From Storage Container to My New Studio

When we built our house in the West Highlands four years ago, we bought a shipping container simply to store all the bits and pieces that seem to accumulate during a house build and a move. At the time it was purely practical — somewhere safe to keep tools, boxes and the many things that didn’t yet have a proper home.

Over the years it slowly filled up with the usual collection of life’s “useful things”. But as my textile work grew, so did the idea that this space might eventually become something more exciting — a dedicated studio where I could create my felted landscapes.

Earlier this year, after finally sorting through everything and clearing the container out, we realised it had the potential to become exactly that.

The Transformation Begins

Once the container was empty, it was much easier to imagine the possibilities. What had been a simple metal storage box started to look like the beginnings of a studio.

Timber framing, insulation and interior lining were added so that the space would be warm and comfortable to work in throughout the year. Windows and doors were installed to bring in as much natural light as possible — something that is incredibly important when working with colour and texture in textiles.

Slowly, the container began to feel less like storage and more like a real creative space.

The Battens are starting and the false wall put in place

Insulated and walled with the holes ready to cut out doors and windows

Creating a Space to Work

Once the building work was finished, the next step was making the space practical for working.

Shelving and storage units now hold my wool fibres, yarns and tools. Keeping everything organised and within reach makes such a difference when working on detailed felted pieces.

Natural light pours in through the large doors, and the view across the landscape beyond is something I never get tired of.

My Palette of colours

Storage and the all important Coffee maker

The view from outside

The Heart of the Studio

At the centre of the space is my working table. This is where sketches, photographs and fibres come together to slowly form a new piece.

I often work from references gathered during walks and travels — photographs, sketches and small paintings that capture moments in the landscape.

Seeing the changing light outside while I work is incredibly inspiring and often influences the colours and textures I choose.

Work in Progress

A Quiet Place to Create

Having a dedicated studio has made such a difference to my creative process. Everything is ready and waiting, and I can simply step into the space and start working.

It has become a calm and inspiring place where ideas can develop slowly — and where many new landscapes will hopefully begin.

And of course, I’m not the only one who enjoys the studio. My studio assistant Wilf seems quite happy keeping an eye on things while I work.

A space to reflect as well as create

What I’m Working On Next

With the studio now finished, I’m excited to begin working on a new collection of felted landscapes inspired by the places I’ve explored here in the Highlands.

Many of these ideas begin as sketches and photographs gathered during my travels before slowly taking shape in wool back in the studio.

If you’d like to see the finished pieces as they are released, you can explore my latest work in the Gallery section of the website, or follow along with new work and studio updates on Instagram.

The Finished Studio