Klakulak focuses her instruction on understanding the material and process in order to apply good technique and craftsmanship in implementing the elements of art and the principles of design. Klakulak’s courses are not kit or generally project oriented, rather, encouraging participants to develop personalized aesthetics and objects and to reflect on their choices with group discussions. The following courses could be taught independently or integrated depending on the facilities and equipment available, time constraints, number of participants and budget for materials. Participants are requested to bring specific supplies in addition to the materials, tools and resource information that are provided with the materials fee for each course. Slide lectures of Klakulak's work, history, travel and perspectives on contemporary/historical felting may be included during a workshop or scheduled separately. Please contact Lisa Klakulak to discuss the possibilities and to develop a workshop specific to your institution and its patrons.
FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 2-D TEXTILES
2-D Foundations
2-D Felting: The Elements of Art & Principles of Design
2-D Felt/Fabric Fusion Sampling
Patterning Felt
Realism in Felted Imagery
Pockets and Flaps: Using Resists in 2-D Felting
FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 3-D HOLLOW FORMS
Felt Mittens Using a Flat Resist
Felt Hats or Vessels Using a Form Resist
Structuring and Patterning Felted Vessels
FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 3-D SOLID FORMS
Solid Form Felting: Building Blocks
Extraordinary Buttons with Shanks
Felted Compositions for Neck Adornment
Protuberances: Building Solid Felt Forms off of a 2-D Surface
TECHNIQUES FOR EMBELLISHING FELT
Embellishment Sampler
Needle Felted Surface Embellishment
Free Motion Machine Embroidery on Felt
Hand Stitching and Beading
COMPREHENSIVE COURSES
The Full Felt Experience
Textures and Protuberances
Layering Techniques to Create a Unique Body Textile
Single Strap Handbag Using the Flat Resist Method
Lidded Vessel
NATURAL DYES
The Foundation for Dyeing Felt
Indigo Blue
Indigo Blue and Over-dyeing
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FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 2-D TEXTILES
2-D Foundations
Beginner | suggested time: 1-3 day course
Designed for the novice, this course will provide foundational information about the biology of the material, the diverse states it may be purchased in, the chemistry of the process, the tools used in the techniques of 2-D manipulation and the craftsmanship for fine felting. Color blending, shingling (laying out fleece), thickness and density of felt in relation to drape, shrinkage, cutting felt for edge shaping or internal negative shapes and steam blocking will be addressed and implemented in the creation of a felt fabric. Course goal is to inspire understanding of the medium and inspire exploration for future felting endeavors and in experienced courses.
2-D Felting: The Elements of Art & Principles of Design
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 3-10 day course
For those who never attended art school or a class in design foundations, this course will guide participants through the elements of art (value, color, line, shape, space, texture) and the principles of design (repetition, emphasis, movement, balance, variety, gradation, unity, proportion) as related to the 2-D felting processes. By learning this visual language through a series of samples participants will develop confidence in making aesthetic decisions that intentionally communicate ideas and feelings in their art.
2-D Felt/Fabric Fusion Sampling
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Also known as Nuno or Laminate felting, Fused felting names the process of coercing individual wool hair filaments through pre-constructed fabrics, whether, woven, knit or crocheted allowing for the wool to shrink and gather the fabric for surface texture or as a means for seaming pieces of fabric together to create a stain glass effect. Participants will sample a variety of applications to learn control of this process in order to achieve desired effects including techniques for finishing the edges of felt fused fabric.
Patterning Felt
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 2-5 day course
This class focuses on a skill set for articulating shapes and creating repeating patterns on felted surfaces. Participants will learn the nuances of creating partial-felts (also known as pre-felts) to cut and felt appliqué to a background of fleece in order to achieve hazy or defined edges as desired. Bold, innovative patterns will be created on a foundation by experimenting with the thickness, shape rotation, spacing and color variation of partial-felts.
Realism in Felted Imagery
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 5-10 day course
Developing imagery and composition are the goal in this course, designed for felt makers who have found themselves in a surface design rut without the skill set to create articulate, realistic imagery. Concentrating on the felted appliqué process of using partial-felt shapes and embedding them in a background fleece, we will explore mosaic style image making by referencing photographic images as well as hand drawn interpretations of the objects that surround us. Participants will be guided through a study of the elements of art and principles of design as related to 2-D felt making and felt embellishing with free-motion embroidery, needle felting and hand stitching.
Pockets and Flaps: Using Resists in 2-D Felting
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Participants will use plastic resists strategically placed between layers of wool fleece or between wool fleece and partial-felt shapes to restrain specific areas from felting together. This technique introduces the idea of using resists to felt in the third dimension by allowing a flap or a pocket of felt to protrude off the background surface. Whether the pocket and flap is for functional use or simply to create surface texture and undulation, expand your perception of felt as a 2-D Fabric.
FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 3-D HOLLOW FORMS
These courses provide an understanding of the wet felting process through the use of form and flat resist methods to achieve 3-D hollow forms. All 2-D surface design techniques are applicable with hollow forms, though application will vary depending on which 3-D method is used.
