Past Workshop Topics

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 Soosie Jobson

A palimpsest was a mediaeval way of recycling.  Parchment was a prized commodity and not to be wasted: scribes and scholars would scrape back the ink to rewrite a text leaving subsequent layers faintly visible through to the top.  This soft ghost like effect would hint of things past and remind us of the story beneath.  What better way to tell story than to use what we already have?

All of those beautiful little pieces of leftover felt, the odd and precious bead, glorious threads, scraps of divine fabric or exquisite handmade papers that accumulate in our studios can be set free using this recycling technique.  I love that we can use less to get more.

We will take the challenge in this one-day workshop to use only what we have.  Materials are supplied for this workshop all you need to bring will be your own tools like scissors, needles, notebooks that will be in the materials list  but you are welcome to bring your own little treasures.  Either way we will make beautiful earrings, brooches, and necklaces that will tell us stories every time we wear them.   You can also bring treasures to share or swap which will add another layer upon each others’ stories.

Experience level: beginners to experienced – all welcome.  Return participants more than welcome – do the things you missed last time plus a few new surprises.

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.  

Magnetic brooch clasps will be for sale $5 at the workshop.

Materials are supplied.

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.

In this 1.5 day workshop we will explore obtaining colour from plant material and natural dye extracts. This is a hands on workshop with lots of opportunity to experiment.

You will learn how to prepare silk for dyeing. How to obtain beautiful colours from ordinary food items in your kitchen.
Basic techniques and safety procedures of natural dyeing will be covered and you will get plenty of practise in experimenting with different plant material, to see what colours you can achieve in different dye baths. In addition we will explore a range of natural dye extracts. 

We will use mordants to extend the range of colour samples. During this process you will be guided in the practice of record keeping to give you a comprehensive silk sample library for future reference. We will talk about water and pH, colour fast and light fastness, and you will experiment with both fugitive and substantive dyes. 

The focus is on having fun, play and experimentation with natural dye foodstuffs and extracts.

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

This 2 day workshop will explore a unique abstract painterly-like method of working with Silk Hankies. Feltmakers first impressions of Silk Hankies are usually one of frustration. Learn how to transform this experience into creative bliss.  Silk Hankies possess unique properties which create gloriously lustrous and textural surfaces when laminated with minimal amounts of superfine merino and silk fabric. We will experiment creating a variety of different visual effects with the hankies.

We will explore design ideas including edge extensions, unusual bottom finishes as well as working your design on both sides. A variety of silk fabrics may also be incorporated into the design work. Specific fulling techniques will be taught to ensure proper quality felt. Embellishment ideas to be explored as time allows, particularly hand stitching with a self-made silk thread. 

Silk hankies traditionally have been underutilised as a source of silk by felt makers. You may ask “what is so special about a Silk Hanky”? A silk cocoon is spun by a caterpillar as one continuous strand of silk.  Each hanky is made from a degummed silk cocoon that has been pierced and stretched over a square frame (resembling the shape of a handkerchief), and then stacked layer upon layer. Hankies have the amazing property of being very strong and behave as a continuous mass, the fibre have not been cut like in a silk top.

Nancy Ballesteros has passionately worked with fabric all her life. She spent most of her childhood sewing and then was introduced to spinning, felting and dyeing while at university. These elements quickly took over as her life’s passion and she hatched a fibre business called Treetops Colour Harmonies in 1987. Since moving to Australia in 1990, Treetops continued to grow into a successful international web-based company offering felting supplies for discerning felt makers. She has taught felting for many years before taking a break to raise her two children and run Treetops. Since 2014, she began teaching again in Australia, Europe and the USA, mostly concentrating on unravelling the mysteries of working with superfine Merino and Nuno felting. Nancy was instrumental in developing the technique of Silk ‘Paper’. She has written about felting in numerous publications and participated in many workshops and master classes.

www.treetopscolours.com.au  facebook.com/treetopscolours   instagram.com/treetops.colours

A materials fee of $0 is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $80

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 Sue Eslick

In this one day class we will create fine felt around a resist to make a hollow form which will form the basis for our hat.  Silk fabric can be added to provide surface decoration, colour shading and extra strength. Sizing and design elements will be discussed to create a unique hat.

The workshop is suitable for inexperienced felters – if you can lay out wool tops finely and evenly.

A materials fee of $0 is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $

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

Check back details coming soon.

Estimated materials list $

Bookings Open

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.

Raising the surface of your felt creates texture, depth and interest.  Over the years felters have pushed the boundaries of embellishing felt finding new and innovative ways whilst using a range of materials and methods.  In this one day workshop we will make samples exploring the many techniques available to us whilst using treasures from our stashes, found items, and/or repurposing those UFOs (UnFinished Objects).

