During the last week of July, there are two feltmaking workshops with Elina Saari and Oona Jakku. The first class is focused on creating an unusual ‘button’ textured felt, while the second class is focused on felting hats. The classes are three days each and run consecutively.
For more information, visit the FeltFaction website.
WHERE: CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club
It was the turn of another talented Feltmakers Ireland member Hélène Dooley, to lead April’s hands-on Sunday session. Hélène is a member of the IFA’s (International Feltmaker’s Association) team of online tutors. You can find her online on Instagram as FeltZen.
Again, we were all looking forward to another practical hands-on session, FI having had the good luck to secure a venue with plenty of table space, access to hot water, etc., to accommodate our needs.
The theme of this month’s session was Surface Decoration or surface design, and the two techniques that Hélène chose to demonstrate to us were ones that she had learnt from two wonderful feltmakers, Lyda Rump of Holland and Marjolien Dalinga of Bloomfelt, who came to run a workshop on the invitation of FI some years ago.
Hélène had very kindly created packs for everyone and handed out at least 25 of them, so we had a full house of eager feltmakers, both beginners and some more seasoned makers. Hélène also made lots of lovely samples and finished projects of the techniques, which she shared with us.
We started off with a show and tell by Hélène, who explained what was in store for us.
The first technique was one called Cracked Mud.
The joy of creating in a group means there are many different suggestions from everyone on what materials to use: in this case, there were ideas on the narrow resists to place between the layers of wool.
Hélène provided a plastic bag for everyone to cut up, but other suggestions to use were low tack masking tape or narrow pieces of ribbon. The main principle is that the resists should be long enough to protrude beyond the main body of the piece so that you can pull them out easily afterwards.
Personally, I really enjoyed this Cracked Mud technique, having tried it before with disappointing results. The difference was that I had used homemade prefelts in my previous attempts, and the results were very furry and uneven when I cut around them. In contrast, Hélène had used commercial prefelts in her packs, and the result was a much more pleasing, graphic result with a clean look and strong shapes against a strongly contrasting background.
Technique no 2 is called The Geode Technique. I have also seen this referred to as The Felt Carving technique. This technique was taught to FI participants by Marjolien Dalinga of Bloomfelt. This method involves creating ridges (or pleats) in the thick felt surface (made of six layers or so of homemade prefelts) and stitching a line of tacking at the base of the ridge to help the layers to fuse together when felting. Then comes the ‘carving’; using sharp scissors, you make cuts into the top of the ridge, revealing the different coloured stripes to create the Geode effect.
The important thing is to use a strong thread at the base of the ridge (fold) so that it can easily be removed afterwards. Suggestions for the thread went from commercial spools of nylon thread to fish gut or dental floss.
The very enterprising Elizabeth, sitting next to me, gave me some plastic baling twine, which she had brought from her home on the farm in Westmeath, as that was what she had at hand. It’s also a very good alternative as it’s possible to unravel this twine and use a single strand of it for sewing…ingenious!!
It was great to take a walk around the room, looking at everyone’s work at the end and seeing all the different approaches. There is always so much to learn from looking at everyone’s individual creations.
Needless to say, we were kept constantly fed throughout with amazing homemade goodies and hot tea and coffee by membership secretary Fiona and her catering team.
Many thanks to Hélène for her wonderful organisation and facilitation of the session and to Fiona and the committee for the lovely warm hospitality that we all received.
For the Sunday Session attendees, Hélène had very kindly created a PDF of both techniques, with great photos to illustrate them.
By Clodagh Mac Donagh
This Sunday, the 2nd of April, Feltmakers Ireland member and tutor Helene Dooley will share with the group how to create the Cracked Mud Technique and the Felted Geode Finish.
You can either watch or create alongside; if the latter, please bring the following equipment and materials.
Find Hélène Dooley @feltzen on Instagram.
Feltmakers Ireland meets at the CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
There is ample (and free) parking.
Hope to see you at the Sunday Session!
Sunday Session November 6th 2022 in the CIE Social Club Inchicore!
On Sunday 6th November Feltmakers Ireland Committee and 25 members took part in a `hands-on` practical Feltmaking session. There was great excitement, as a Nationwide film team was coming to film our efforts and interview some key members of our Feltmakers Ireland community.
The session was led by Tamzen Lundy, a former Committee member. She had designed a really charming Christmas project for us, a felted Nordic style Santa Claus in 3D. You can use the Santa Claus as a tree decoration, as a bottle topper, or as a stand alone ornament.
