What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this class students who are brand new to needle felting will learn basic needle felting skills, and those who have already begin felting will refine the skills they already have. We'll begin with flat felted shapes and learn to use them to create individual parts of a whole, as well as felting an entire scene. Then we'll add dimensional shapes, working together to combine them with flat felted shapes as needed to create needle felted sculptures of animals, plants, and other items found in nature. Students will learn to train their eye to visually dissect things as they learn to recreate them in felt. We'll talk about parts of plants and fungi and the characteristics of animals that help us create more identifiable needle felted items. We'll practice looking closely at things in order to see details that are easily missed. As the students progress in their abilities each day, I'll share the steps needed for creating a specific project that uses the skills they've learned thus far, and we'll complete it together in class. Students will be free to individualize their projects, keeping within the theme of the days work and the materials they have on hand. Weekly projects may vary, based on interests of the group... Some may be more keen to sculpt plants, others animals, and some classes will choose to do projects involving a larger variety of natural things. This is a casual and conversational class, and students are welcome to bring a snack/drink and talk and get to know others who share their interest in needle felting. While this is listed as an "arts" class, there will definitely be science and nature studies information included! Class 1 - Intro to Needle Felting Flat Felting (shapes, scenes, color and texture) Class 2 - Dimensional Felting (core wool, shapes, density) Class 3 - Combining Techniques Class 4 - Refining your work to make it more realistic This class does not require any previous needle felting experience, but will also offer new challenges for experienced needle felters. (At times this class may be scheduled to meet as a multi-day class over 4 weeks instead of a 4 day/week camp.)
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In this class we will be using sharp needles to shape fibers... There is a risk that students may poke their fingers!
Please consider your child's ability to exercise care and caution, and follow instructions with sharp objects, before enrolling them in this class!!
Supply List
Students will need a beginners needle felting kit (there are many available) that includes several needles, a felting mat, foam, or pillow, and assorted colors of wool batting... I suggest a combination of neutral naturals (for animals) and brights (for flowers, plants, fungi, and more colorful animals. I encourage students to work predominantly with wool "batts" rather than "roving" because it has a more easily felted texture - especially for beginners... but either or a combination of both is just fine! Students should also have a couple of sheets of felt (I prefer wool, but polyester will work if that's all you can find!) in soft natural colors like blue/green/brown/gray. You can buy this by the piece in craft stores, or a 1/4 yard cut from a bolt at a fabric store will also be plenty!
Language of Instruction
English
Teacher expertise and credentials
I grew up homeschooling in the woods of Maine and along the coastal shores of a small New Jersey island town.
My summers were spent at Girl Scout camp and traveling across the country on scouting adventures primarily focused on the outdoors and history - like a wagon train traversing the North Dakota prairie and hiking & camping along fur trade routes in Wisconsin. As a GS Gold Award recipient, my final project was implementing an outdoor day camp program for Special Olympians - because I have always believed that outdoor learning and fun should be accessible to everyone.
I went on to study Theology at a small private college and then spent time living in Far East Russia - where I ran camp programs for children in rural villages, youth centers, and inner-city parks.
I have nearly 20 years of experience working in living history museums, where I've demonstrated and taught period crafts and domestic arts, run educational programs and special events, researched and created staff costuming, and was the camp director for one of the few railroad themed summer camps in the USA.
I homeschooled my children from kindergarten through graduation. I've also owned a Montessori school, helped facilitate two Sudbury-inspired learning cooperatives, and founded two inclusive homeschool support groups that offered guidance for parents and a full range of weekly classes for students of all ages.
I'm a master-level Forest Kindergarten teacher and happily at home outside, sharing my love of nature with kids - no matter the weather!
I am finishing a BFA with a concentration in Socially Engaged Art at Prescott College.
In my "spare time,” I'm a writer, musician, and all-around creative and hobbity sort of person.
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I have many years of experience working to create spaces that are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse young people. I enjoy helping all my students learn, share their interests, and practice group social skills. It's always my endeavor to foster a classroom space where everyone can share, be heard, and participate in the most comfortable and enjoyable way for them. I believe in facilitating spaces of kindness, patience, and gentle correction when needed. Please message me if you have concerns about how your child might best be included in and enjoy my classes!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$75
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
2-10 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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