Gualala Arts Workshop
Exploring Felting with Fine Fibers
Instructor: Carin Engen

Saturday - Sunday
January 13 - 14, 2007
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuition: $90 members; $100 non-members
Materials may be brought to class or purchased for $50
Minimum 8 students; maximum 12 students
Age: 12 and up

Students should be aware that felting is strenuous.

Wool fibers are covered with tiny scales, making them look like pinecones when viewed under the microscope. When one fiber's scales rub against those of others, they pull the fibers together in irreversible tangles. When compacted under heat and moisture, the wool shrinks into felt, a strong, non-woven fabric.

You will play and explore making texture with natural fibers including wool, mohair, silk and angora. You will learn to felt these fibers into a base of silk gauze to produce a sheer, draping fabric. Using hand-dyed wool and silk roving you can "paint" using the fundamentals of felt making. Learn how you can successfully put together a pleasing color design. Then you can embellish your fabric with yarn, thread, beads, etc.

For more information, contact the instructor at carinengen@humboldt.net.