Top 10 Best Felt Making classes, courses, learnings kits and gifts in the UK

Feltmaking is one of the oldest textile crafts in the world, used in nomadic cultures for centuries as a way to make carpets, boots, clothes and portable homes known as yurts. Today it is also a popular textile craft that allows you to create unique practical and artistic items from 2D art to sumptuous wearables. In this workshop you will learn how to make a 2D wet felted memory sampler to create your own unique reminder of a significant life event, special holiday or another treasured memory. For example, the sampler could capture the colours of the landscape after a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or mark a wedding or anniversary. The workshop fee includes a box frame, wool fibres, silk fibres and other materials but you are encouraged to bring something of your own to incorporate, such as fabric scraps, a piece of lace, knitting yarns or even buttons. It could be a piece of a favourite item of clothing that you no longer wear e.g scarf, jumper, blouse; a piece of a wedding dress or baby’s first outfit; or the buttons or trimming off a loved but now unworn item of clothing. Almost any fabric can be used, but natural fabrics such as silk, linen, wool or cotton work best. As the sampler will shrink as it is felted it is best to bring pieces that are A5 – A4 size that you don’t mind cutting up. During the workshop you will learn how to: • blend and lay out wool fibres, • how to apply fabrics, lace, knitting yarns etc • how to manipulate the wool and other items into a finished piece using the wet felting technique • how to further embellish and mount your sampler into a box frame that will be supplied as part of the workshop fee. Lesley will demonstrate each step and give students individual help and advice. Things Students Should Bring • scraps of fabric: natural fabrics such as linen, silk, muslin, cheesecloth, woollen, cotton etc work best, but dress net, lace, loosely woven or lightweight synthetic fabrics can be used too. The tutor will bring some fabric scraps too for purchase on the day (£2) if necessary. • Old towel; a large hand towel or small bath towel is ideal. • Small plastic jug or bowl (big enough to hold a litre of water in & to put your work in) • Bar of soap, either olive oil or glycerine, not a type that is very creamy as it will produce too much lather. Olive oil soap can be bought at most health food shops. • Plastic bag to take wet work home. • Apron – optional • Notebook & pen or pencil to make notes – optional About The Tutor Lesley has been making handmade felt for over 20 years using the wet feltmaking technique. She has sold and exhibited her work at fairs and exhibitions and also in an independent craft shop. She is a long-standing member of the International Feltmakers Association, a worldwide organisation with 1000+ members, and was a committee member for a number of years, eventually becoming Chair. She has taught feltmaking in both the UK and France.

On the hunt for some spooky things to do in London in time for the 31st of October? Look no further than this craft workshop perfect for beginners! Make some frighteningly amazing Halloween decorations that are perfect to hang around the house. You'll use colourful felt, thread and stuffing to make these cute and sustainable ornaments with plenty of guidance from your talented teacher guiding the class. First you will design your little stuffed creations. There will be plenty of samples on hand to inspire you and some ideas from your teacher too. Then you can get cracking on making your own Halloween decs. Looking for some team-building ideas in London to celebrate this ghoulish season? Then you'll love this engaging class. Getting creative is a great way to unwind and everyone will leave feeling refreshed. This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team building activity, birthday or hen do. What to bring: This workshop is BYOB (you can bring your own alcohol, we provide the glasses) or you can request a tea or coffee from the host.

Feltmaking is one of the oldest textile crafts in the world, with written and archaeological evidence that the nomadic peoples of Central Asia have made felt for thousands of years. Its roots lie in practical items for warmth; carpets, boots, clothes and even portable homes known as yurts. Today it is a practised by textile artists across the world to create both practical and purely artistic work. In this workshop you will learn what makes felt such a versatile textile and how to make a 3D felt flower using the wet felting technique. You will learn how to: • blend and lay out wool fibres, • how to use a resist for 3D work and • how to make and fuse three individual felt components to create your flower. Lesley will demonstrate each step and give students individual help and advice. What’s Included The workshop fee includes a pack of wool fibres, plus the feltmaking equipment required. About The Tutor Lesley has been making handmade felt for over 20 years using the wet feltmaking technique. She has sold and exhibited her work at fairs and exhibitions and also in an independent craft shop. She is a long standing member of the International Feltmakers Association and was a committee member for a number of years, eventually becoming Chair. All materials and light refreshments will be provided.