Exploring felting with fibres and fabric at The Birchcliffe Centre in Hebden Bridge

Jo is a very talented artist and creator of all things beautiful so when I visited her at her lovely bright studio at the Birchcliffe Centre in Hebden Bridge I knew I was in for an interesting and fun day! Jo has an abundance of recycled fabrics ribbons and wools of every kind but if you are conscious about using ethically sourced textiles then don't worry because Jo is a great Eco warrior and promotes her passion with pride for using all things that are sourced ethically like her luxuriance of animal wools and fibres.
Jo tries to recycle as much as she can so sets her students up, each with a set of simple basic tools to help you create till your heart is content. Jo's approach to mentoring is very relaxed and enabling students to be as free as you like for this type of process. For me it was about being free to explore and compose two small abstract pieces which I didn't really have any pre conceived idea of what I wanted to do other than I was inspired by a visit to the seaside so wanted to incorporate textures and shades of blues that's all. My other piece was just a fleeting thought as I drove in and was inspired by the route into Hebden Bridge, and the sunshine sweeping and creating a veil of intense light over the many alternating shades of green of the rolling hills. I lay down my fibres most precariously in some areas but also added some fibres which represented my responses to my passing thoughts.
Jo taught some very useful skills and pitches her mentoring style to suit your pace of learning. I learned how to lay out fibres, and the science behind the magical process of binding them together using the tools. I learnt how to choose types of fibres and how different textures and colour can enhance your little masterpiece. I also did some throwing which Jo demonstrated. Yes you literally throw your felted piece repeatedly on the floor and it doesn't fall to bits, amazing!! It was very satisfying believe me! All in all a fantastic day with Jo, I learnt so much and can't wait to book another workshop when I'm free. I intend practicing at home and Jo also has some recommendations of where to buy some wools and fibres. The tools are easy and cheap to buy too if you don't already have them hanging around at home. Thanks again Jo you're brilliant!