Description
Create your own stunning cross body bag using either British or Corriedale wool. You can choose between having a flap or no flap, and whether to incorporate the strap or to make a wool strap that is clipped on with metal fixings. You will also have the option of incorporating an inside or outside pocket. On day one we will discuss what wool is suitable for bag making, and what you need to think about when designing your bag. There will be a choice of bag designs to choose from. You will then lay out the wool and begin the felting process. On day two you will finish felting your bag plus make a cross body strap in wool. This workshop is suitable for people who have already tried wet felting before and want to learn how to construct a good strong bag. A felt bag, when felted thoroughly, is showerproof, dirt resistant and robust enough for everyday use but please note, felting a cross body bag can be strenuous on the arms, neck and shoulders. If you have any problems in these areas, please contact Karen before booking.
What's included in the price?
All materials are included. All you need to bring are two to three medium-sized towels, your lunch for both days, and a plastic bag to take your wet towels and bag home in.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Karen is a feltmaker and textile artist. She has been designing and creating with textiles since she was a child, but in 2015 she was introduced to the ancient art of wet felting and instantly fell in love with the incredible versatility of it. Since then, she has concentrated primarily on her felt making, taking numerous courses from UK and international felt makers, to develop and refine her skills. She is also a member of the International Felt makers’ Association. Karen has a particular interest in 3D or seamless felting which is felting around a waterproof resist to create an item without stitching. Using this method she makes bags, vessels, neckwarmers and collars. Karen loves to create texture in her work by adding a variety of other natural fibres, yarns, wool locks and silk fabrics. She also has a love of colour and it is her use of colour that most people notice when they see her work. She says: “ Colour can influence my mood. It can lift me, energise me, excite me, or even comfort me. It makes me feel happier and more alive! My colour combinations are inspired by nature’s seasons, the changing light and the mood created by those seasons.”
Suitable for
- Adults
- Intermediate level
- Accommodation offered
- Parking provided
- Tutor can travel
FAQs
I supply all the materials for felt making. All you need to supply are 2 hand towels to work on and your packed lunch (if coming all day) plus a plastic bag to take your wet felt creation home.. A waterproof apron is useful but not essential.
YES! I have masks if the wool makes you asthmatic or causes you to sneeze (similar to hayfever) and I also have latex gloves for handling the wool.
NO, not at all! The technique is very easy to learn, but the rubbing and rolling can be a little strenuous when making bags and bowls, so if you have any problems with your wrists, shoulders or neck, please contact me before booking. I can help you during the day, but please let me know first.
NO. Needle felting is 'dry felting'. It uses a barbed needle to encourage the wool fibres to matt together, whereas wet felting uses soap and water.
Wet felting involves laying out wisps of wool in different directions, sprinkling them with warm soapy water and then gently rubbing and rolling them until all the fibres have completely bonded together. During the process, other fibres and materials can be incorporated, such as silk threads and fabrics to decorate the surface of the felt. Pictures and scarves are made in one flat piece, but neck warmers, vessels, hats and bags are made by felting around a resist (or waterproof template) that is then removed part way through the felting process, and gently moulded by hand into the shape you want. This is often called seamless felting or 3D.
