TOWARDS AN ANIMAL MASK
TOWARDS AN ANIMAL MASK
4-day workshop from March 1 to 4, 2026
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This 4-day preparatory workshop has been developed in response to student requests and is highly recommended for those wishing to try out colour, eye types, hair, fur, plumage, surface techniques and other special effects in preparation for making a full animal mask.
Whether you are about to embark on your first animal mask, or you have wet felted a mask with me before, this workshop is an ideal opportunity to research specific aspects of your chosen animal, develop appropriate technical responses, and to practise them on small samples before working on the mask itself. This eliminates some risk factors and will save you me later on, and will give you a beer understanding of the final outcome you are trying to achieve.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A 3-D SCULPTURE WORKSHOP AND YOU WILL NOT BE TAUGHT HOW TO
MAKE A FULL HEAD MASK.
Please do not come expecting to focus purely on sculptural work. While some 3-D elements may be incorporated on the surface of the felt, or some small 3D samples may be created, our main focus will be on the creation of 2-D samples that explore different aspects of your chosen animal species.The samples you’ll make will measure approx 30x30cm. Sample topics may vary widely between students, based on the animal species choses, but most likely you will explore colour/colour patterns, skin textures, eyes, and ears as a minimum.
Although you will be pursuing your personal line of inquiry, 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 approaches.
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 :
Shrinkage, colour & colour patterns.
Day 2 :
Skin textures/fur/hair/plumage.
Day 3 :
Ears/horns.
Day 4 :
Eyes.
Educational objectives of this course
By the end of this workshop, you will:
Have explored a range of felt making techniques.
Have create a series of samples in preparation for the creation of an animal mask.
Have interpreted your observations into felt & come up with appropriate technical solutions.
Have demonstrated the ability to evaluate, integrate, and apply newly acquired techniques and medium to your felt practice.
Have developed the beginnings of a reference library of techniques and ideas to enable future mask projects, which can connue to grow at home.
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
Intermediate
Advanced
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
Although this course is a stand-alone workshop which may be of interest to any intermediate+ felt makers wishing to prepare for an animal mask, it will greatly benefit anyone attending a 5- or 6-day mask making master class. Basic wet felting skills such as the making of pre-felt will be assumed.
Personal Financing Rate
4-day training course (28 hours): €560.
Special price for Samples + Animal Masks 1510€ (84 hours)
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
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