Feltmaking is a craft that allows you to easily produce items in 3D without any sewing at all. The committee had prepared a kit bag for each participant, containing all we required for this session.
Tamzen then took us all very clearly through the process, which involved laying merino wool in 3 alternate layers on a triangular shaped resist.
For Santa’s face, Tamzen showed us 2 ways of making and attaching a felt nose,(a felt bead, cut in two) by fluffing it up with a wire (or pet) brush, then had an ingenious method of using a small piece of prefelt (sometimes called Needlepunch) to create the face, and then cutting a teeny hole in the prefelt to reveal the nose. Later we would use needle felting to add eyes and beard.
The main learning points I took from Tamzen`s were:
At the end of the very happy and enjoyable session, it was really interesting how all the Santas looked very individual, taking on their own personalities!
While we participants were concentrating on our project, RTE`S Nationwide crew were filming a wonderful and varied display of members’ work at the end of the room. They interviewed Deirdre Crofts from our Committee, who spoke of the different pieces on display and explained the different felting skills.
Founding member of Feltmakers Ireland, Elizabeth Bonnar was interviewed about our Guild’s history in Ireland. Also interviewed was Astrid Tomrop-Hofman another important person who helped bring felt making to Ireland.
Our current research project on Irish breeds of sheep and their fleeces, was explained to Nationwide interviewer Zainab, by the leader of the research group, our Treasurer, Annika Berglund. The group hopes to publish a book in the near future with their findings.
Fiona Leech and Deirdre Croft told of our monthly Sunday Sessions, and of our Annual Art Felt Exhibition.
Zainab, interviewer, had her first go at Feltmaking!
For me, a member for many years, and formerly on committee, it was lovely to see old felting friends, like Helene Dooley, who has been working with the IFA , (the International Feltmakers Association, with which we are affiliated .)
Session leader, Tamzen, was interviewed, as she has turned her feltimaking into a successful business, and has an Etsy shop, Tamzenlundydesigns.
A very big thank you to Breda Fay, our Guild Chairperson, who was the person RTE contacted, and who made the film crew so welcome. Thanks to Lorna Cady, Committee member, who secured our venue, and to all our Committee members who baked tasty goodies, and made tea and coffee for us all, and made us all so welcome.
Clodagh Mac Donagh.
EXHIBITIONS
NEXT SUNDAY SESSION
venue: CIE sports hall, Inchicore
time : 10.15-12.30
Leader: Carmen Draghici, coming specially from Constanza in southern Romania for the weekend. Her work can be viewed online at FELT JOY and on Facebook & You Tube. She has an ETSY shop and she will bring some of her work to show us.
She will demonstrate some of her unique skills, making a small Christmas Cushion (as time is so limited )
It will be practical session. Some kits may be available to purchase (€4) for those who have materials (old towel, soap, bubble wrap etc) needed to felt with Carmen.
Materials needed: (exactly as last session)
Old towel, bubble wrap, resist, soap, and water bottle, needed.
70 grams red roving, embellishments (including, if you have any, old lace or finest crochet)
All members are welcome.
Tea coffee and Xmas goodies for all!
(Non-members also welcome €10)
This exciting workshop is coming up soon, so apply now to ensure you get a spot!
Date 11th Sep 10am -4pm
Venue: The Kitchen, The Courtyard, Marlay Park, Dublin
The materials list included with the application form has been updated so make sure you download the newest version of the form;
For those who do not have any Finn wool white, Mountain sheep or Tiroler Bergschaf wool listed in the materials list, Astrid will have Bergschaf wool available for sale at a nominal price.
This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow feltmakers and a lovely day out!
For details and completed applications contact
Google location : https://goo.gl/maps/4WgETKJrvJ7SC9wEA
Beautiful location with artisan food market and free parking.
Astrid Thompson: https://bombyxmoriwearableart.com/
FB: (20+) Bombyx MORI – wearable art | Facebook
We are delighted to re start our workshop program with
Wishing Bowl- Astrid Thomson
Make a felted bowl with one of our most beloved artists.
Date 11th Sep 10am -4pm
Venue: The Kitchen, The Courtyard, Marlay Park, Dublin
For more information and application form click here:
For details and completed applications contact
Google location : https://goo.gl/maps/4WgETKJrvJ7SC9wEA
Beautiful location with artisan food market and free parking.
Astrid Thompson
https://bombyxmoriwearableart.com/
FB: (20+) Bombyx MORI – wearable art | Facebook
Our Astrid was born in Germany, but lives and created in Ireland since 1979. She is a true pioneer at heart. We are all familiar that she was one of the first people to start the feltmaking movement in Ireland. Beyond that she has also been living off grid for decades- long before it was mainstream movement.
