One of seven courses available for the May 9 – 12, 2024
MCA Weekend Workshop @ Haystack
Sculptural Needle Felting
Instructor: Erlynne Kitagawa
Haystack Studio: Visiting Artist
Enrollment Limit: 10
Materials Fees: $25
Level: All Levels
Class Description:
This workshop is for those with some experience with needle-felting. The goal is to become more familiar with the nature of wool and how it responds best to the action of the felting needle; a simple tool that can efficiently and precisely shape, sculpt and render very subtle features and detail. The pieces created in this workshop will tend to be small in size, reflecting the time it takes to felt a compact and durable piece with a high degree of detail. We will be incorporating elements like wire, weights and simple embellishments to support, form and finish work.
The other aspect of the workshop will be using a sketchbook to design and develop ideas; to work out details, clarify form, size, shape and color. The sketchbook can be a useful guide and document for planning and recording projects.
Most importantly, I want to emphasize that joy and imagination are the most important things to bring to the table. With more and more felting experience and ability, you will find the possibilities are endless, and you will be drawn to more and more challenging projects. All things become possible and it will be hard to stop coming up with ideas to try!
Materials List + Fees:
Participants in this workshop will be provided with basic materials for the $25 fee paid at the time of registration. Students can purchase additional wool directly from the instructor during the weekend.
Instructor Provided Materials:
- Wool
- Felting Needles
- Armature Wire
- Embroidery Floss
- Felting Matt (if students do not provide their own).
Students should bring the following items:
- Sketchbook and Drawing Tools
- Scissors
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Large Eye Needles
Students are encouraged to bring the following items if they already own them:
- Your Favorite Felting Matt (foam with felt sheet)
- Felting Needles you already love!
- Additional Wool
About the Instructor-
Erlynne Kitagawa is a registered architect and primarily practiced in Boston before moving to Maine in the late 90’s. She began needle felting about the same time and have been participating in shows since. Her background in architectural design, with an emphasis on understanding the nature of materials and the process of production and assemblage, contributes directly to her approach in any craft, whether felting building, gardening or woodworking.