March 19, 2026 - 212 views
Primary school pupils in Gwynedd are teaming up with care home residents to create a huge art work using nothing more than wool and water.
Eight and nine year olds from Ysgol yr Hendre in Caernarfon are visiting Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd to produce the colourful piece – bridging the generation gap along the way.
The youngsters are working side-by-side with residents at the home on the outskirts of the town using traditional wet felting techniques to make small squares of felt.
The project is being led by local blacksmith and jewellery maker Tesni Smith with the finished art work set to be displayed in the home’s sensory room.
According to Tesni, wet felting was a traditional technique that turns loose wool fibres into a dense fabric using only hot water, soap and friction.
"By layering wool roving and applying soapy water, then rolling or rubbing the fibers, the heat and agitation cause the fibers to interlock and shrink into a sturdy, cohesive material," said Tesni.
She added wet felting dates back to the Neolithic period about 6,000 years ago originating with nomadic tribes in Central Asia who used the technique to make durable, water-resistant material, vital for creating shelters, clothing, and rugs.
"While industrial felt is now common the wet-felting technique has experienced a revival as a popular art form for producing unique garments, accessories, and artistic, eco-friendly goods," she said.
Tesni, 24, hails from Pant Glas near Penygroes - the same village as opera superstar Sir Bryn Terfel - is the granddaughter of well-known artist William Selwyn.
After leaving Ysgol Brynrefail in Llanrug Tesni followed a foundation course in art at Coleg Menai and later studied 3D design and craft at the University of Brighton.
"Being there sparked my interest in blacksmithing and furniture design. My work is symbolic and is often directed by narrative, particularly Welsh folk tales, traditions and craft," she said,
"I also find inspiration from the beautiful landscapes and nature found in North Wales, the ever-changing seasons and Celtic heritage."
Until recently Tesni worked at a unit at the former Brunswick Ironworks on the quayside at Caernarfon.
Famous for making the metalwork for the Unknown Warrior's coffin in Westminster Abbey, the site has been redeveloped and a number of small units created and let to artists and crafts people to make and sell their products.
Bryn Seiont Newydd resident Ethna Williams, 91, who is originally from County Dublin, Ireland but lived on Anglesey for many years hummed songs to herself as she tore the wool into strips and laid it out on the table.
"I'm always singing when I'm enjoying myself and this is wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed piece," she said.
Another resident, Joan Bamber, 86, who lived in Newborough, Anglesey, said she had never done any work with felt before.
"I've worn felt hats but never done anything like this. I've no idea how to do it but the children are doing a good job of showing me what to do," she said
And Eve Flint, from Cemaes, Anglesey, said she enjoys working with the children. The 87-year-old said: "It's something nice to do and it's always nice to meet the children who are so helpful."
Gruff Jones, who was kept busy helping Joan and other residents, said: "I'm enjoying being here and working with the residents. They are very kind because I've not done any craftwork like this.
Helping the residents and staff to wring water from the wool Mia Lois Parry, eight, added: "I enjoy craft work and I've enjoyed being here. I've never been here before and I would like to visit again."
Katie Jones, from Ysgol yr Hendre, said the children look forward to the hour-long sessions at Bryn Seiont Newydd.
“The group consists of 47 Year Four children, and we have divided them into groups of about six that visits Bryn Seiont Newydd each time. The children have responded wonderfully to the challenge of meeting new people they had not previously known. ”
"They work well with the residents and those that have been frequently ask if they can visit again," she said.
The project, she added, fits in with the school curriculum of engaging with the community.
Nia Davies Williams, the resident musician at Bryn Seiont Newydd, said that bringing young people and older residents together was very important at the care home, which supports people living with dementia.
"Intergenerational activities take place to enhance the quality of life for residents in care homes, but also has benefits for children.
"The activities give older people opportunities for socialising, mental and physical stimulation, emotional support and personal growth while the children gain experience of being with the older generation," she said.
"Children from Ysgol yr Hendre have been visiting since the start of the Easter term, and it’s wonderful to watch them interact with the residents.
"At first, both the children and some residents can be a bit shy, but that quickly fades. Soon they are chatting comfortably, and by the time the children leave to go back to school, the initial shyness has turned into warm hugs. It’s beautiful to see those relationships grow," she said.
Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans added: “This is such a lovely project and the relationships being formed between the children and our residents are wonderful to see.
“Art and music provide a golden thread running through daily life here at Bryn Seiont because it is enhances the lives of everybody involved. The impact is priceless.”