Since her childhood Astrid was surrounded by creativity, fashion and art. Her mother was a textile designer and her grandparents owned a beautiful garden, which inspired Astrid greatly. She was trained as a professional make-up artist at Film Studio Hamburg and Thalia Theater, and has been involved in art all her life. In 1986 Astrid started painting on silk and eventually committed to textiles as career. The rest is part of Feltmakers Ireland’s history. Astrid works with some of the most beautiful galleries in Ireland, exports internationally and exhibits in curated shows. The secret to it all? Talent and kindness.
Delighted to announce an ONLINE ZOOM based workshop on 30th January at 10am.
This is a workshop with tutor- Gabi McGrath, 3hrs long, starting at 10am. To make an A5 felted book cover. Your 100grm of fibre and cotton gauze is included in the price and will be sent out in advance. You will need to have downloaded the zoom platform as a link will be sent one week before.
The price is €55- and this also includes your membership to Feltmakers ireland for 2021.
Please fill out both the application form for the workshop and the membership form- sending to faybreda@gmail.com.
Payment should be made by bank transfer- details on the membership page of this site- please make a note when paying- your name and “workshop- member”.
This is a great value offer and a nice way to either learn the skill of felt making or brush up on your skills and come away with a lovely token – a book cover that could be used as a journal, diary or inspiration notebook. Start 2021 the right way.
Please help Feltmakers Ireland by spreading the word and sharing- to beginners or gifting this to a friend.
Places limited to 30- first come first served.
Delighted to announce an ONLINE ZOOM based workshop on 30th January at 10am.
This is a workshop with tutor- Gabi McGrath, 3hrs long, starting at 10am. To make an A5 felted book cover. Your 100grm of fibre and cotton gauze is included in the price and will be sent out in advance. You will need to have downloaded the zoom platform as a link will be sent one week before.
The price is €55- and this also includes your membership to Feltmakers ireland for 2021.
Please fill out both the application form for the workshop and the membership form- sending to faybreda@gmail.com.
Payment should be made by bank transfer- details on the membership page of this site- please make a note when paying- your name and “workshop- member”.
This is a great value offer and a nice way to either learn the skill of felt making or brush up on your skills and come away with a lovely token – a book cover that could be used as a journal, diary or inspiration notebook. Start 2021 the right way.
Please help Feltmakers Ireland by spreading the word and sharing- to beginners or gifting this to a friend.
Places limited to 30- first come first served.
Delighted to announce an ONLINE ZOOM based workshop on 30th January at 10am.
This is a workshop with tutor- Gabi McGrath, 3hrs long, starting at 10am. To make an A5 felted book cover. Your 100grm of fibre and cotton gauze is included in the price and will be sent out in advance. You will need to have downloaded the zoom platform as a link will be sent one week before.
The price is €55- and this also includes your membership to Feltmakers ireland for 2021.
Please fill out both the application form for the workshop and the membership form- sending to faybreda@gmail.com.
Payment should be made by bank transfer- details on the membership page of this site- please make a note when paying- your name and “workshop- member”.
This is a great value offer and a nice way to either learn the skill of felt making or brush up on your skills and come away with a lovely token – a book cover that could be used as a journal, diary or inspiration notebook. Start 2021 the right way.
Please help Feltmakers Ireland by spreading the word and sharing- to beginners or gifting this to a friend.
Places limited to 30- first come first served.
Delighted to announce an ONLINE ZOOM based workshop on 30th January at 10am.
This is a workshop with tutor- Gabi McGrath, 3hrs long, starting at 10am. To make an A5 felted book cover. Your 100grm of fibre and cotton gauze is included in the price and will be sent out in advance. You will need to have downloaded the zoom platform as a link will be sent one week before.
The price is €55- and this also includes your membership to Feltmakers ireland for 2021.
Please fill out both the application form for the workshop and the membership form- sending to faybreda@gmail.com.
Payment should be made by bank transfer- details on the membership page of this site- please make a note when paying- your name and “workshop- member”.
This is a great value offer and a nice way to either learn the skill of felt making or brush up on your skills and come away with a lovely token – a book cover that could be used as a journal, diary or inspiration notebook. Start 2021 the right way.
Please help Feltmakers Ireland by spreading the word and sharing- to beginners or gifting this to a friend.
Places limited to 30- first come first served.
Feltmakers Ireland 