Make your own Nuno Felt Scarf

Nuno felting is a process that integrates woven fabric into felt – it opens up many new possibilities for felt makers by changing the appearance, strength, and drape of felt. In this workshop we will create four samples using different techniques to integrate silk into felt – we’ll then felt the samples together to make an interesting, eclectic scarf. The emphasis in this workshop will be on learning techniques that will enable you to explore further if you choose to do more Nuno felting.

We will briefly discuss basic felt “laying-out” techniques – no previous wet-felting experience is necessary, although it would be helpful. Adventurous beginners who are comfortable with exploring new media are welcome.

We will be:

• Using silk as a “backing” to increase strength and create interesting surface designs and textures
• Exploring ways to add small amounts of wool to silk to create a light-weight fabric with interesting texture and drape
• Incorporating “islands” of silk to add interest and enhance the drape
• Experimenting with different ways to add silk on the surface of felt to create different textures and appearance

We will also discuss how different weights and weaves of fabrics impact Nuno felting and you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with adding other surface fibres to your piece. The assembly technique we will use has the added bonus of making felt-making possible in small spaces – about 2X2 foot square of counter space is all you need!

Audience: Some wet felting experience is helpful but not necessary – adventurous beginners who are comfortable with exploring new media are welcome.

Please note that this workshop is intended for adults. Children over twelve may register if accompanied by an adult.

Supplies: The wool tops, silk, fibres and thread that you need are included in the registration fee.

Please bring from home:

• Notebook
• pen
• scissors
• waterproof measuring tape or ruler
• tweezers
• two or more bath towels (approximately 36 X 20 inches at least)
• basin or bowl (shoebox size is plenty)
• large-eyed sewing needle
• Water bottle, snacks and lunch
• Masks are optional

Wet-felting tools if you have them:

• bubble wrap (two pieces at least 2 X 2 ft – bubbles approximately 1 cm in diameter)
• rolling noodle (approximately 2.5 ft of pool noodle)
• watering bulb (a disposable plastic (500-700mL) water bottle with small holes punched in the lid will work)
• soap
• small cheese grater if you have one for grating soap

Please bring what you have – Fay will bring bubble wrap and rolling noodles for those who need them and some extra tools to share.

Optional items: additional loosely woven silk or cotton fabric that you love (scraps, old scarves, etc), any interesting fibres or yarn that you would like to experiment with.

Registration:  $ 139.21

Did you know that Members of the Leighton Art Centre get 10% off the registration cost of all workshops and kids’ summer camps? Please visit  https://leightoncentre.org/join-us/become-a-member/.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Please note there is a NO REFUND policy on all Leighton Art Centre workshops. A refund will only be issued to participants if the workshop is cancelled by the workshop coordinator due to insufficient enrollment, extreme weather conditions, or Covid-19 restrictions. Workshops may be cancelled prior to the start date and participants will be notified via email and/or phone, and a full refund will be processed.

Withdrawal from workshops for medical reasons must be accompanied by a doctor’s medical note or a positvie COVID 19 rapid test and must be received by the Leighton workshop coordinator prior to the workshop start date to be qualified for a full refund.

Artist/Instructor/Guide Bio:

Fay has been felting for over 18 years and was a landscape painter before discovering felt. She has had her work in local and national exhibitions and sales. She is an active member of the Sheep Creek Weavers Fibre Arts Guild and Felt:Feutre. She recently completed a BFA at AUArts with a major in fibre. To see her work please check out her website https://fayhodson.com/