Class Content: We are going to jump right into making these fashionable felted trees, and along the way you will also learn the fundamentals of how we turn wool roving into felt. You will do the felting to make the tree, and you will attach your finished felt to a wooden dowel and a small slice of tree branch. (as seen in the photos) You will learn how to lay out wool, apply design elements, and apply water and agitation to create 2 trees. During the session, we will discuss types of wool fibers and plant fibers that we can use during the wet felting process. We will be standing for most of the process, but it is possible to sit also. Wear comfy shoes and clothes.

I will introduce these concepts and will supply you with written handouts:
1. what is wool roving?
2. ways to lay out wool roving to prepare for making felt.
3. different types of wool for different applications.
4. how to recognize when your wool is “felted” and “fulled”.
5. how to use fibers like bamboo, silk, and viscose to embellish wool.
6. ways to account for shrinkage of your wool piece for your artistic purposes.
I will bring all the wool, fibers, dowels, and stands you will need.
I will also supply bubble wrap, soap, and pool noodles for your use.

We will take a short break for lunch.

Supply List: 1 old bath towel
2 old dish towels or hand towels
1 bowl (1- or 2-quart size)
1 ball brause or spray bottle
Lunch

Biography: I have been needle felting and wet felting for 7 years, creating 3D sculptures as well as 2D pieces. I was a high school English teacher for 25 years, and I often organized after school programs to teach felting to students. I present the best techniques I have learned from felting teachers, and I hope to share my love of wool fiber art with anyone who is curious!