Felt Mittens Using a Flat Resist
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Designed for the novice, this course will provide foundational information about the biology of the material, the diverse states it may be purchased in, the chemistry of the process, the tools used in the flat resist technique of 3-D manipulation and the craftsmanship for fine felting. Color blending, shingling (laying out fleece), thickness and density of felt in relation to function, shrinkage for a personalized fit, cutting felt for edge shaping and steam blocking will be addressed and implemented in the creation of these felted hollow forms. In an extended course, experiment with applying 2-D surface design wet felting techniques as well as embellishments.
Felt Hats or Vessels Using a Form Resist
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Designed for the novice, this course will provide foundational information about the biology of the material, the diverse states it may be purchased in, the chemistry of the process, the tools used in the form resist technique of 3-D manipulation and the craftsmanship for fine felting. Color blending, shingling (laying out fleece), thickness and density of felt in relation to function, fulling for structure and a personalized fit, cutting felt for edge shaping, stitching for structural integrity and steam blocking will be addressed and implemented in the creation of these felted hollow forms. In an extended course, experiment with applying 2-D surface design wet felting techniques as well as embellishments.
Structuring and Patterning Felted Vessels
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 5-10 day course
Simultaneous exploration of both the form and flat resist methods for creating hollow forms will offer compounded insight as to which method is the most effective in achieving the participants desired results. Individual experimentation and innovation of form for both functional and non-functional works will be highly encouraged. Structural stitching, steam blocking and stiffening will be addressed to accentuate the posture, presence and integrity of the objects. In an extended course, experiment with 2-D surface design techniques of partial-felt appliqué and reverse appliqué for patterning and image making, the fusion of fabric, yarn and non-felting fiber and a variety of embellishments.
FELTING TECHNIQUES FOR 3-D SOLID FORMS
These courses provide an understanding of the felting process through solid form felting using both needle and wet felting techniques. All 2-D surface design techniques are applicable with solid felt forms, though the application will vary.
Solid Form Felting: Building Blocks
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Explore solid felt forming at the tips of your fingers to achieve finely crafted balls, discs, barrels, cubes, cones, cords, rings, and bands. Focus on the preparation of a wrapped fleece form, securing its integrity with needle felting followed by permanent wet felting to achieve desired forms while avoiding crevices, ridges and tags. Forms may be used as adornment for other felt projects or in combination to create jewelry pieces. In an extended course, experiment with applying 2-D surface design wet felting techniques as well as embellishments.
Extraordinary Buttons with Shanks
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Participants will learn solid felt forming techniques to sculpt buttons for accenting knit, crocheted, woven and felted projects. Learn the use of resists to create incorporated shanks on the back of your buttons to ease their attachment to a garment and when in use. Focus on the preparation of a wrapped fleece form, securing its integrity with needle felting followed by permanent wet felting to achieve desired forms while avoiding crevices, ridges and tags. In an extended course, experiment with applying 2-D surface design wet felting techniques as well as embellishments.
Felted Compositions for Neck Adornment
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 3-10 day course
Participants will learn techniques for joining dry wrapped fleece forms and wet felted forms to build more complex structures for wearable adornment. Participants will be encouraged to explore and innovate basic felting techniques to create unique jewelry forms that visually communicate their personal aesthetic. In an extended course, experiment with applying 2-D surface design wet felting techniques as well as intricate embellishments by way of needle felting, stitching and beading.
Protuberances: Building Solid Felt Forms off of a 2-D Surface
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 3-10 day course
To be protuberant is to thrust out form a surrounding surface. Surface texture is comprised of repeating forms with the quality of that texture determined by the size of the protuberant and the frequency of its repeat. Develop solid form felting skills in order to develop unique forms that will be felted into a background fleece to develop bold surface textures that can be implemented into any felt project to create visual interest.
TECHNIQUES FOR EMBELLISHING FELT
Embellishment Sampler
Beginner & Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 3-10 day course
This class provides an understanding of the felting process through the initial creation of thin and thick canvases of felt. The course’s focus, however, is the exploration of a variety of additive embellishment techniques such as free-motion machine embroidery, appliqué, needle felting, hand stitching and beading. A sampler of techniques and combinations of techniques to be referenced in future works is the goal, although fabrics may be finished compositions or cut and pieced for 2-D and 3-D works.
Needle Felted Surface Embellishment
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Beginning with creating thin and thick wet felted samples and several partial-felts, participants will then use a single needle felting tool to explore the dry application of dots, lines, shapes and the surface texture created by compacting the background felt. Needle felting the staple length of filaments of raw fleece allows for thin, articulate lines, while needle felting partial felts provides for the addition of larger planes of color.
