Maddie Templeton

Category: Where to buy

  • Pensychnant’s Open Art Exhibition 2026

    Each summer, the wonderful Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre in Conwy runs an Open Art Competition and Exhibition, attracting artists from all corners of the UK. The theme is nature, the environment and conservation, and the entries span all genres and mediums, making for an engaging, thought-provoking and often awe-inspiring exhibition.

    This year, I submitted my needle-felted picture, which I’m over the moon to report was given the award of ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges. My piece was entitled:

    2,300 Species: the Oak of Hope

    2,300 Species: the Oak of Hope. My needle-felted picture entry to the 2026 Pensychnant Open Art Exhibition

    …and below is the accompanying text that appeared in the exhibition’s catalogue explaining the title and the meaning behind the piece:

    To sit with an old oak tree is to be offered a portal into another world. Each is a little nature reserve of its own, providing food, shelter, support and a home to an astonishing 2,300 (and counting) species of animals, birds, insects, plants and fungi. Even when they die they become an Aladdin’s cave of biodiversity. And that’s not all; since Celtic times the UK’s oaks have been rooted in our history, culture, literature and folklore. They are part of our heritage, but they need our help. If we can protect these living national treasures and our remaining ancient woodlands, the oak trees will play their crucial part, within our increasingly fragile ecosystem, to protect us.

    The exhibition opened on Saturday 4th July, and will run every weekend until Sunday 27th September, so you’d be very welcome to visit Pensychnant and enjoy all the art, explore the nature reserve and enjoy some delicious tea and cake on the lawn.

    I’d like to thank the judges for giving my picture special recognition, and I’m thrilled to report that 2,300 Species has sold. All of the art pieces that have sold will remain in place until the exhibition closes, so everyone can view the entire collection in the unique and historical setting of Pensychnant House.

    The piece is on display above the fireplace in the sitting room of Pensychnant House.

    Finally, a special thank you to Mark, who bought my picture. I hope it gives you joy and hope for many years to come. We could all do with a little more of that these days!

  • That was quick – thank you, Shirley!

    I’m thrilled to report an update on my previous post. No sooner had the North Wales Creative Stitchers exhibition opened than the moss man I submitted was bought by a lovely lady, Shirley, who wasted no time in taking him straight into the stunning woodland around Pensychnant House. Shirley sent in this beautiful photo of their first adventure together, and it’s clear to see that her moss man was happy to be among the trees, calling his kinsfolk back home to the forest.

    Thank you, Shirley, and may you and your special moss friend have much fun, and many wonderful journeys in nature together!

  • North Wales Creative Stitchers Exhibition

    As a volunteer working with a local youth textiles group, I was delighted to be invited to submit two of my pieces for inclusion in an exhibition of the North Wales Creative Stitchers at the beautiful Pensychnant Nature Reserve near Conwy. The exhibition, featuring some fine pieces either for sale or on show, opened last weekend on Saturday 16th May 2026 and will run until Sunday 24th June. So if you are in the area do drop in any weekend and take a look!

    The new exhibition can be found in the dining room of Pensychnant house.

    My two pieces: a friendly frog and a mossling, together with the story of the moss folk. This is the second mossling (see next post!) to be exhibited.

    Pensychnant is a very special place; the perfect escape to enjoy nature and art, and to indulge in some delicious tea and cake! Open every weekend and on bank holidays from April to the end of September and offering a variety of engaging and interesting events, do make sure to visit if you are in North Wales and support their vital conservation work.

  • First fayre – Christmas 2025

    On 29th November I had my first stall at a live event, at the wonderful Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre’s Christmas Fair. It was fun setting up and chatting with people, and I’m thrilled to report that the day was a great success! I sold most of my stock and several mosslings have now gone to new homes, so will soon be venturing out into the forests with their humans to help bring them home!