Past Workshop Topics

a workshop with Sue Eslick

Learn the basics of 3 dimensional wet felt making and create a unique bag from fine merino wool.  Using soap, water and massage, we will create a seamless felt bag. You will learn how to add handles, flaps or pockets – the possibilities are endless!

Basic templates will be provided that can be adjusted to each individual design.

Suitable for beginners or those who would like a refresher.

Estimated materials list $20

Resist Material for sale at workshop

Bookings Open July 15th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

Bring your felting gear and have a great day!

a workshop with Nancy Ballesteros

There is something especially wonderful about concentrating on one small intimate object at a time. Slowly recognizing the path you will take to release its beauty, to create something really unique. Each bead has this potential to be seduced out by the slow methodical meditation of creation. Hand stitching felted fabrics cultivates our creative spirit.

In this class you will have fun digging into your fabric stash!  Bring along exotic and unusual fabrics which will be nuno felted into mosaic of texture and colour. If you don’t have a fabric stash, I’m happy to bring a selection for you to choose from (just let me know). We will explore the extremes of felting with these fabrics. There is hardly anything we can’t felt!

Utilizing basic Nuno felting techniques, we will create a fabric mosaic.  This will form the basis from which our beads will emerge. Techniques for manipulating structural elements of the beads will be shown. Hand stitching and beading will be explored. The final stringing of each unique bead will be pondered and cord making options will be shown. Enjoy the process of being sensitive to your materials. No previous felting experience is necessary. Basic hand stitching skills needed.

Estimated materials list $40

This 2 day workshop will be held in 2 parts. The creation of those beautiful nuno felts will happen on Saturday July 1st, with the bead construction the following week Sunday 9th July.

Bookings Open May 20th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

a workshop with Nancy Ballesteros

There is something especially wonderful about concentrating on one small intimate object at a time. Slowly recognizing the path you will take to release its beauty, to create something really unique. Each bead has this potential to be seduced out by the slow methodical meditation of creation. Hand stitching felted fabrics cultivates our creative spirit.

In this class you will have fun digging into your fabric stash!  Bring along exotic and unusual fabrics which will be nuno felted into mosaic of texture and colour. If you don’t have a fabric stash, I’m happy to bring a selection for you to choose from (just let me know). We will explore the extremes of felting with these fabrics. There is hardly anything we can’t felt!

Utilizing basic Nuno felting techniques, we will create a fabric mosaic.  This will form the basis from which our beads will emerge. Techniques for manipulating structural elements of the beads will be shown. Hand stitching and beading will be explored. The final stringing of each unique bead will be pondered and cord making options will be shown. Enjoy the process of being sensitive to your materials. No previous felting experience is necessary. Basic hand stitching skills needed.

Estimated materials list $40

This 2 day workshop will be held in 2 parts. The creation of those beautiful nuno felts will happen on Saturday July 1st, with the bead construction the following week Sunday 9th July.

Bookings Open May 20th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

Bring your felting gear and have a great day!

Email the Workshop Co-ordinator to go on the wait list.

a workshop with Soosie Jobson

Take the challenge in this two day workshop to use only what you have or can share or swap. We will create a stylish wrap or vest from our studio stash, whilst exploring many design methods and embellishment techniques. At the same time liberating our treasurers from the confines of their plastic box prisons!  This simple but effective shape can be a straight wrap or have arm holes to create a vest. Depending on your experience level you may like to add collars, pockets or for the ambitious – sleeves!

New trial workshop format

We know how precious weekends are with family, friends, and work commitments so we are trialing a new format for workshops longer than one day. If the workshop schedule permits we are splitting the days over more than one month. For example, Soosie has agreed to be the first test run and her workshop will be the first Saturday (our regular workshop day) over 2 months instead of 2 consecutive days over the entire weekend. We are hoping this will make the workshop more relaxed and enhance your learning experience. We have all experienced that last minute panic to finish or catchup with the rest of the group, often working that night then returning the next day tired. By spacing out the days it will give you time to catch up if required but definitely recoup and absorb what you have learned. Soosie’s workshop is flexible in structure so if you can’t attend one of the days she has included a “finish off or catch up day”. For example you could do Day 1 in February but if you can’t make Day 2 in March then do the catchup day in May – or attend all 3 days its up to.

The workshop will be held over 3 months – Saturday February 4th and Saturday March 4th & “Finish off or Catchup” Day May 6th

All wraps made from a rectangle.

Techniques and skills covered: garments on a resist, handling large projects, design, colour matching & planning, fine laying, multiple shrinkage rates and fulling.  Embellishments – there are 5 stages during the felting process that present opportunities to embellish – we can do all of them.

Experience level: beginners to experienced – all welcome.

Studio Detritus has been an ongoing series of workshops that focus on using what we have rather than acquiring more yet getting more in the end.  Soosie has been a practicing felt and textile artist for over 30 years and has won awards, prizes, and been featured in many exhibitions and publications around the world.  

