The Art of Moy Mackay

Rezensionen / Stimmen

Following her two previous successful books, this latest title from Moy explores some new ideas for combining felt and stitch and is bursting with examples of Moy's colourful and inspiring felt works, depicting many beautiful Scottish scenes, and other subjects. Suggestions are given for the fibres that can be used in felting and the wet-felting process is shown with clarity. Moy demonstrates how the detail is then added using extra fibres and threads, with hand or machine embroidery, to give perspective and dimension to each piece. There are four projects, with step-by-step instructions, for the reader to try, and a gallery for additional inspiration.



This is a beautiful book for those who already love felting, or for anyone wishing to try something different, as, such is the nature of the technique, each piece of work produced will be as unusual and unique as the maker. Highly recommended. * East Kent Embroiderers' Guild * I have always enjoyed using different media in my artwork to create sumptuous texture in my paintings. In this book, the artist offers up all of her knowledge and experience of using different fibres and stitch to create texture and depth.



I hadn't heard of feltings before reading this book. They are the use of fibres to create a painting, a felt painting.



The artist takes you clearly through materials and equipment to start with. Lots of pictures accompany some of the unfamiliar bits of equipment, which was very helpful in the beginning.



I found lots of new ideas to try and plenty of inspiration for projects in the dedicated chapter which included lovely quotes and picture showing the steps in the creation of a project.



Felting techniques are covered extensively and the artist takes a very practical approach which I found easy to follow.



The final part of the book sets out step by step several different projects to try yourself, all of which would produce a stunning result. -- Alex Scott Moy Mackay is a true master of her craft. Her generosity in sharing her skill, and encouraging others to tap into their creativity through this book/guide, is a testament to Moy's role as champion of this very distinct art form that she has made wholly her own. Moy Mackay can rest assured that she has shown the world that fibre and felting, in her hands, rightly deserve a place at the high table of art -- Kathleen Soriano, Independent curator and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year Judge The book buyer at the Hutt Public Library must be a textile artist - there are a whole lot of new and yummy titles on the shelves at the moment. The cover of this gorgeous book caught my eye, even though my felting prowess leaves something to be desired. Moy Mackay is a Scottish artist and the work in this book is what she calls 'painted' felt pictures. The painting is not on the felt but she uses a palette of coloured wools, silks, and embellishments to create landscape pictures. This could be twee, but Moy's skill with colour makes them atmospheric and startling. The examples she makes use of in the book are relatively small (mostly less than an A4 size) so the process is manageable for a kitchen or small studio.



The process of wet felting supplemented with needle-felting, machine, and hand sewing, is described well, with a good description of equipment (and workarounds if you don't have the best). There are several projects that are worked through step-by-step. Even if you are not a felter - and wet-felting is not for everyone - there is a lot of good material here about colour and working with samples to perfect your composition, tips on perspective, selection of colours to reflect a mood, mixing threads to achieve the colours, and presentation.



Her work reflects the often sombre moods of the Scottish highlands with dramatic Prussian blue skies, scarlet and orange sunsets, and purple hills. It probably won't appeal as much to those who like pastels, but it was glorious eye candy for a wet week. -- Caroline Strachan * Thread Magazine * The Art of Moy Mackay is a rich and inspiring celebration of textile artistry that showcases the unique and expressive medium of felt painting.



Renowned artist Moy Mackay brings together her distinctive techniques, vibrant style, and creative philosophy in this beautifully produced volume, offering valuable insight for felters, textile artists, makers, and anyone drawn to the fusion of fine art and fibre.



The book traces Mackay's personal and artistic journey, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of her work.



From her early inspirations to the development of her signature style-transforming wool fibres into atmospheric landscapes and still lifes, this is more than just an instructional guide; it is a deeply creative exploration of material, colour, and expression.



Mackay generously shares her methods for blending fleece, building up layers, and using needle felting and wet felting techniques to achieve painterly effects.



Her step-by-step demonstrations, supported by clear photographs, make complex processes feel achievable and enjoyable. There are also useful sections on composition, colour theory, and adding stitched details to enhance texture and depth.



What makes this book particularly special is its focus on creativity rather than rigid technique.



Mackay encourages experimentation and personal expression, making it an ideal resource for those looking to develop their own artistic voice through textiles.



I'm finding a lot of joy just going through May's book and how it is sparking creative ideas across a range of mediums.



Lavishly illustrated with stunning examples of her own work, The Art of Moy Mackay is both a visual feast and an essential guide. It is sure to inspire and motivate anyone with a passion for felt, fabric, and fibre art to push the boundaries of their craft. * Art Trails Tasmania *