The Workshop
We ran this course in June and it was brilliant! So we are bringing it back for 6 more lucky people to experience the fun and wonder of it! Book soon not to miss out …
Your tutor, Rachel, is looking forward to meeting you and says: “this workshop uses an exciting new method to create a large felt pot. Unlike our felt bowl workshop which uses the flat resist method, with this technique the bowl is formed around a ball. As an additional twist, the external pattern is laid up directly onto the ball since one of the final acts will be to turn the bowl inside out.
Your design is placed around the ball before adding fibre layers in small amounts on top, much like a papier-mâché technique and it is kept wet by spraying with warm soapy water throughout.
Once the fibre layers are complete your felt pot is encased in thin plastic and some tights (to secure the layers) before sessions of bouncing the ball on the table surface commences. This is when the fun truly starts!
After a few sessions of bouncing and hand felting we have the exciting moment of turning your pot the right way around to reveal your pot design!
The felt pot workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and also people with some experience of felting who are curious to learn a new technique. During the day you will be guided through the felting process, the handling of the wool fibres, and use of a resist to create your own unique 3D bowl. We will have a number of sample bowls available to help inspire you and I will ensure you have lots of fun.”
When you are bouncing your ball, some soapy water inevitably flies around so a waterproof apron will be provided. A range of coloured wool fibres are available to make your pot. All other materials and pieces of equipment needed for wet felting one pot will be provided.
What to bring on the day?
Anticipation to enjoy the whole, incredible experience!
Specific to this workshop:
Reading glasses if you need them.
Please bring your own lunch or some money to buy something from either the hot-food hut nearby or the small local Asda.
Whilst the workshop is primarily about learning the technique of felting around a ball, it’s always fun to make something colourful and appealing in your preferred colour choice. To help with this, please select the colours you want to use for your pot ahead of the workshop (you will see the choices when you visit our website).
What skills are needed?
No experience is necessary. You will require stamina, a certain degree of arm strength and no underlying shoulder pain / injuries. Much of the day will be standing, which can put strain on your lower back. However, as there is constant movement while standing this does alleviate most of this strain. The excitment and the constant ‘revealing of your pot’ is ABSOLUTELY worth the effort – it is such fun!
What are the timings?
This is a full day workshop from 9:30am to 4.30pm / 5pm to ensure there is plenty of time for a relaxing session.
Our purple front door will be open from 9.00am so we can welcome you in, you can get to meet Rachel and your fellow crafters and grab a cuppa before you start. Whilst it may seem like we have lots of time, do please arrive by at least 9.15am, so we can start promptly on time at 9:30am.
How many places are available?
To ensure the quality of your personal experience, the group size is limited to 6.
Attendance numbers are kept small to ensure you are given one-on-one time and attention to explore your creativity, so by the end of your session, you will not only have learnt a new skill but have completed your handmade pot.
What is the cost?
£105 + £1.85 card fee. This includes all the materials needed to make your wet felt pot, including the carding process that Rachel needs to do prior to the day, and refreshments during the day (excluding lunch). We will be providing drinks and home-made biscuits throughout the day.
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