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

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

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

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

Fibonacci Design Principles – watch before Zoom session

Zoom Session from August 6th