Megan Hammer gains inspiration from nature
12/3/2025
When initially viewing Megan Hammer’s framed art, it appears like a delicately painted fabric canvas.
Yet, upon further inspection, the artwork is actually made of layers of felted wool fiber. There’s no paint. Rather, it is the wool’s pop of color weaved in it.
Hammer is a fiber artist located at Mainframe Studios, who gains inspiration from nature and Iowa’s natural prairieland, wildflowers and seasonal colors. The process of creating her art is complex, and she explains how the multifaceted artwork is put together.
First, she takes a ball of wispy and fluffy wool fiber. She separates layers of color, and, using soapy water and friction, she blends the wool or the material to create shades and colors. For example, a cloud scene uses white and blue wool, and she blends the two together.
When she wants to add details, such as a tree, she will use a barbed needle with the wool to create shapes and intricate details with the fiber.
The wool is then transformed from a delicate material into something strong.
“The process is important. I love the combination and embrace the natural textures from the wet process,” she explains.
When she begins stretching and wetting the wool, also called wet felting, the method is often unpredictable.
“I embrace how the colors transform and change,” she says. “It’s different every time, and my work isn’t duplicated.”
Different breeds of sheep often create different types of wool. She purchases from various places to get a variety of textures. Merino wool creates the smoothest texture.
When the artwork is complete, she frames pieces in shadowboxes, rather than behind glass, where the artwork appears to “float.”
“It really shows the texture and the edges,” she explains.
Another popular artform is crafting wet felted bowls. Small bowls can hold artificial or air plants and other items. She teaches felting classes at Mainframe and is excited to share her technique.
“People are so intrigued to learn how to do it,” she says.
Hammer attended college and studied studio art, painting and drawing. After working in restaurants, and after she had two kids, she chose to stay home. When her youngest started kindergarten, she felt that “creative urge” to come back to art.
“That’s when I discovered felted wool. It clicked, and I’ve been making it ever since then,” she says.
She hopes to be an inspiration for her kids’ creativity. Her kids accompany her to art festivals and markets.
“I bring them, so they can see me as an entrepreneur. If they can see that I can make a business at it, they can, too — in whatever they decide to do,” she reflects.
With her studio at Mainframe, being surrounded by fellow artists offers inspiration.
“I like that I can bounce ideas off other creatives,” she says. “There’s a lot of support from the art community.”
Finding harmony in textures and adding details is her favorite part in watching the transformation from wool to felt.
“It’s similar to how nature and landscapes change. The materials go from soft and fluffy to strong felt,” she reflects. “It’s amazing to create something beautiful in the process.”
Hammer’s work will be displayed at the Grimes Public Library Dec. 8 through February 2026. From February through April 2026, she will display her work at the Clive Public Library. For more information about felting classes, visit www.meganhammer.com. ♦
