Class Content: You will learn the fundamentals of how we turn wool roving into felt. You will learn how to lay out wool, apply design elements, and apply water and agitation to create a felted piece of 2D art. This is sometimes called “painting with wool.” During the session, we will discuss types of wool fibers and plant fibers that we can use during the wet felting process. You will create one 2D piece during this session. We will be standing for most of the process, but it is possible to sit also. Wear comfy shoes and clothes. Wet felting is a fun process that almost always delivers unexpected results!

I will introduce these concepts and will supply you with written handouts:
1. what is wool roving?
2. ways to lay out wool roving to prepare for making felt.
3. different types of wool for different applications.
4. how to recognize when your wool is “felted” and “fulled”.
5. how to use fibers like bamboo, silk, and viscose to embellish wool.
6. ways to account for shrinkage of your wool piece for your artistic purposes.

I will bring all the wool, fibers, and silks you will need.
I will also supply bubble wrap, soap, and pool noodles for your use.

We will take a short break for lunch.

Supply List: Students should bring:

1. bath towel (not plush. thin and old is best)
2. one bowl (about 2 quarts)
3. one ball brause or spray bottle
4. 4 old dish towels
5. sharp scissors (for cutting fabric)
6. lunch

Biography: I have been needle felting and wet felting for 7 years, creating 3D sculptures as well as 2D pieces. I was a high school English teacher for 25 years, and I often organized after school programs to teach felting to students. I present the best techniques I have learned from felting teachers, and I hope to share my love of wool fiber art with anyone who is curious!