Author Archives: manager

Zoom Workshops | Bead Meditation

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There is something especially wonderful about concentrating on one small intimate object at a time. Slowly recognizing the path you will take to release its beauty, to create something really unique. Each bead has this potential to be seduced out by the slow methodical meditation of creation. Hand stitching felted fabrics cultivates our creative spirit.

In this class we will be digging into our fabric stashes to find exotic and unusual fabrics to nuno felt into a mosaic – I call this ‘extreme felting’ – there is hardly anything we can’t felt! This mosaic will form the basis from which our beads will emerge. Design elements will be discussed to focus your choices. Techniques will be taught to manipulate structural elements of the beads. Spontaneous hand stitching and beading will be applied.

The final stringing of each unique bead will be pondered. Cording is an essential element of good design. Several methods of cord making will be discussed as well as purchased materials. A heightened sensitivity to your materials will be nurtured. No previous felting experience is necessary. Basic hand stitching skills needed.

In first part of the Zoom workshop, I will demonstrate how to make your Nuno Mosaic from the fabric swatches you have chosen (you can choose to join me in laying out a small sample). There will be a quick demo about fulling. Then I will demonstrate how to make the beads from your mosaics. Pattern templates, stitching techniques, thread and bead choices will all be discussed. Cording and stringing choices and will also be discussed. The beads take time to emerge, they are indeed a meditation of creation.

You won’t have time during the Zoom session to actually stitch anything unless you have a piece of felt pre-prepared. You are welcome to email/message me any questions after the Zoom session is over.

Cost includes free access to the Zoom recorded sessions for 90 days. Cost: AUD$135.00



Zoom Workshops | How to Fully Full Felt

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Creating Exceptional Felt | How to Fully Full Felt 

A 2-hour Zoom Workshop with Nancy Ballesteros (Perth, Western Australia)

Fulling – one of the most important steps in feltmaking – it comes after the rolling part. It is often poorly executed and little understood. Join me in this 2-hour Zoom workshop to further your fulling skills.

We will focus on learning specific aspects about fulling felt and nuno made with superfine Merino tops.  Learn what it takes to create fine, soft, drapable felt, but most of all felt that will wear well and not pill.

During the zoom workshop you can join me in laying out a fine and medium weight sample and learn about creating similar ‘feltedness’ in your felt pieces.  Bring along a few of your own previously felted pieces to explore various fulling tools and techniques. Why use one tool over another? Have you ever used a clapper?

Tired of rolling?  I’ll take a few minutes to explain my simple but effective No Roll Felting Dryer Method.

Let’s explore the world of fully fulling your felt and create some exceptional felt.

A full recording of this Zoom workshop will be made available to you for a period of 6 months from the Zoom workshop date.

Class size will be limited so that I have time to answer questions and help problem solve any felting issues that arise if you choose to participate during the zoom meeting. If you choose to purchase the recording to view in your own time, you are welcome to email/message me with questions.

Price includes free access to Zoom Workshop recording for 6-month. Price: AUD$110.00



Zoom Workshop | Hanky Panky

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Hanky Panky | Learning to Play with Silk Hankies

A 2 1/2-hour Zoom Workshop with Nancy Ballesteros (Perth, Western Australia)

In this 2 1/2 hour Zoom Workshop we will explore a unique abstract painterly-like method of working with Silk Hankies. If you liked to finger painting as a child you should love this  method of working with the silk hankies. Many felt makers first experience of working with Silk Hankies is usually one of frustration. My aim is to transform this experience into creative bliss.

Silk Hankies possess unique properties which create gloriously lustrous and textural surfaces when laminated with minimal amounts of superfine merino and silk fabric. We will explore creating a variety of different visual effects with the hankies. Finishing techniques will be discussed to ensure proper quality felt.

Silk hankies traditionally have been underutilized as a source of silk by felt makers. You may ask “what is so special about a Silk Hanky”? A silk cocoon is spun by a caterpillar as one continuous strand of silk.  Each hanky is made from a degummed silk cocoon that has been pierced and stretched over a square frame (resembling the shape of a handkerchief), and then stacked layer upon layer. Hankies have the amazing property of being very strong and behave as a continuous mass, the fibre have not been cut like in a silk top.

A full recording of this Zoom workshop will be made available to you for a period of 6 months from the Zoom date.

Class size will be limited so that I have time to answer questions and help problem solve any felting issues that arise if you choose to participate during the zoom meeting. If you choose to purchase the recording to view in your own time, you are welcome to email/message me with questions.

Price includes free access to a 6-month recording of the Zoom session. Cost: AUD$125.00



Zoom Workshop | Sensational Stripe Sequences

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A 3-hour Zoom Workshop with Nancy Ballesteros (Perth, Western Australia)

In this Zoom workshop, I will be demonstrating the various techniques that I have created for designing Sensational Stripes Sequences in felt. A discussion will follow about applying the Fibonacci’s Design Principals to these stripe sequences (no maths are necessary).

There will be some Colour Theory discussed covering essential components of designing stripes sequences. I will also teach you an easy formula to follow when choosing colours for stripes sequences.

