Wet Felting

With Mary Ellen Raneri

May 18 | 9 AM - 2 PM | All materials provided

Wet felting is a method for changing wool and animal fibers into a dense fabric called “felt.” We will use warm soapy water and a rolling method which causes the fibers to hook together and form our cloth. Following the welt felting process, and after a bit of drying, we will dry felt (just a bit) to decorate it and to adhere to the design. We do this with special needles that have barbs on them.

My class is for total beginners who have not done any wet felting before. You will learn the basics of wet felting, with step-by-step instructions for laying out wool, wetting, rubbing, rolling and finishing your felt. I will show you how to use some dry felting techniques, too! You will feel confident trying it for the first time. The piece of felt being demonstrated in the instructions is approximately a 5”x7” piece of felt that will be completed in class. It will make a lovely and unique wall hanging for any room.

Again, the piece of felt being made in the demonstration is approximately 5”x7”. You will receive wool and have a choice of 3 suggestion-designs. You are welcome to use your wool, however, to do your own design. I will provide you with the following supplies to use in the class: plastic, bubble wrap, soap, a sheer for rolling, a pool noodle and ties for rolling the wool, towels, wool, some embellishments and doodads, and use of my felting needles and felting pad. Please understand that you do not keep the supplies; however, you should have a beautiful piece of fabric art for your collection that YOU made!

Please be aware that this lesson is somewhat physically demanding, as you will be STANDING for a majority of the time and ROLLING your wool (which is wrapped around a long cylinder) on a tabletop. In addition, we will be THROWING it in order to remove excess water. I would wear older clothes because I typically splash and get some soap on my clothing. Lastly, you will be WORKING WITH NEEDLES. Be careful not to poke yourself!! They are quite sharp.

The lesson is approximately 4.5 hours. This will include a little break while your fabric dries. I am looking forward to teaching you and helping you with your art! Kindly forward any questions to weinerpaws@aol.com

This is a rough plan of the wool felting lesson:

Introduction to materials
Laying out wool on plastic and bubble wrap
Wetting and massaging wool
Wrapping wool
Rolling wool
Checking wool for completion
Rinsing wool
Adding boiling water to wool and throwing
Drying time
Introduction to needles and needle felting
Discussion about mounting your piece
Sharing finished work.

Please Note:

Tuition is due with registration unless other arrangements are made. If you cancel 0-7 days before the class start date, we are able to refund your tuition ONLY if we can fill your space from our waitlist. We are not able to issue partial refunds or transfer your registration to another class. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we cannot refund your tuition once you have started the classes under any circumstances.
Art is a messy business! Please bring an apron or wear work clothes and closed shoes that can get dirty.
Bring a hair tie if you have long hair.
Leave your rings, smartwatches, and jewelry at home. Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.