Wild Textiles: Grown, Foraged, Found

by Alice Fox

A guide to harnessing the world of nature to create sustainable textile art.

Textile artist Alice Fox shows how to work with found, foraged, gathered and grown materials to create fabulous textile pieces that are inspired by, and made from, nature. She encourages crafters to be open minded and experimental, using local (and sometimes) unconventional materials, working with the seasons and learning what materials are available at different times of year to ground artists in natural cycles and integrate creative activity with a strong sense of place and character.

Alongside advice on growing your own plants (such as flax or nettles) for creative work, the book is packed with practical ideas for foraging – from weeds, dandelions and other plants useful for making cordage, or leaves that can be stitched, quilted and shaped into vessels, to grass, wool, plastics and mud that can be gathered and delightfully repurposed by the textile artist. Other ideas for found materials include stones, shells and wood that can be wrapped or woven into, as well as a multitude of urban treasures that find a new life in creative hands.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, How To, Crafts

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite the book. I don't think I will ever have the time or energy to make my own textiles like she does, but it was fascinating to learn about the process and see examples of some of the things that she has made. Gorgeous photos abound.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as much a how to book, as an inspiration. Gorgeous photos, lots of ideas. To pursue any one of them , just do some more research on the internet, or take a class. It shows a lot of unconventional foraged, found materials being turned into art, not particularly functional objects..

[Francie4.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this. Loads of ideas to connect sustainably with nature and place. I didn't find this 'instructional' but rather it is a launching place to explore your environment in different and meaningful ways or to approach your artist practice in new ways.

[Sionainn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a way too cool book.
I only wish she’d added some tutorial material.
If I lived overseas, I’d be contacting her :)

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love learning about others artist's processes and perspectives. It's also wonderful when techniques and ideas are shared. Inspiring!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

all the things i love, textiles, growing, foraging, finding and making.
This was a book that widened my ideas of textile making. I did wish for more actual how to on some the projects.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle exploration & encouragement to a more local, environmentally aware arts practice.
Some inspiring ideas inside.

[Bethany Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful thoughtful descriptions and photos that have led me to have such a deep appreciation for Alice Fox as an artist and creative thinker.