I am Claire Priestley, founder of Teesdale Felt. I have lived and worked in Teesdale for over 30 years and I am passionate about this beautiful area! What began as a love of wool has blossomed into six years of delivering inclusive, therapeutic wet- and needle-felting workshops across County Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria and Yorkshire. With more than two decades as a primary school teacher, I specialise in accessible, confidence-building sessions for all ages—including participants living with dementia, anxiety or learning differences.
My work has been commissioned by North Pennines National Landscapes, Northern Heartlands, Darlington Council, Durham Wildlife Trust, Highlights Rural Touring, the Bowes Museum and others. I’ve contributed to creative projects from The Cuthbert’s Moor Project to Eurovision Celebrations in Darlington, featured in Australia’s Felt magazine, exhibited at Bowlees Visitors Centre and Witham Hall, and been recognised as a Lancashire Artist of the Year finalist and two-time Teesdale Business Awards nominee.
In addition to community workshops, I share step-by-step tutorials on YouTube and am excited to be launching my first felting retreat—bringing together craft, wellbeing and connection. I also create one-off artworks and commissions that capture the spirit of this beautiful region.
I run regular workshops in various locations and I am happy to provide bespoke opportunities for individuals and groups.
