Teri and I decided to do another round of online classes this fall. So if you want to learn some new techniques in an easy format, take a look at the choices below. Registration for Teri’s classes opens on September 15 and for my surface design classes, registration will open on September 25. If you want to put your name on the list for any of the classes, just fill out our contact us form with your class preference. We’ll add you to our email list so you will be notified when registration opens with further details.
This four-week, hat making course will initially guide you through the different options for hat blocks (from DIY to the extravagant!) and choosing one to fit. Although this module is technically week 1, Teri will send it out on receipt of payment so you have as much time as possible to make or buy a hat block if you don’t already have one.
Week 2 will focus on making a stylish or quirky concertina hat and will include guidance on how to create a resist for your head size, how to add a felted “pig tail”, creating a brim and forming sharp folds that remain in place. Teri will also describe how she blends colours and make the “silk stripes” used on some of her hats.
In week 3 we will make a super-cute snail hat. This tutorial is a must for anyone who hates rolling! Teri will provide her template for you to enlarge to your hat size. She will then go on to explain how to make the eyes on stalks and securely attach them to the hat as well as how to create the shell and shape snail’s foot to form a brim for your hat.
Week 4 will be an opportunity to catch up or make another hat, Teri will provide examples of other hats and their template designs that used the concertina method which you are welcome to copy or, if you prefer, she will be very happy to help you design your own hat using this method. The possibilities are almost endless!
During this 5 week course you will have the opportunity to make at least 3 bags / purses. In week 1, we will make an animal themed spectacles/phone/pencil case, this could be in the image of your favourite pet or a friend’s pet (they make very thoughtful gifts) or a mythical beast of your own imagination! We will use multiple resists, introduce some nuno felting and make a closure entirely from wool.
In week 2 we will make a small to medium shoulder / hand bag (purse to our US friends), this tutorial will demonstrate how to add internal pockets, a magnetic clasp, adjustable shoulder straps and take shaping the felt to the next level so the bag has a flat bottom and stands up on its own.
The week 3 tutorial is a little more ambitious, we will be making a backpack with adjustable straps, multiple internal compartments and internal pockets.
Weeks 4 and 5 will be for catch up / further development, you might like to apply your own design to a bag, Teri will be on hand to answer any questions and talk through any challenges your design might create.
Embellishing Felt with Surface Design Techniques – A Mixed Media Approach
Paper fabric lamination is a technique of essentially gluing paper to sheer fabric in a specific design. It is not a new technique and has been used by fiber artists for a long time. When I first learned the technique, I wondered how I would use the result. Many artists use paper fabric lamination and layer the results together with stitching and other methods. When I looked at my samples, I saw sheer fabric with a design and thought “Why not try nuno felting with it?” I tried it, it worked, and I loved the results. It was a way to use my own designs and create a piece of nuno felt that was completely different and in my own style.
What you will learn:
What types of sheer fabric work best for paper fabric lamination
What types of paper work best for paper fabric lamination
How to add color to the paper
How to make a print board
All the steps of paper fabric lamination including using a silk screen or a stencil to create your design
How to embellish your felt with small pieces of paper fabric lamination
How to use laminated paper fabric for the base of a larger piece of nuno felt
How to make a laminated paper fabric silk screen (Can be used in Module 2 or for silk screening on your own.)
Have you put off trying to screen print because you thought it was too complicated? This is the course for you then. This course will teach you about a variety of methods of screen printing that are fun and easy although sometimes a bit messy!
In week one of the course, you will learn how to make your own silk screen and print board. You will also learn how to thicken acid dyes to use in the screen printing process and how to steam your felt after screen printing. All of these technique mentioned can also be used to screen print fabric such as silk for nuno felting.
In week two, we will be concentrating on the deconstructed screen printing technique. This is a very serendipitous process that yields some exciting results.
In week three, you will learn about a variety of different ways to mask a silk screen to achieve different printing effects. You will be using a variety of temporary masks to create as many unique designs as you can create.
In the final week of the class, you will learn how to use a variety of items from around the house to create one of a kind silk screen patterns on felt.
Learn to make thickened dye and then use it to make designs on felt or silk. Create your own unique designs with stamps, stencils and stuff found around your house. This course will teach you to experiment and play with thickened dye.
What you will learn:
How to make a print board
How to make thickened dye
How to transfer your designs
Choosing what designs are appropriate for stencils and stamps
Creating stencils from a variety of supplies
Cutting and burning stencils
Creating stamps from a variety of supplies
Cutting a linoleum type stamp
Burning a stamp from insulation foam
Looking at items around the house with a new eye for use in creating patterned felt
How to play with thickened dye
How to stamp and stencil with thickened dye on to felt
Machine stitching on felt adds wonderful details and is a simple process. It does take a bit of practice but I can show you ways that make it much simpler.
In week one of the course, you will learn the basics of free motion stitching. I will show you the basic techniques and equipment needed as well as give you lots of practice ideas to improve your skills.
During week two, we will concentrate on machine lace techniques and how to incorporate them into felt making. You will learn to use a hoop in the machine with water soluble fabric.
Week three is all about thread sketching. We’ll start out with easy designs and then progress to how to use water soluble fabric to transfer a design and free hand thread sketching.
The final week is all about experimentation and moving forward with your newly found free motion machine skills. I will show you how to add stitch to a felt painting as well as other ideas in how to use your sewing machine to enhance felt.
If you’ve made it this far, we always have the beginners course available so you can start that at any time.
Wet Felting – A Step By Step Introduction is an online 3 part beginner’s guide to Wet Felting. This class is for total beginners who have not done any wet felting before. All coursework is online and is not “live” so can be accessed at any time. You can access the class information at any time and the class is open continuously so that you can return at any time to review the information and videos. You will have unlimited access to course information after registering and completing payment so there is no pressure to complete the class on a certain schedule. There are no specific start dates for this class as it can be taken at any time during the year.
Part 1
Learn the basics of wet felting, with step by step instructions for laying out wool tops neatly and evenly; positioning embellishments; wetting, rubbing, rolling and fulling the felt; and how to get neat edges, so that even an absolute beginner should feel confident trying it for the first time. The piece of felt being demonstrated in the instructions is a large piece of felt. It will make a firm, durable piece big enough to make an A5 book cover, or any number of alternative projects. There’s no pressure to make a piece as large though. If you think you will feel comfortable making a smaller piece to start, please do 🙂
Part 2
Learn how to work out shrinkage rates and calculate measurements to account for the shrinkage. There will be a series of exercises to try which demonstrate the kinds of things which affect the way felt shrinks, information which will take some of the mystery out of felting and equip you with important knowledge for success in your future felting endeavors.
Part 3
Learn about the way wool is processed to produce a variety of felting fibres; look at some different felting methods, tools and techniques; and learn some tips for blending wool by hand. There will also be a gallery of felt pieces made from different wool and animal fibres.
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