Woodside Pond Studios

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This class series will explore different flat-felting techniques that can be used in any other felting project, such as scarves, clothing, slippers, 3-D objects, etc. Using various felting techniques, the classes explore structure, color theory, surface design, and design elements. Each class builds upon previous ones, advancing techniques using different types of wool, pre-felts, silk fibers, fabrics, embellishments, resists, and dyeing. Students will have the opportunity to make 12-15 squares, each through a unique technique. More more information and class times please contact Nan Travers. 

BASIC FELTED SQUARES

Class One will explore color and design elements through using different wools in different colors, pre-felts, and a variety of embellishments such as yarn, silk fibers, threads, etc. Students will felt 3-5 squares experimenting with flat felting. If taking the dyeing portion of the series, 2 squares will focus in white and light colors. After the first square, students may choose to vary the basic square shape to include other polygons or experiment with border edges.

   

NUNO FELTED SQUARES

Class Two will explore felting with different fabrics onto the squares. Students will work with silk, cotton, and other mixed fabrics to create different effects. Students may choose to combine embellishments to the squares as well. Students will make 3-5 squares; If taking the dyeing portion of the series, 2 squares will focus in white and light colors.

RESIST AND ADDITIONS SQUARES

Class Three will explore the use of resists within the felting process to provide surprising elements embedded in the pieces. Students will learn how to build layers of colors and textures that will be covered by resist materials and after felting, opened up to expose the under layers. Channels, pockets, protrusions, loops, and other additions will be explored. Students will make 3-5 squares; If taking the dyeing portion of the series, 2 squares will focus in white and light colors.

DYEING FELTED SQUARES

Class Four will explore different dyeing techniques: overdyeing colors, dyed blocks, clamping objects for patterns, shibori techniques, and eco-printing. Students will use squares created in the previous classes, as well as prefelts and silk fabric that can be used later to felt into other pieces. Any student who wishes to make additional felted squares or didn’t take the previous classes can sign up for open studio time (see below for details).

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Class Five will explore ways to finish your squares to be used in other projects or to make a finished project in the class: adding beads, hand and machine embroidery, and other embellishment techniques, and different ways of backing the felt squares. The squares can be made into art cards or small blank notebooks with felted covers, or the squares can be sewn together to create a sampler or collage wall hanging. Some students may want to felt additional pieces to create enough squares for a patchwork vest (this project would require attending the optional Open Studio times to have enough squares to complete the project). Adding the felted pieces to clothing will also be discussed.