Next will be a hands-on demonstration of the unique way in which stripe sequences are created. You can choose to participate alongside me and make a small sample (34cm x 55cm), or you can simply watch, listen and ask questions.

Specific techniques for creating both linear and free-form stripes will be shown, as well as many other variations. Specific fulling techniques will also be discussed to ensure proper felting.

You will have free 3-month access to our 25-minute video “How Fibonacci Design Principles Can Reconnect Your Creativity”. This video was commissioned by the International Feltmaker’s Association in 2021. It explains the magic behind the Fibonacci Sequence and how I have adapted his principles to my felting. It is essential viewing before our zoom meeting.

A full recording of this Zoom workshop will be made available to you for a period of 6 months from the Zoom workshop date.

Class size will be limited so that I have time to answer questions and help problem solve any felting issues that arise if you choose to participate during the zoom meeting.

Zoom times will be announced when we have enough participants.

PRICE INCLUDES: Free 6-month access to Zoom Workshop recording and Free 3-month access to Fibonacci Design Principles Video valued at $20 and numerous helpful handouts.

Price: AUD$155.00




Spare Parts Theater Company drapes the FOX in Treetops Silk Fabrics

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Treetops silk fabrics have been chosen to create the main characters in Fox, a production by Perth’s Spare Parts Puppet Theater. We were extremely honored Spare Parts chose to use our Paj Colour Marks series in Spice Market to represent the ‘Fox’, I think you will agree it suits the character incredibly well. A few of our other colourways take to the stage as well.

Fox – Adapted from the book by Margaret Wild & Ron Brooks, is a riveting fable which will take you on a journey through scorched scrubland and ochre deserts to discover the meaning of loyalty, companionship and betrayal. Told through a fusion of puppetry and dance, Fox highlights the constant battle between remaining faithful and falling for temptation and reminds us that the strength of friendship can give us the courage to get through difficult times.

More information about Spare Parts and their product Fox can be found at http://www.sppt.asn.au (Perth, Western Australia).

TWO NEW SILK FABRICS ARRIVING SOON | MAY 2019

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For the first quarter of this year the state of the Chinese Silk Industry is still in flux. Prices have not yet come down as expected from and from their all time high of last year, partially due to the postponement of a resolution to the trade agreement between China and the USA.

We are still optimistic that later this year prices will lower and we can restock our 4.5 momme Tissue Silk (Silk Georgette). In the meantime, we managed to secure two fabulous NEW fabrics at an incredible price, given the state of the market. They are currently ‘on the boat’ and are expected to arrive in June.

One of the fabrics is a 3.5momme Crepe Silk Georgette to supplement our Tissue Silk fabric line. This new fabric has an incredible springy crepe texture! It’s handle will have a slight stretch due to it’s crepe yarn structure. The fabric was offered to us on a clearance sale from the supplier and therefore will be a ‘limited edition’.

Our other new fabric is great addition to our Silk Chiffon line. It was also sold to us as a ‘Limited Edition, clearance priced’ 4.3 momme extra wide, Silk Chiffon (140cm wide, 55inches). This fabric is fine and translucent enough to see through and is an excellent choice for fine nuno felting. When you purchase 140cm wide fabric, the cost is slightly higher, but remember you will receive 23% more fabric! 

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Live & Breathe – Australian Wool Campaign

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AWI’s (Australian Wool Innovation) Live & Breathe Campaign set out to educate a new generation of consumers about the technical performance benefits of Australian Merino wool. What better way to showcase wool’s performance benefits than have commercially available wool products tested by a group of top athletes – which is exactly what The Woolmark Company did as part of its Live & Breathe marketing campaign .

With its unrivaled breathability, moisture management properties and odour control, there’s no denying that wool is the ultimate performance fibre. To prove it, AWI’s marketing arm, The Woolmark Company, put wool to the ultimate test – as part of the company’s Live & Breathe consumer marketing campaign – with three Australian athletes wearing head-to-toe wool for their workouts.

THE ATHLETES’ VERDICT “I think that people hold the misconception that wool can be cumbersome and itchy, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” said atlete Rohan Browning of his experience. “High performance in elite sport is all about being in a comfortable mental and physical space. When you’re behind the start line and all the work has been done, the only thing you can change is what you wear.” Jeff agrees, noting in particular wool’s ability to regulate body temperature and minimise moisture. “I typically find it difficult to find a product that can keep me warm early in a run when I’m still cold, and that can cope once I’ve warmed up so that I don’t overheat or sweat. Wool minimises the need for multiple layers that need to be shed as a run goes on, making it really versatile.” High jumper Amy Pojkic commented: “Breathable, lightweight, durable and 100% Australian Merino wool – perfect for summer workouts too.”

The Woolmark Company partnered with Amazon to create a hub of shoppable wool products. See www.amazon.com/adlp/woolmark

MORE INFORMATION www.woolmark.com/liveandbreathe

Beyond the Bale, Live & Breath Campaign, Issue 77 Dec. 2018, pg 6-8.