Texture in Wet Felting

Handmade Felt or Wet Felting? What is that and why would you want to try it? It is not the primary coloured rectangle sheets that you buy at the dollar store but a warm, flexible and light fabric that has endless practical and artistic potential. You don’t need large equipment and complicated formulas. Basic materials such as wool roving (combed wool) soap, bubble wrap and a work surface are all you need to get started.

In this class you will explore techniques in wet felting for creating texture. Combine wool fibres with silk, fabrics, pre-felt and resists to create textured one of a kind felt. You will make a flat but textured piece of felt that can then be made into a bag, wrist cuff, book cover or used as part of a larger project. Join us even if you’ve never made felt before.

Warning: felt making is addictive and can lead to creation of scarves, rugs, coasters, pictures, wall hangings, window coverings, table runners, pillows, three dimensional objects like bags, hats, coats, mitts, jewellery, slippers, sculptures, pods and vessels; even as big as a yurt or Mongolian Ger.

Instructor: Carmen Ditzler

Carmen is passionate about all things fibre arts related but in particular with wet felting. She has been making felt for six years and taken classes from internationally known felt makers such as Marjolien Dalinga and Andrea Graham. This class is being offered as part of her show Nature in Felt that was produced through the support of a grant from Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and Creston Art Council. Students refer to her as a funny, engaging, patient and skilled teacher.