Estimated materials list hopefully $0 but if you have nothing in your stash at all $100!

Resist Material for sale @ $5 per metre.

Bookings Open December 17th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

a workshop with Sharn Bruere

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine warm honey being drizzled over you brain. Relaxing right? Now imagine getting home from a long day, kicking off your hard shoes, and the same relaxing feeling pouring over you as you slip into your super cosy 100% wool slippers made just for you by you.

Bliss found.

Come learn the magical art of felted wool slipper making.

Sharn will take you through the entire process in six easy to follow steps – from resist making to sole options. By the end of the workshop you will have made a beautiful pair of slippers and will be able to share the magic by making a pair for everyone you know.

Sharn is a town planner by trade and wool felter at heart. She started her wool felting journey making felted wool baby shoes. She now takes custom orders for ladies slippers through her website Woolly Wombat. She has made hundred of pairs of wool felted slippers using the wet felting technique. Through the making of each pair she has perfected the art, streamlined the process and made all of the mistakes (so you don’t have to!). She has written an e-book on how to make felted wool slippers and knows all the tips and tricks to complete a pair of beautiful and magical slippers.

Find her online (Woolly Wombat) or say hi when she is next at a club toss and tell.

Sharn will have the following products available at the workshop:

• Core wool
• Wool kits to make a full pair of slippers
• Shoe soles
• Resist material
• My e-book (printed) on the magical art of slipper making

A materials fee of $nil is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $40

Bookings Open Now

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

a workshop with Sharn Bruere

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine warm honey being drizzled over you brain. Relaxing right? Now imagine getting home from a long day, kicking off your hard shoes, and the same relaxing feeling pouring over you as you slip into your super cosy 100% wool slippers made just for you by you.

Bliss found.

Come learn the magical art of felted wool slipper making.

Sharn will take you through the entire process in six easy to follow steps – from resist making to sole options. By the end of the workshop you will have made a beautiful pair of slippers and will be able to share the magic by making a pair for everyone you know.

Sharn is a town planner by trade and wool felter at heart. She started her wool felting journey making felted wool baby shoes. She now takes custom orders for ladies slippers through her website Woolly Wombat. She has made hundred of pairs of wool felted slippers using the wet felting technique. Through the making of each pair she has perfected the art, streamlined the process and made all of the mistakes (so you don’t have to!). She has written an e-book on how to make felted wool slippers and knows all the tips and tricks to complete a pair of beautiful and magical slippers.

Find her online (Woolly Wombat) or say hi when she is next at a club toss and tell.

Sharn will have the following products available at the workshop:

• Core wool
• Wool kits to make a full pair of slippers
• Shoe soles
• Resist material
• My e-book (printed) on the magical art of slipper making

A materials fee of $nil is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $40

Bookings Open Now

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

Email the Workshop Co-ordinator to go on the wait list.

a workshop with Soosie Jobson

Take the challenge in this two day workshop to use only what you have or can share or swap. We will create a stylish wrap or vest from our studio stash, whilst exploring many design methods and embellishment techniques. At the same time liberating our treasurers from the confines of their plastic box prisons!  This simple but effective shape can be a straight wrap or have arm holes to create a vest. Depending on your experience level you may like to add collars, pockets or for the ambitious – sleeves!

New trial workshop format

We know how precious weekends are with family, friends, and work commitments so we are trialing a new format for workshops longer than one day. If the workshop schedule permits we are splitting the days over more than one month. For example, Soosie has agreed to be the first test run and her workshop will be the first Saturday (our regular workshop day) over 2 months instead of 2 consecutive days over the entire weekend. We are hoping this will make the workshop more relaxed and enhance your learning experience. We have all experienced that last minute panic to finish or catchup with the rest of the group, often working that night then returning the next day tired. By spacing out the days it will give you time to catch up if required but definitely recoup and absorb what you have learned. Soosie’s workshop is flexible in structure so if you can’t attend one of the days she has included a “finish off or catch up day”. For example you could do Day 1 in February but if you can’t make Day 2 in March then do the catchup day in May – or attend all 3 days its up to.

The workshop will be held over 3 months – Saturday February 4th and Saturday March 4th & “Finish off or Catchup” Day May 6th

All wraps made from a rectangle.

Techniques and skills covered: garments on a resist, handling large projects, design, colour matching & planning, fine laying, multiple shrinkage rates and fulling.  Embellishments – there are 5 stages during the felting process that present opportunities to embellish – we can do all of them.

Experience level: beginners to experienced – all welcome.

Studio Detritus has been an ongoing series of workshops that focus on using what we have rather than acquiring more yet getting more in the end.  Soosie has been a practicing felt and textile artist for over 30 years and has won awards, prizes, and been featured in many exhibitions and publications around the world.  

Estimated materials list hopefully $0 but if you have nothing in your stash at all $100!

Resist Material for sale @ $5 per metre.

