Soil to Soil
Soil to Soil: Regenerative Wool Waste R&D
This research and development project investigates undervalued and discarded wool waste through collaboration with farmers and specialised technical tuition.
Using a ‘Soil to Soil’ approach, I will explore advanced fibre treatment, blending and spinning methods to transform overlooked fleece into viable regenerative material.
The project focuses on material innovation, skill development, and knowledge exchange, with potential environmental, educational and economic benefit.
Field Trip Research
Exploring the journey of wool from field to cloth, this R&D project investigates sustainable fibre use, creative techniques, and learning opportunities across education and community contexts.
The Material
Hundreds of thousands of kilos of fleece are discarded in the UK year on year.
Black fleece is deemed as 'of no value.' Black fleece is wool that is not pure white.
These natural fleeces are a thing of beauty & could have potential use in education or creative textiles art based uses.
The Process
Handspun
Hand-spun black fleece for experimentation in educational and community settings.
Comparing blended fibres with small-scale mill processing.
Testing creative techniques with sustainable materials for workshops and my own personal weave practice.
Small scale commercial spun
Rampisham Hill Mill
Why Now?
I have huge experience teaching in the community and teaching in formal education. Since 2019 and the self investment in my practice with the completion of an MA. I have slowly been building my creative practice and profile. In 2025 I took a risk and a studio, not quite as I had planned but fate took a hand. I run a textile based workshop programme, deliver talks, work in the community and weave my concept led art pieces for exhibition. I have recently received recognition for my work and I am working with a basketweaver to explore on and off loom weaving creating 3D woven sculpture. I am at a pivotal point in my practice where this project will combine two sides of my practice of education and making through materiality, most importantly providing me with control of my materials re directing what I make. Through a one off conversation this project was born and a desire to use discarded fleeces for good.
Studio 10 @Project Workshops
Located at Studio 10, Sharon Kearley Designs is a creative hub at Project Workshops. With a rich background in education and textiles, Sharon's studio is a fusion of workspace and learning center. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her designs. Each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect her passion for art and innovation to create bespoke wovens.
The workshop Programme
A range of weave and textiles workshops and courses for all ages and abilities with access to professional working looms. A children's Summer Weave Workshop is currently being designed by me for 6-18 year olds over the school holiday period. I aim to run sessions fro neurodiverse, the rhythm of weave appeals to sensory challenges and the lack of social interaction is often a positive for hyper focus.
Community Led
Much of my practice is community led. Building on networks in my local area, supported by my teaching experience and my knowledge as a maker.
Current projects are with Prism International Education Team and making new links with schools in the Tower Hamlet area, during our exhibition "Any Other Business" April 2026.
Activities inclue talks, visits, educational demonstrations and discussions with the young demographic.
Chapel Arts Studios Residency Sparks Creativity and Community at Andover Museum
Chapel Arts Studios RA two-day A two-day artist residency hosted at Andover Museum in April has been hailed as a transformative cultural event for the town — drawing between 250 and 300 visitors, fostering creative dialogue, and leaving a legacy that is expected to inspire future projects across the region.artist residency hosted at Andover Museum
Delivered in partnership with Chapel Arts Studios and made possible through funding from the Test Valley Arts Foundation, the residency took place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April 2025, offering a unique opportunity for the public to interact directly with three nationally recognised artists:
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Sharon Kearley – a textile artist and weaver with a deep connection to heritage materials.
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Boris Allenou – a sound artist specialising in sensory landscapes and immersive installations.
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Lucy Pick – a natural dyer and eco-printer known for her work with sustainable, plant-based methods.
Throughout the two days, Andover Museum became a hub of hands-on activity, with visitors of all ages taking part in weaving, sound exploration, natural dyeing workshops, and conversations that spanned everything from art and ecology to identity and place.
Hannah Cantellow, Interim Director at Chapel Arts Studios, said:
“This residency was a celebration of what’s possible when artists, institutions, and communities come together.
“Thanks to the invaluable support from the Test Valley Arts Foundation, we were able to offer an event that was open, engaging, and genuinely impactful for everyone involved.”
New Designers
In Conversation
"Sustainability in Practice"
Speaking with Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust as a Society of Designer Craftsmen Member to industry and graduating students, sustainable and regenerative practice in craft and design.
Weave Practice
Award for Innovation& Development
An Award from Gane Trust and £500 to receive mentoring from basket weaver Dr Annette Mills. Investigating the potential to explore on and off loom weaving to create 3 dimensional woven form.
