Felt Basket Workshop

Service Description

Come along and learn how to make a felt basket using an exciting contemporary felting method to create a large, sculptural form. Unlike the flat resist method used in traditional felt bowl making, this technique builds the basket around a ball. As an additional twist, the external pattern is laid directly onto the ball, meaning one of the final stages is to turn the basket inside out to reveal the finished design. If you have attended the felt pot workshop (which uses the same technique), this workshop takes the process further by introducing handles and a more complex 3D structure. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Your design is placed around the ball before adding fibre layers in small amounts on top, much like a papier-mâché technique. The work is kept wet throughout using warm soapy water, with regular spraying to support the felting process. Once the fibre layers are complete, your felt basket is encased in thin plastic and tights to secure the structure. The felting process then begins in earnest, including sessions of bouncing the ball on the table surface. This is where the fun truly starts. After several rounds of bouncing and hand felting, you will reach the exciting moment of turning your piece the right way around to reveal your finished basket design. YOUR TUTOR Our expert tutor Rachel Morley will be on hand throughout the day to assist absolute beginners as well as those with some experience of felting who are curious to learn a new technique. You will be guided through the felting process, handling wool fibres and using the ball as a resist to create your own unique 3D basket. THE VENUE The workshop will take place in an inspiring and relaxed creative setting (venue details as applicable), providing plenty of space and time for a full day of making. WHO IS IT FOR? This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some felting experience who would like to explore a new technique. A full day format allows time for a relaxed and immersive making experience. WHAT TO BRING Please bring along: A colour palette in mind (three colours or three shades of one colour are recommended) An apron (if required) A good range of wool fibres and decorative yarns will be provided, including materials suitable for line-based surface design, whether horizontal bands or more organic vertical markings from base to rim. WORKSHOP INFORMATION This is a full-day workshop running from 10:00am to 4:00pm.