healing power of creativity. "It's very therapeutic," she said. "It just takes your focus away from everything else."

The "Come As You Really Are" Exhibition

The "Come As You Really Are" exhibition in Wolverhampton aims to celebrate the incredible diversity of hobbies and crafts across the country. Organisers have received hundreds of submissions, showcasing everything from crafting banjos and creating firelighters out of citrus peels to collecting vintage toys and folding paper into origami hanging lamps.

Hetain Patel, one of the exhibition organisers, expressed his admiration for the creativity and ingenuity of the participants. "You start to realise just how incredible we are as a nation, as a people, and all of the different ways that we think and all of the different ways that we make," he said. "That's what this exhibition is about. It's about celebrating that."

The exhibition is not just a showcase of finished products but also a celebration of the process and the personal stories behind each hobby. Organisers are still accepting submissions, encouraging anyone with a unique or cherished hobby to share their passion.

The Broader Impact

The "Come As You Really Are" exhibition is more than just a display of hobbies; it is a celebration of human creativity and resilience. In a world that often prioritizes productivity and efficiency, hobbies offer a space for personal growth, relaxation, and connection. Through needle felting, Mandy Smith has found a way to channel her creativity into something tangible and beautiful, and her journey is a testament to the power of art as a form of therapy.

As the exhibition prepares to open its doors, it invites viewers to explore the diverse world of hobbies and to appreciate the unique ways in which people find joy and meaning in their leisure time. Whether through needle felting, crafting banjos, or creating origami lamps, the exhibition highlights the incredible diversity of human creativity and the importance of nurturing our passions.

Mandy Smith's journey with needle felting is a heartwarming reminder of the therapeutic power of creativity. Her intricate and whimsical creations, soon to be showcased in the "Come As You Really Are" exhibition, offer a glimpse into the personal and transformative nature of this unique craft. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, hobbies like needle felting provide a space for mindfulness, self-expression, and connection. The exhibition is a celebration of these passions and a reminder that, in our pursuit of creativity, we find not only beauty but also a sense of belonging and well-being.