'On the Surface of Things'
expanding texture, colour and composition in felted form(s)
This is a class for those wanting to expand their creative process and ‘vocabulary’ in the magic medium of FELT. With the discovery of how to make felt, many of us have been captured by the speed and relative ease with which we can design and produce a new fabric. This holds the risk that we rush to the end result without fully appreciating all that the very surface of felt has to offer in terms of texture, color and design. This class explores a range of felt-specific techniques for surface design and texture, including multiple ways of colour blending, pattern inlay, shading, and the varied effects of using simple stitch. We start with a range of samples to 'shift/shuffle & shake’ ideas into new directions; focus will be on 2-D felts with the aim to develop a larger art-felt piece in-class. However, the distinctive design features equally apply to 3-D and sculptural forms so if that’s your thing you’re in the right place too! Intermediate/Advanced. 2-day minimum.
Other Workshops
Other classes include 'Treasure Nests; Refines Vessels with Surface Attitude'; 'Mosaic Nuno', 'Felt Inspired by Nature', and 'Spiral Wrap' (please send me an email if you'd like descriptions for any of the above.
Classes can be modified to fit your interest and ability and can last from one day to over a week. Supported by skilled guidance and in a fun atmosphere, you are encouraged to pursue your own ideas and incorporate them into your hand-made Felt. The possibilities are endless; the diversity of results is exciting and inspiring for all.
My current workshop program also includes the following classes:
(Click on these titles for more information & images via PDF format, or read on...)
Other classes include 'Treasure Nests; Refines Vessels with Surface Attitude'; 'Mosaic Nuno', 'Felt Inspired by Nature', and 'Spiral Wrap' (please send me an email if you'd like descriptions for any of the above.
Classes can be modified to fit your interest and ability and can last from one day to over a week. Supported by skilled guidance and in a fun atmosphere, you are encouraged to pursue your own ideas and incorporate them into your hand-made Felt. The possibilities are endless; the diversity of results is exciting and inspiring for all.
My current workshop program also includes the following classes:
(Click on these titles for more information & images via PDF format, or read on...)
- 'On the Surface of Things'
expanding texture, colour and composition in felted form(s) - The (heart)FELT Mandala
- Jewelry Adorned
- Jewelry Advanced
- Re-Purpose Knitwear for Flourishing Felts
- Multiple Resists for Irresistible Hats & Bags; creative adventures in 3-D seamless Felt
- 'Jigsaw' Weave & Felt
- Sculptural Felts
- (t)HAT's a Miracle!
- Wrapped in Nuno
- ......and of course it is always possible to design a workshop tailored to specific interest
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* Heart-FELT Mandala Mats
Learn to make a hand-felted rug inspired by the traditional art and design of the ‘Mandala’. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a Mandala represents wholeness and balance; its symbolism appears in many cultures and aspects of life. Explore felt-specific techniques for surface design and texture, including colour blending, pattern inlay, shading, and the effects of using simple stitch. Incorporate a variety of fibres, pre-felts, recycled knits & fabrics and novelty yarns.
This class playfully guides students through the stages and process of colour use & effect, design, and mark-making in felt to create individual rugs that are
functional and truly inspirational.
This class playfully guides students through the stages and process of colour use & effect, design, and mark-making in felt to create individual rugs that are
functional and truly inspirational.
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* Jewelry Adorned: Wearable Sculpture on a Precious Scale
Learn a variety of innovative felting techniques to make uniquely shaped beads, cords, necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets and bangles. Create individual jewelry pieces, body adornments and fashion accessories using wool and other fibres, and incorporate natural and found objects. Explore the wondrous possibilities of these small-scale sculptural treasures. A hands-on workshop with lots of demonstrations and ‘play-time’!
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* Jewelry Advanced: Taking Wearable Sculpture Further
Work beyond the basics, using fine Merino wool and a variety of novelty fibres and materials. Techniques include working with multiple resists, wire, and foam to create innovative work. The focus of this class is on ‘quality in creativity’. Demonstrations and individual feed-back attend to detail and the aim of finishing works to a high standard. Students are
encouraged to bring a source of inspiration; this may be a photographic image, an object of interest, or a natural treasure (such as a seedpod or a piece of bark). This inspiration can be used to develop and create unique, hand-felted jewelry items. Previous experience required.
encouraged to bring a source of inspiration; this may be a photographic image, an object of interest, or a natural treasure (such as a seedpod or a piece of bark). This inspiration can be used to develop and create unique, hand-felted jewelry items. Previous experience required.
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* Re-Purpose Knitwear for Flourishing Felts
Extend the concept of ‘recycling’ and incorporate pre-loved woolen jumpers and knitwear in your handmade felt. Learn to design and create reversible bags, cushions, throws, and funky hats with a unique textural surface, colourful appearance and striking 3-D effects. A class for those who want to ‘reuse, reduce, re-purpose’. Expect to be surprised by the results you can achieve.
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* Multiple Resists for Irresistible Hats & Bags; creative
adventures in 3-D seamless Felt
Extend the concept of 3-D seamless felting and discover the potential of using multiple resists in handmade felt. Create unique bags and hats and learn about molding techniques for lasting forms that can be displayed in many ways (even inside out!). Incorporate ’up’-cycled knitwear and novelty fibres. The possibilities are endless, the results are striking. Expect to be surprised by what can be achieved.
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* Jigsaw Weave & Felt
This workshop investigates the possibilities of woven effects in handmade felt. Learn techniques to make and interweave pre-felts to a high standard, and finish your felt pieces with attention to detail for optimum effect. Choose your own colour palette and weaving patterns for striking results. A unique way of making felt with a strong visual impact particularly suited for items such as cushions and table-runners, as well as wearables and scarves.
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* Sculptural Felts
Learn and apply a variety of techniques to create solid, concave and/or free-form sculptural felts for objects such as vessels, platters, 3-D and abstract forms. Incorporate novelty fibers and mixed media. Work with templates (resists), wire, foam and stiffeners on individual projects for creative exploration.
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* (t)HAT's a Miracle!
Learn how to make a strong, multilayered and colourful felt; then transform your flat felt into many, interchangeable hats. Include fabrics and novelty fibres into your felt for intentionally placed highlights. Experiment with the potential of double-sided designs and the unlimited possibilities of shape and form.
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* Wrapped in Nuno
Combine the technique of Felt-making with sheer woven fabrics to create a new material with a uniquely textured surface and appearance. Use wool as your ‘paintbrush’ and felt small quantities of wool and novelty fibres into silk and cotton voile. The result is a beautiful, strong yet light-weight fabric with endless possibilities. Imagine scarves, wearable art, hats, and furnishings. A playful and colourful workshop!
Contemporary Felt Work and Hand-dyed Fibres
Site and Images copyright 2010-2015 Martien van Zuilen
Site and Images copyright 2010-2015 Martien van Zuilen