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Most of my natural dyed felted vessels are quite small , about 5cm in diameter and only weigh about 10 grams, as such they are so light they are likely to be blown over unless fastened down in some way.  I have thought about how to make a base in keeping with the natural nature of the pieces for quite a long time , and eventually decided to give small pieces of weathered slate a try.  Small pieces of slate are readily available in the spoil heaps from old slate mines.  I like the idea that the wool , the dye and the base were all originating  in the countryside.

But how to attached the two together ?  Here is the solution.

Not my normal felting equipment but very well used for other things as you can see by its battered case.  I needed a small training course before I could use it !

First a tried one hole but the vessel seemed too wobbly to me , so I nervously drilled a second hole close to the first.  Nervously because I thought the piece of slate would shatter.  I need not have worried it seems incredibly strong.

I packed the holes with some felt as the edges were quite sharp and then simply stitched the vessels to their new plinths.

I am very pleased with the results.

My two onion dyed vessels.

And my two blackberry dyed vessels.