Description
Explore the ancient art of wet felting and create a beautiful piece of textile art using wool, silk and plant fibres. This workshop is an excellent introduction to the art of wet felting. You will learn not only how to lay out the wool fleece, but also how to use layers of different breeds of fleece to create depth and texture and how to incorporate other natural materials such as yarn, silk and plant fibres to add detail. We will discuss how to create different clouds, hills and meadows, hedges, trees and also some other landscape items such as walls and fences. Then using just soap and water and the traditional techniques of rubbing and rolling, you will felt all the fibres together. At the end of the day, we will discuss what additional techniques, such as needle felting and free machine embroidery, can be used later to embellish your artwork once dry. Your finished picture will measure approximately 30x30cm.
What's included in the price?
All materials and equipment for your picture.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Karen is a feltmaker and textile artist. She has been designing and creating with textiles since she was a child, but in 2015 she was introduced to the ancient art of wet felting and instantly fell in love with the incredible versatility of it. Since then, she has concentrated primarily on her felt making, taking numerous courses from UK and international felt makers, to develop and refine her skills. She is also a member of the International Felt makers’ Association. Karen creates richly detailed accessories and artwork inspired by the colours and textures of nature. She says: "Nature offers an endless array of textures to study, from the gnarled, knotted, twisted bark of an ancient oak, to the delicate lace of foam left by receding waves. These are the elements that truly captivate me and provide the starting point for all of my work. The changing light and colours of the seasons are also a constant source of inspiration. I find colour to be incredibly uplifting and mood enhancing . The fresh new lime greens of spring inspire hope and optimism, the deep azure blues of the sea and reds, purples and yellows of summer meadows create a sense of joy and energy, and of course the rich coppery browns, ochres and rusty oranges of autumn conjure up the feelings of cosiness and warmth. I hope to evoke some of these emotions from the viewer when creating my work."
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Intermediate level
- Parking provided
- Christmas
- Suitable for beginners
- Mother's Day
FAQs
I supply all the materials for felt making. All you need to supply are 2 hand towels to work on and your packed lunch (if coming all day) plus a plastic bag to take your wet felt creation home.. A waterproof apron is useful but not essential.
YES! I have masks if the wool makes you asthmatic or causes you to sneeze (similar to hayfever) and I also have latex gloves for handling the wool.
NO, not at all! The technique is very easy to learn, but the rubbing and rolling can be a little strenuous when making bags and bowls, so if you have any problems with your wrists, shoulders or neck, please contact me before booking. I can help you during the day, but please let me know first.
NO. Needle felting is 'dry felting'. It uses a barbed needle to encourage the wool fibres to matt together, whereas wet felting uses soap and water.
Wet felting involves laying out wisps of wool in different directions, sprinkling them with warm soapy water and then gently rubbing and rolling them until all the fibres have completely bonded together. During the process, other fibres and materials can be incorporated, such as silk threads and fabrics to decorate the surface of the felt. Pictures and scarves are made in one flat piece, but neck warmers, vessels, hats and bags are made by felting around a resist (or waterproof template) that is then removed part way through the felting process, and gently moulded by hand into the shape you want. This is often called seamless felting or 3D.