Free-Motion Machine Embroidery on Felt
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 3-5 day course
Beginning with creating thin and thick wet felted samples designed with partial-felts, participants will then learn to use the free-motion embroidery foot of a sewing machine to embellish the surface of felt. With the feed dogs lowered to allow the felt to be moved in any direction, the participant will find the freedom to draw definitive lines, sketch shapes, articulate imagery, stitch fields of color, develop surface texture by compacting adjacent areas of the felt and to manipulate the dimension of thin felt.
Hand Stitching and Beading
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 3-5 day course
Beginning with creating wet felted samples designed with partial-felts, participants will develop surface details with several hand stitches using sewing thread, embroidery floss and waxed linen. This surface texture will be enhanced though the addition of seed beads both stitched into the felt as well as built off the surface through variations of straight and circular peyote stitch. Participants will learn the easiest way to thread even the finest beading needle as well as tricks to hide and secure the beginning and ending of threads.
These courses are designed to provide access to multiple topics in felt education simultaneously with the intention of providing a broad introduction to the medium of felt through sampling or to developing more complex and highly refined pieces.
The Full Felt Experience
Beginner & Intermediate | suggested time: 5-10 day course
Participants will obtain an understanding of the materials, processes and techniques involved in felting for a plethora of effects and projects. Two dimensional techniques including color mixing, partial felting for detailed designs and fusing wool through a variety of fabrics as well as two methods for working wool three dimensionally into hollow forms and solid form felting for independent jewelry forms and adornments for other pieces will be explored. Surface embellishing with stitching, beading and needle felting will also be introduced.
Textures and Protuberances
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 5-10 day course
Build third dimension off a felted ground fabric through sampling and innovating a variety of wet felting, needle felting and machine stitching techniques. From subtle textural fields to bold protuberances, achieve dimension by fusing pre-constructed fabrics, embedding solid felt forms and other objects, needle/wet felting complex felt forms to the surface, and using plastic resists for creating flaps, pockets, and ridges. Additionally, free-motion machine embroidery will be used to crater thick felt and to manipulate thin felt into undulating fabric.
Layering Techniques to Create a Unique Body Textile
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 2-5 day course
Experienced felters will arrive with their personal collection of felting techniques, materials and ideas for a body textile. The instructor will work with each participant individually to outline their ideas offering suggestions for function, layering of techniques, composition and craftsmanship in order to achieve their artistic vision. An extended course will provide time for intricate embellishments by way of free-motion machine embroidery, needle felting, stitching and beading.
Single Strap Handbag Using the Flat Resist Method
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time: 3-5 day
Participants will use an individually designed 2-D canvas resist to create a unique three-dimensional handbag with a flap and incorporated solid felt cord handle. 2-D surface design techniques will be used to pattern the handbag, structural stitching will be used to reinforce gussets and suggestions for bag closures will be presented accompanied by a group brainstorming to bring forth innovative ideas! An extended course will provide time for intricate embellishments by way of, needle felting, stitching and beading.
Lidded Vessel
Intermediate & Advanced | suggested time 3-10 day
Explore using a two-dimensional resist to create a sturdy fiber form from raw wool fleece. Participants will deepen their comprehension of the material, creating a successful relationship between what is desired functionally and aesthetically by the maker and what the material is capable of producing. Create surface design through the application of partial felt shapes and develop texture and line quality by embedding yarns into the felt surface. Embellish your vessel by creating solid felt forms through needle and wet felting to accent an edge with a cord, to sculpt feet for the vessel or to make an ornate handle for the lid and finish by adding fine details through stitching and needle felting. Steam block and stiffen your vessel to finalize the shape and step back and appreciate fine crafted felt form!
The Foundation for Dyeing Felt
All levels | suggested time: 5-10 days
Participants will begin with felting large sheets of wool fleece as a group to provide the material for this class. The felt will be mordanted with Alum to enhance the fibers ability to absorb the dye and to achieve light and wash fastness. Participants will explore the chemistry and color theory of naturally dyeing animal fibers to achieve a full spectrum of colors using Cochineal insects, Madder root, Weld flower, Walnut Hulls and Indigo.
*This class may be reformatted to focus on the use of a specific dye material or color family.
Indigo Blue
All levels | suggested time: 2-10 days
Participants will begin with felting large sheets of wool fleece as a group to provide the material for this class. The basic chemistry of the indigo pot and the step-by-step process of setting up the Lye and Thiourea Dioxide vat will be explained and experienced in detail so that one can easily create an indigo vat at home. A gradation of blues, from the darkest midnight to the palest ice will be achieved. In an extended course, a variety of physical resists will be used to pattern the felt.
Indigo Blue and Over-dyeing
All levels | suggested time: 3-5 day course
Participants will begin with felting large sheets of wool fleece as a group to provide the material for this class. Similar to the Indigo Blue course, the basic chemistry of the indigo pot and the step-by-step process of setting up the Lye and Thiourea Dioxide vat will be explained and experienced in detail so that one can easily create an indigo vat at home. The chemistry of mordanting will also be addressed to achieve additional colors by over-dyeing yellows to develop a full spectrum of greens.
*This class may be reformatted to focus on over-dyeing a specific dye material or color family.