TREE BARKS IN FELT
4-day workshop from September 9 to 12, 2025
This 4-day workshop looks to the world of trees as a starng point for exploring textures, surface relief and experimental layering. There are thought to be 73,000 tree species globally, among which 9,000 tree species are yet to be discovered. Roughly 40% of undiscovered tree species are in South America.
With such a huge inspiraon source, there are years of inspiraon ahead for any arst/designer. For this workshop however, we’ll have to narrow it down to 1 or 2 tree species! We’ll study these thoroughly, and explore ways and techniques to translate their beauty into felt.
For your inspiration, bring a piece of tree bark that has been naturally shed, or some good quality colour images of a bark of your choice. Images can be printed (min. print size 20 x 30cm) or on a tablet. If you’re travelling internationally to attend this workshop, please check customs rules around importing plant matter.
We will make some small 2D studies to explore colours and textures, before embarking on a larger piece that will measure approximately 25 x 40cm when finished.
This workshop will assume some basic wet feltmaking knowledge, such as how to make a pre-felt, but does not require any sculptural experience. Sculptural ps and techniques will be oered where appropriate.
A wide range of materials may be incorporated into the felt to help create the texture and colour that is unique to your chosen tree species, including mosses and lichens, and you will be encouraged to think outside the box - so come with an open-minded, experimental attitude.
As all participants will choose their own tree species, you will benefit greatly from being exposed to your student cohort’s work, and from the experimentation in the room around you. Throughout the workshop, learning is supported through 1-to-1 consultations, practical group demonstrations and illustrated explanations of a wide range of felt making techniques and creative approaches. The techniques acquired in this workshop can be adapted and applied to a wide range of projects post-workshop, and are not limited to the topic of tree bark alone.
Detailed program
All teaching/instructions are given in English. You will need a basic understanding & command of the English language. Some written handouts (in English) will be supplied. Simultaneous translation in French will be provided by a felt maker with extensive knowledge of the techniques taught.
Day 1 :
Small studies: pre-felts, fabrics, textures, contrast.
Day 2 :
Framing & selecting, choosing & preparing your ingredients.
Day 3 :
Felting a large piece of bark.
Day 4 :
Further developing a large piece of bark.
Educational objectives of this course
By the end of this workshop, you will:
Have explored a range of felt making techniques. These may include, but are not limited to: Inclusions, hollow spaces, diferential shrinkage, prefelts, surface decorations, colour layering, stitch, embroidery, etc.
Have greater confidence to interpret your ideas and observations into felt.
Have demonstrated the ability to evaluate, integrate, and apply newly acquired techniques and medium to your own felt practice.
Have explored ways in which to enhance textural felt surfaces, both during and aer the felng process.
Monitoring of execution and evaluation methods
Attendance sheets.
Learning is supported by practical demonstrations, one-on-one consultations and illustrated help and explanations.
Training evaluation forms.
Materials available for students
Each participant will benefit from a suitable individual workstation, with individual felting table adjustable in height, small felting equipment.
Possibility of purchasing raw materials (wool, textiles, threads) on site if necessary and depending on available stocks.
Large light and bright workshop, abundant library specializing in textile art and colors.
Level of prior knowledge and prerequisites
This course is a stand-alone workshop which is suitable for:
Beginners
Intermediate
Advanced feltmakers
Please use the definitions below to work out if this workshop is suitable for you:
Total beginner: I have never wet felted before & wouldn't know where to start (but I may have dry/needle felted).
Beginner: I have made pieces of 2D wet felt but have not attempted any 3D work. I know the difference between felt and pre-felt.
Intermediate: I am proficient in 2D wet felt making, and have made 3D work wet felt. I have basic knowledge of wool breeds, shrinkage/calculations, and have practical experience of working with pre-felt and felting around a resist.
Advanced: I am an experienced wet felter, and have very good working knowledge of both 2D and 3D wet felting techniques, including surface textures such as 'cracked earth' technique, and working with more complex resists. I have good theoretical knowledge of wet felting and have a practical understanding of the characteristics of different wool breeds and when to use them.
Professional: Felt making provides my main source of income. I have excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of a wide range of wet felting techniques, including and exceeding those of the advanced felt maker (above). I have developed a parcular technique/style in my work. I currently am/would consider teaching my own workshops.
Target audience
This training is intended to offer skills in the sector of manual wool felt manufacturing, which can be defined as follows: to all motivated people practicing an activity requiring knowledge of wool and its transformation, and to any person having a project for which this knowledge is required: farmers, breeders, wool producers, who wish to diversify their offer by offering felt products resulting from the transformation of their wool production, craftsmen wishing to offer products refined in wool felt, creators and actors in textile creation, textile designers, interior decorators, theater costume designers, textile artists.
The trainees' acquisitions will be validated by the trainer step by step, the final validation will be shared collectively between the trainees.
This master class will be taught in English, with simultaneous translation into French. Some written materials will be provided. This face-to-face master class is strictly limited to 10 students.
Personal Financing Rate
4-day training course (28 hours): €560.
2 sessions -10% on total educational fees.
3 sessions -15% on total educational fees.
Maximum number of students: 10
Accommodation
Our residence is the ideal place to sleep on site throughout your training. If you would like to know more, write to us at contact@feutreformationfrance.fr
Materials to bring
A list of materials to bring is at your disposal. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the workshop to familiarize yourself with the materials you need to bring.