Bookings Open December 17th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

Email the Workshop Co-ordinator to go on the wait list.

a workshop with Soosie Jobson

Take the challenge in this two day workshop to use only what you have or can share or swap. We will create a stylish wrap or vest from our studio stash, whilst exploring many design methods and embellishment techniques. At the same time liberating our treasurers from the confines of their plastic box prisons!  This simple but effective shape can be a straight wrap or have arm holes to create a vest. Depending on your experience level you may like to add collars, pockets or for the ambitious – sleeves!

New trial workshop format

We know how precious weekends are with family, friends, and work commitments so we are trialing a new format for workshops longer than one day. If the workshop schedule permits we are splitting the days over more than one month. For example, Soosie has agreed to be the first test run and her workshop will be the first Saturday (our regular workshop day) over 2 months instead of 2 consecutive days over the entire weekend. We are hoping this will make the workshop more relaxed and enhance your learning experience. We have all experienced that last minute panic to finish or catchup with the rest of the group, often working that night then returning the next day tired. By spacing out the days it will give you time to catch up if required but definitely recoup and absorb what you have learned. Soosie’s workshop is flexible in structure so if you can’t attend one of the days she has included a “finish off or catch up day”. For example you could do Day 1 in February but if you can’t make Day 2 in March then do the catchup day in May – or attend all 3 days its up to.

The workshop will be held over 3 months – Saturday February 4th and Saturday March 4th & “Finish off or Catchup” Day May 6th

All wraps made from a rectangle.

Techniques and skills covered: garments on a resist, handling large projects, design, colour matching & planning, fine laying, multiple shrinkage rates and fulling.  Embellishments – there are 5 stages during the felting process that present opportunities to embellish – we can do all of them.

Experience level: beginners to experienced – all welcome.

Studio Detritus has been an ongoing series of workshops that focus on using what we have rather than acquiring more yet getting more in the end.  Soosie has been a practicing felt and textile artist for over 30 years and has won awards, prizes, and been featured in many exhibitions and publications around the world.  

Estimated materials list hopefully $0 but if you have nothing in your stash at all $100!

Resist Material for sale @ $5 per metre.

Bookings Open December 17th

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

a workshop with Martien Van Zuilen

Learn to create colourful Coiled Vessels and small platter in this workshop with Feltwest member and popular tutor Martien van Zuilen. Over the two days, you will learn a variety of techniques to combine the art of making hand-felted cords with the (basketry) technique of coiling. We will start with making a variety of strong cords using hand-dyed wool and novelty fibres & fabrics. Once dry, waxed linen and other coiling materials including raffia and wire(!) are used to transform the felted cords into 3-dimensional treasures. A range of coiling techniques will be shown, and many tips will be shared so your artworks will be unique and finished to a high standard.

Martien van Zuilen is a felt maker and fibre artist widely recognised for her technical excellence and design skills in the medium of handmade felt. Since the late 1980s, she exhibits her distinctive artworks nationally and internationally. Martien is also one of Australia’s leading felting tutors with an extensive teaching portfolio of national and international workshops at all levels of experience, across a broad range of topics. She is passionate about the role of the arts in community and counts herself lucky to be able to inspire others about the ‘magic’ of Felt in all its forms. Based in Perth, WA, Martien has a full-time studio practice which she combines with her roles as Editor of FELT (Australia’s national felting magazine) and Convenor of Fibres West Inc. Her work is included in numerous international publications, books, and specialist arts magazines. www.martienvanzuilen.com Instagram: @martienvanzuilen

A materials fee of $10 is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $ – not provided

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.

a workshop with Martien Van Zuilen

Learn to create colourful Coiled Vessels and small platter in this workshop with Feltwest member and popular tutor Martien van Zuilen. Over the two days, you will learn a variety of techniques to combine the art of making hand-felted cords with the (basketry) technique of coiling. We will start with making a variety of strong cords using hand-dyed wool and novelty fibres & fabrics. Once dry, waxed linen and other coiling materials including raffia and wire(!) are used to transform the felted cords into 3-dimensional treasures. A range of coiling techniques will be shown, and many tips will be shared so your artworks will be unique and finished to a high standard.

Martien van Zuilen is a felt maker and fibre artist widely recognised for her technical excellence and design skills in the medium of handmade felt. Since the late 1980s, she exhibits her distinctive artworks nationally and internationally. Martien is also one of Australia’s leading felting tutors with an extensive teaching portfolio of national and international workshops at all levels of experience, across a broad range of topics. She is passionate about the role of the arts in community and counts herself lucky to be able to inspire others about the ‘magic’ of Felt in all its forms. Based in Perth, WA, Martien has a full-time studio practice which she combines with her roles as Editor of FELT (Australia’s national felting magazine) and Convenor of Fibres West Inc. Her work is included in numerous international publications, books, and specialist arts magazines. www.martienvanzuilen.com Instagram: @martienvanzuilen

A materials fee of $10 is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $ – not provided

For details of the Cancellation & Refund Policy click here

Members

Non Members

For all queries, please email the Feltwest Workshop Co-ordinator through our Contact page.