Needle Felting: A New Adventure
Learn a needle-felting process that is simple and as spontaneous as drawing with a pencil or finger painting. It’s even erasable until “set” by washing! Anyone who usually works with technical or material restraints will love the freedom and playfulness of the process, but the class is not about fairies or gnomes; through hands-on exercises and illustrated lectures, we’ll learn about basic design elements, color theory, and the nature and properties of fibers and textile techniques. Combine yarns and roving with handwoven, wet-felted, or purchased cloth. Learn how to choose and combine materials to create complex fiber works with color, depth, and texture. We will experiment with techniques and materials to create samples and/or samplers, as well as complete finished independent work. We’ll also discuss ways of adding this process to the work you already do- painting, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, quilting, collage, or any other medium. This workshop is designed for everyone from professional artists to novices who just want to explore their creative side. There is no need for expensive equipment or facilities, the process is portable, and the cost is entirely up to you. Materials are readily accessible, and needle felting is a great way to use found and recycled materials or to experiment with small amounts of those expensive fabrics or yarns you adore. Whether you are interested in form or function, concept or aesthetic, process or result, you’ll find needle felting is addictive!
Any Level
[One day to one week workshop.]
Needle Felted "Paintings"
This class originated at the request of students who took Briony’s first Needle Felting workshop but was designed for beginners or more experienced crafters. We’ll review or summarize the basics of the technique and design theory, and then spend the rest of the workshop composing and “painting” with yarns and rovings. Create a landscape, portrait or abstract composition that you will be proud to frame and display
No experience necessary or can be a good review.
[One to three day workshop]
Facilities and Materials Needed:
One or two large tables for demonstrations and display. Each student needs table space and a chair or a waist high counter top to stand at. A Facility with access to water, steam irons and a dryer is desirable, but not necessary.