Dry Felting a Landscape

With Artist Mary Ellen Raneri

June 29 | 9 AM - 12 PM | All materials provided

Tired of painting and sketching and regular mixed media? Looking for something new to learn in the world of art? Want to jazz up your creative endeavors? Try Needle Felting.

Needle felting is a method for changing wool and animal fibers into a dense fabric called “felt.” We will use a variety of needles and wool which causes the fibers to hook together and form our fabric/design. We do this with special needles that have barbs on them. In this class, we'll focus on creating landscapes.

Following the needle felting process, we will prepare a 4x4 inch cradle wood canvas on which to adhere our masterpiece!

This class is for beginners who have not done any dry felting before or for folks with some knowledge of felting. You will learn the basics of dry felting, with step-by-step instructions. The piece of felt being demonstrated in this class is approximately a 4x4 piece of felt that will be completed in class, complete with mounting and wire. It will make a lovely and unique wall hanging for any room. Again, the piece of felt being made in the demonstration is approximately 4x4". You will receive wool and have a choice of designs (typically including some flowers in a meadow, mountains in background or a gnarly tree with mountains in the background). The following supplies to use in the class will be provided: wool, some embellishments and doodads, a 4x4 cradle wood canvas, paints/brushes, and use of instructor's felting needles and felting pad. Also, we will help you wire the back of your piece and attach it. Please understand that you do not keep the paint brushes/needles/pad; however, you should have a beautiful piece of fabric art for your collection that YOU made!

Lastly, you will be WORKING WITH NEEDLES. Be careful not to poke yourself!! They are quite sharp. An index finger protector is supplied.

This is a rough plan of the wool felting lesson:

• Introduction to materials.
• Introduction to needles and needle felting.
• Work time and demonstrations of sky, clouds, landscapes, flowers, stems, and trees.
• Discussion about mounting your piece.
• Painting cradle wood canvas.
• Wiring the back of the cradle wood canvas.
• Sharing finished work.

The lesson is approximately 2.5-3 hours. This will include a little break while your paint dries. Mary Ellen is looking forward to teaching you and helping you with your art!

Please Note:

• Tuition is due with registration unless other arrangements are made. If you cancel 0-7 days before the class start date, we are able to refund your tuition ONLY if we can fill your space from our waitlist. We are not able to issue partial refunds or transfer your registration to another class. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we cannot refund your tuition once you have started the classes under any circumstances.
• Art is a messy business! Please bring an apron or wear work clothes and closed shoes that can get dirty.
• Bring a hair tie if you have long hair.
• Leave your rings, smartwatches, and jewelry at home. Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.