“My mindfulness practice has deeply influenced the way I see life and people. It has helped me understand that life experiences and the people we meet often come into our lives as teachers. Even difficult situations can help us grow stronger, learn something new about ourselves, and develop greater compassion.” (Svetlana Lilley)
When Svetlana came to Briton Ferry in 2004, she knew no-one, but her local community was so supportive that she wanted to give something back. With her crafting background it seemed obvious to offer low-cost small classes and workshops in traditional hand wet-felting, teaching people ‘how to create beautiful things that would make them happy’, but she realised that many of the people coming along needed more.
In 2022 Svetlana formed the ‘wool and silk club’ for local people who could not afford classes and which, as well as being a space for transforming wool into felt, very quickly became a space which was transformative on a much deeper level. Svetlana explains, ‘I used to think that my duty was to teach, to give knowledge about how to do things. But that has changed. My duty here is to make people happy, find friends, get inspired and find peace of mind’.
Having practised mindfulness and mindful movement from her childhood in Ukraine, Svetlana had a strong personal foundation in body awareness and wellbeing. She witnessed friends and family experiencing healing through many modalities, and her own breathwork and mindful movement practice helped her through many difficult times:
“Mindfulness has also helped me develop a kinder relationship with myself. In the past I was very self-critical, even about small things like photographs of myself. I would always find something wrong – too skinny, too fat, not good enough. Over time I have learned to accept myself more and to look at myself with more kindness and understanding. In my workshops I often share this approach with others. For example, when we take photos, I invite people to look at themselves with kindness rather than criticism. It becomes a small but powerful exercise in self-acceptance.“
As her work in Wales developed, Svetlana’s focus gradually shifted from teaching to creating a supportive space where people can slow down and express themselves through art and craft. Working with the hands to prepare the natural wool and silk fibres through soaking is a meditative process, and the somatic experience is like a child playing with soapy water. Shaking out the wet wool to create the felt naturally releases tension, stress and anxiety, as well as increasing dexterity through fine motor movements.
Svetlana encourages the use of visualisation and breathwork as well as focusing on colour and touch sensations as participants see and feel the raw wool being transformed into art. The combination of having the hands in water, moving the body and exploring mindful teachings allows relaxation and healing. People find freedom from oppressive thoughts and problems as the movement, focus and concentration reduce mind wandering, rumination and catastrophising.
“I feel like I can be present and leave my problems behind.” (Group participant)
Many people have come to the group feeling isolated and anxious but have found friendship, mindful awareness and a sense of community, enabling them to grow in confidence elsewhere.
“I always leave there feeling so much happier and stronger. I have even been able to return to work.” (Group Participant)
As well as crafting together, further support comes via a chat group and social events, supporting each other through difficulty, but also using their art to provide beautiful spaces in which to celebrate birthdays, weddings and personal achievements. People now travel from all over South Wales, so it has grown from a local project to the wider community.
“Seeing people become more confident, kind to themselves, and connected to others is something that deeply inspires me and continues to shape my own path.” (Svetlana)
Svetlana’s hope for the future is to train in formal mindfulness so that she can share this more widely in communities she can’t currently reach.
“I feel so inspired to do things – to do anything. I leave full of ideas, happy and proud of myself.” (Group Participant)
Contact details:
Email: woolsilkart@gmail.com
Website: https://woolandsilk.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svetlana.lilley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wool_and_silk_art/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woolsilk.svetlana
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlana-lilley-093b462a5
For bookings: https://bookwhen.com/woolandsilkartstudio#focus=ev-sbzbq-20260320090000