Create a felt sea anemone 

In nature we can find a variety of interesting shells, pods and capsules, a rich source of inspiration for hollow felted forms. We can learn a lot from them in terms of architecture and stability, important features in felt making too.  

In this workshop you will experiment with an organic hollow form, like a sea anemone.

The small size of the object requires a very fine and precise layout. This will make us aware of the essential details in handling our materials. You will notice how fibre combination and their direction, as well as the amounts of wool applied to different sections, influence the final shape from the very beginning of the felting process. 

Often, you can change the character of the final felt object by modifying small details only in the initial setting, and achieve a variety of interesting forms, even starting with the same, relatively simple resist!

You can look forward to a playful, experimental 1-day-workshop and expect to make 1 or even a little "family" of objects, depending on your personal pace and felting experience. 

OUR TUTOR

Born in Jena, Germany, Dagmar Binder has always been fascinated by art especially drawing, painting and sculpture, design and most of all textiles. While studying fine art she discovered the versatility and sculptural potential of wool and how coloured fibres can be blended in painterly ways. Her organic looking creations are skillfully shaped by hand in a seamless three dimensional process that is practically waste free. For more information see 

www.textillabor.de mail: dagmar@textillabor.de

Other information

Tools and materials required

• 1x bubble wrap 120X60 cm (or other fine felting mat)
• roller stick 60 cm (foam roller, pipe insulation, pool noodle or plastic pipe ...)
• plastic gauze ca. 50x50 cm (fly screen, PE-curtain...)
• 1 large garbage bag (120 l) as resist material
• sprinkler bottle, 
• olive or other plant based soap, 
• 2 towels
• scissors 
• tape measure
• felting needle and sponge for small repairs (or needle and sewing thread)
• pen and paper to take notes
• Some silk fibres or hankies make a smooth, elegant surface and can provide extra stability for delicate objects.
• A handful of fine, soft batts or needled prefelt (commercial prefelt) can be useful to combine with the tops and improve density of the felt.
• 100g fine merino tops, 19 mic (merino/silk blends will be good, too).

Skill Level

Some previous felting experience is helpful, but beginners can also try their hand at it!  

Cancellations: see Workshop Terms and Conditions.