A Tactile Adventure

While out on walks in the local area, I couldn’t help but notice areas of tactile intrigue. As someone who loves exploring fabrics and the potential of textile media, I have been wondering for some time if I could incorporate these textures into my work.

The answer came in the form of a resounding yes, when I remembered previously experimenting with pastel dye sticks, that are suitable for textiles. While waiting for the rain to ease off, I donned my coat, armed myself with some calico cotton, pastel dye sticks and went gallivanting to see what patterns would emerge on my fabric.

Getting a rubbing using pastel dye sticks on fabric.

This adventure reminded me of my sensory walk from last month, except this time it was a focus on one sensory system: the tactile sense! An interesting factor that I learned from Joanna Grace at the Sensory Lexiconary 2026, is that we always think of tactile senses as being just our hands. But in fact, the tactile senses are the entirety of our skin. Imagine how complex it must be, that network of nerves and sensors running throughout bodies. Now admittedly while out and about, I’m going to be focusing on what I can feel with my hands. I can only imagine how many weird looks I’d start to get if I began rubbing my arms or legs on surfaces! But if you’re ever exploring tactile resources and you have the opportunity, see how things feel on different parts of your body.

Some textures I found on my walk!

On my wanderings, I found some tactile elements in surprising places, such as this beautiful harp and musical notes on a drain cover. I found a few decorative drain covers while out and about. Fences and benches offered their own unique textures. As did the leaves falling from the trees. One difference I found with the pastel dye sticks, compared to crayons, they were a bit thicker, softer and gave a gentler transfer of the designs underneath. This meant anything not overly detailed, didn’t quite transfer as I thought it might. However, we continue on! As Bob Ross would say, we don’t make mistakes, just happy accidents!

Beautiful drain covers.

Not to mention that being out and about, creating, surrounded by nature, it’s good for the soul. Who can say no to being outside when the ducks are this adorable? One little friend tried asking me for some food, which is one thing I hadn’t brought with me. Maybe next time, Mr Duck!

A duck friend coming to say hello!

Since getting home, these pieces have now been heat set and popped into the wash before the next step! You may be curious what these pieces will be used for and my current aim is to use them to create some embroidered zippered pouches! These will be available for sale next month at the Startup Stwdio Shop in the Treforest Campus, Students Union.

Works in progress!