Wet Felting - Dimensional Technique.
Traditional Scandinavian relief methods using a plastic sheet to build thick felt that will hold a shape. In the class
we will make a purse to learn the skills needed to produce any shape of vessel, hat or boot. Most of the skills needed to
make felt are learned by feel. I will explain how, why and what is happening to the fibers that causes them to felt and the
particulars of felting with alpaca fibers verses other wool fibers. This class is an advanced technique but once mastered,
you will be well on your way to being a felt craftsman.
Wet Felting - Rolled Flat Felt and Laminated Felt.
Traditional wet felting methods using a felting mat and a rolling motion to make a felted and fulled fabric. In the class
we will make felt in various thicknesses from wispy - "nuno" felt, to felt that will stand up to foot traffic on the floor.
Most of the skills needed to make felt are learned by feel. I will explain how, why and what is happening to the fibers that
causes them to felt and the particulars of felting with alpaca fibers verses other wool fibers and what happens when you start
mixing them!
Fiber Dying and Processing - Small Scale Projects or Production Techniques.
This class depends on your area of interest. Some students are interested in how to get a bunch of different colors to
expand their fiber stash while others are interested in figuring out how to get the fiber off the animal and what happens
next. Elsa Leyden is an experienced alpaca shearer and runs all of the dying and processing operations on the farm for close
to 60 alpacas to produce the line of fiber products offered by Longbranch Fiber Farm. Learn about shearing, grading, sorting,
skirting, washing, dying, picking, carding. What is a roving vs. a batt? What is a second cut? What about moths? Can I dye
with Koolaid? Why should I care? You’ll know all this and more!
Needle Felting - Sculptural or Flat Surface Design Techniques.
A technique using a directionally barbed needle to tangle loose fibers either to a surface for design & texture or
into a dimensional sculpture. You pick! Work from a color palette of dyed alpaca fiber to paint a 12x12 picture that can be
framed or sewn. Or use the needles to sculpt as you would clay, the shapes that will assemble into any figurine. In class
we will make a fish and cover tricks to making faces look friendly!
General Class Information
All classes are $95.00 per person and include all materials, unless otherwise noted. Classes are one day and vary in length,
usually starting around 10:30 a.m. Classes can be scheduled back to back on consecutive days, as an individual class or in
groups of up to 8 depending on the topic. Visa & MasterCard are accepted.
FOOD & LODGING - Bring a sack lunch for the class. There is a full kitchen with microwave but Elsa is not a cook. There
are dogs in the studio. Please let me know if this will be a problem.
Longbranch Fiber Farm Studio is located next door to Joemma Beach State Park. There is a 1/4 mile trail to the campground
located on the beach. There are many area B&Bs and hotels. Google the Gig Harbor Area.
DRESS CODE -Wear layers and clothes that can get splattered with soapy water (or dye). Most of the time we will be in garage
and it stays fairly cool. But felting can be quite physically demanding and you will want to be able to roll up your sleeves.
If you are coming for a processing class - it could be dusty...depends on how into it you want to get!
LOCATION & REGISTRATION - Classes are held at Longbranch Fiber Farm Studio in Lakebay, Washington. Located just Southwest
of Tacoma. To register for a class - call or e-mail Elsa@longbranchfiber.com 253-884-4523. We will look at our schedules and go from there.
Classes may also be arranged to be held on location. If an overnight stay will be required to complete travel to the class
location, expenses for accommodations and travel will be charged to the sponsoring person or group. The daily rate is $300.00
for up to 8 hours of instruction and/or demonstrations, plus material fees. Material fees vary depending on the topic from
$10-15 per student. If materials for classes must be shipped to location, all expenses for shipping will be charged to the
sponsoring group.
