"Participants who are nervous of colour
have found they are able to use colour in a more creative way because of the 3 dimensional qualities of felt-making."
Mary Andrews

One day workshop with Mary Andrews

In Mary's workshop you will be actively involved with the preparation of the dyed fleece using carders to open the fibres and blend the colours. There is a lot of fun to be shared as a beginner learning the fundamentals of felt-making and playing with the full colour range of dyed fleece that Mary has.

In the morning you will learn the basics of felt-making and will be creating a few usable samples. Then, after a short lunch break, you will create your chosen project.

You will learn to card (comb) the fleece and layer it to your design. Next you'll use water to felt with, something that requires a certain amount of physical exertion using your arms and hands. Lastly, a rolling motion in a bamboo blind is necessary: Mary can help with this if your energy gets low.

No experience is necessary, although there is always something to offer to those who have had experience.

About the tutor
For twenty-five years Mary has surrounded herself with multi-coloured fleece and recreated the scenery of moods in response to the changing internal and external environments. Using the ancient crafts of felt-making, weaving, spinning and dyeing, Mary creates fleece, tapestried-rugs, wall-hangings, unique clothing, accessories and kitsets.

Days available: Thursday and Saturday
Start and finish times: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Price per participant: NZ$120.00 + material
Price includes:  tea, coffee and snacks. Please bring your own lunch. (There are shops near Mary's studio.)
Workshop location: Workshops take place in Mary's studio, Spiral Studio, 42 Chamboard Place, Nelson.
Notes: There is no age limit for the workshops although children under ten will find it a long day. Half-day workshops can be arranged for children.