TOWARDS AN ANIMAL MASK

Course Overview

Through the creation of multiple felt samples—both 2D and small-scale 3D—you will explore key

visual and structural aspects of your chosen animal, which may include:

• Working with resists, volumes and sculpting

• Colour and colour patterns

• Skin textures, fur, hair, or plumage

• Ears, horns, and other structural elements

• Eyes: shape, expression, and inclusions

Samples will typically measure around 30 × 30 cm for 2D work, alongside smaller 3D studies where

appropriate.

Sample topics will vary between students depending on the animal species chosen, but most

participants will explore colour, surface texture, eyes, and ears as a minimum.

What You’ll Walk Away With

By the end of the workshop, you will:

• Have explored a broad range of feltmaking techniques relevant to animal mask making and beyond

• Have created a coherent series of 2D and 3D samples to support the development of an animal mask

• Have translated observation and research into felt through appropriate technical solutions

• Be able to evaluate, integrate, and apply newly acquired techniques to your own practice

• Have begun building a personal reference library of samples, ideas, and approaches that can continue to grow at home

What this Workshop is not 

• This is not a full animal mask-making workshop

• You will not be taught how to construct a complete head mask

• The workshop does not focus on shrinkage or producing a finished sculptural object

Please do not attend expecting to begin or complete a full mask during this workshop.

 
What this workshop is  

• A focused research and sampling workshop

• A space for both 2D and 3D experimentation without the pressure of finishing a final piece

• A technical preparation lab for future animal mask projects

• An opportunity to test ideas, refine techniques, and develop confidence before committing to a full mask

Who this Workshop is for

This workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced feltmakers.

It is ideal if you:

• Are planning to make an animal mask and want to prepare thoroughly

• Have previously attended a mask-making masterclass and are developing a new design

• Want to deepen your understanding of colour, texture, form, and animal features in felt

• Enjoy working experimentally, analytically, and iteratively through sampling

While this is a stand-alone workshop, it is especially beneficial for anyone intending to attend an animal mask-making masterclass.

Basic wet felting skills - such as making pre-felt - are assumed.

Why join this Workshop

Making an animal mask is complex and demanding. This workshop allows you to:

• Reduce risk by testing ideas in advance

• Make informed design decisions through hands-on experimentation

• Explore form and surface independently from full-scale construction

• Work more efficiently and intentionally when you begin a full mask

By isolating individual elements—eyes, ears, surface, colour, and form—you can focus fully on skill development, without having to manage the demands of an entire mask at the same time.

Provisional detailed program (please note this is flexible and subject to change)

Day 1 :  Fibre choice, colour & colour patterns

We begin by establishing a solid technical foundation. You’ll experiment with colour mixing, layering,

and pattern development. The focus is on understanding how colour and fibres behave in felt and

how to utilise this to mimic animal skin.

Day 2 : Skin textures, fur, hair & plumage

This day is dedicated to surface development. Through a series of samples, you’ll investigate

different approaches to creating skin textures, fur, hair, or feather-like effects, depending on your

chosen animal species. Emphasis is placed on material choice, fibre behaviour, and surface

decoration.

Day 3 : Ears & horns

You’ll explore structural elements such as ears and horns, working through both 2D studies and

small 3D samples. Topics include form, proportion, sculpting considerations, and how these elements

influence expression and character.

Day 4 : Eyes

he final day focuses on eyes as a key expressive feature. You’ll experiment with shape, scale,

placement,sculpting treatment, and expression, developing samples that support the emotional and

visual language of your animal design.

Once you have registered, you will receive a Materials List .

Please ensure you:

• Allow sufficient time to source required materials, as some may take time to obtain

• Familiarise yourself with the materials before the workshop

• Complete the short pre-workshop homework outlined in the Materials List

All teaching and instructions are given in English . A basic understanding of English is required. Some written handouts (in English) will be provided.

Monitoring of execution and evaluation methods

Although each participant follows a personal line of inquiry, learning is deeply enriched by the shared

studio environment.

Support throughout the workshop includes:

• One-to-one consultations 

• Practical group demonstrations

• Illustrated explanations of a wide range of feltmaking techniques and approaches

• Ongoing exposure to the experimentation and discoveries of your fellow students

This balance of individual guidance and collective learning creates a dynamic, responsive studio atmosphere where ideas can cross-pollinate and understanding deepens.

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 workshop is suitable for:

• Intermediate feltmakers : proficient in 2D feltmaking, with experience of 3D wet felt, basic shrinkage calculations, and working with resists

• Advanced feltmakers : confident with complex techniques, surface textures, and material choice

It is not suitable for total beginners or beginners who have not yet attempted 3D wet felt.

Advance preparations

Once you have registered, you will receive a Materials List.

Please ensure you:

• Allow sufficient time to source required materials, as some may take time to obtain

• Familiarise yourself with the materials before the workshop

• Complete the short pre-workshop homework outlined in the Materials List

All teaching and instructions are given in English. A basic understanding of English is required. Some

written handouts (in English) will be provided.

Personal Financing Rate

4-day training course: 480€. 

Special price for Samples for Masks + Animal Masks: 1510€

Maximum number of students: 10

If your tax residence is in France:

Tuition fees may be covered by training organizations (OPCO, Vivea, Afdas, FAFCEA, France Travail, etc.) depending on your status and eligibility. Contact us for personalized advice and a quote at atelierdubocage31@gmail.com

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 atelierdubocage31@gmail.com