We will explore

• fabric, painting and stitching options used before laying wool
• Inclusions – feltable and non feltable
• Bubbles, frills, folds & ruffles
• Negative resists
• Negative space
• Reverse Nuno
• Differential shrinkage patterns and ghostly affects
• Topping with fibres, yarns, paper and felt
• Adding horns, spikes, handles and loops
• Shibori shaping & stitching at various felting phases for texture, loops, plaits & tails
• Embroidery stitches for height and style

You may choose to focus on one or two techniques or explore them all, making one sample or a plethora of them. As we are working small you could achieve many of these techniques in one day.  Your day – your choice.  We will also explore various ways of documenting your samples for future reference.  As with all Studio Detritus workshops, we challenge you to use only what you have, or can share, or swap.

Studio Detritus is 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. 

Experience Level: All welcome.

A materials fee of $0 payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $20 only if you need to buy “fresh” wool.

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

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 Kaye Louwen

In this workshop you will learn how to make a simple nuno-felted tunic top that fits you perfectly. Commencing with a basic pattern in one of 3 sizes (40% shrinkage allowed) you will be shown how to make adjustments for your particular body shape, and also for different necklines and hemlines. On silk chiffon we will use a quick layout method and all seams will be felted.

Kaye Louwen

I have always loved making things and have done a lot of dressmaking in years gone by. I am a retired Maths teacher, so am not afraid of calculating shrinkages and helping others to understand this process. I have been felting for around 14 years now and have attended many workshops with local and International feltmakers.

After attending a number of jacket and dress workshops I have come up with my own patterns and methods.
I have run many beginner felting workshops, both privately and for FIGS (Felters In the Great Southern), of which I was a member during my 9 years in Mt Barker. I hosted a 3 day advanced workshop in Mt Barker to make a nuno-felted sleeveless coat with a shawl collar.

I have participated in a number of group exhibitions and a solo one in 2018 at the Riverfront Gallery in Denmark WA. This was featured in the Australian Felt Magazine.

I have won prizes for my felted creations in the Plantagenet Art Prize. Feltmaking gives me much joy and I love to share my skills with others and meet with other creative people

Kaye will have the following products available at the workshop:

• Kits for garment – optional but recommended details in materials list
• Wool
• Silk
• Embellishments

A materials fee of $nil is payable to tutor unless you purchase product on the day.

Estimated materials list $70-80

A pattern for the garment is included in the workshop price – Kaye will be contacting you prior to the workshop to arrange delivery of the pattern and to discuss pre workshop preparation.  Kaye can also provide you with silk and/or wool plus embellishments in your colour choice.  Please email Kaye for more details, to order, and arrange payment.

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 Vimol Imsanguan

In this workshop, you will be creating a needle felted babushka and standing doll as shown on the picture, learn how to handle wool, form the shape to create doll using needle felting technique with and without wire armature.

Vimol Imsanguan

I am self-taught needle felter since 2013 who enjoys working with various types of wool to create both 2D and 3D sculptures.  I especially enjoy felting dolls, fantasy creature and landscapes.  You can see more of my work at

https://www.facebook.com/WoollyBirdsAndFairy or https://www.instagram.com/woollybirdsandfairy/

A materials fee of $5 is payable to tutor.

Estimated materials list $10

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 4 day workshop with Nancy Ballesteros

It has been recognised that certain proportions keep showing up in things we consider beautiful – a Natural Rhythm that our human brain finds especially visually pleasing. Mathematicians have written books; Leonardo Da Vinci used it when he painted Mona Lisa – The Golden Ratio, Fibonacci’s numbers… How could all this help you with your creativity?

In this workshop you will explore simple, practical ways to apply this powerful design principal to your nuno felting. It is an amazingly easy way to obtain visually pleasing outcomes – no maths is required!

Students are able to choose different designs of Kimono Poncho they would like to create. It can have either structured linear lines or more a more rhythmical and organic pattern. You will have a choice of creating either a Silk fabric collar or a felted collar. Very basic sewing skills will be needed.

Learn Nancy’s newest technique of working with WET wool for making clear sharp lines while also learning to felt great superfine cloth. Please come with an open mind and spirit ready to learn how to work with wool in a very different manner – it will be challenging!

Emphasis will be placed on QUALITY FELT. Specific fulling techniques will expand your felting skills.

Drawing from her 30+ years of designing colours, Nancy will also teach some practical ideas about designing with colour. She will help you develop your own colour language. Nancy will also share her No-Roll Felting Technique.

Recommended skill level: Intermediate to Advanced felter

Estimated cost on materials list:
$210 average size person 
$230 for tall person

Materials fee payable to tutor: None

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 Sue Eslick

In this two day class we will create a unique strong three dimensional felt bag. 

You will learn how to create different shapes and designs from a single, simple template by applying different thicknesses of wool, and cutting the template in different places.  We will felt around the resist to make a hollow form which will form the basis for our bag.  The application of additional design elements such as pockets and reinforced handles will be covered.

Techniques will be learned to full, shrink, stretch, steam and block the felt to form a firm bag. Emphasis will be placed on producing quality felt that is fully felted, strong, and smooth and holds its shape. 

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

The second day will focus on techniques to get a really professional finish to your bag. This will include getting a smooth surface, reducing colour bleed, top stitching, fasteners, and reinforced handles.

Basic felting skills and experience in using a resist are required. 

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.