Midsummer

Goodness, it's been a long time since I've posted.
Now, I am in the midst of teaching at the week-long textile camp. On our first day I taught the basics of felting. We did beads, so the kids could get the feel for working with the wool and see how it changes when you add water, soap, and aggitation. Today, we started on some small bowls, done on inflatable balls. We "dressed" the balls in 3 layers of wool added decorative yarn, then covered them with 2 layers of nylons. Thursday we'll do the wet felting, and Friday we'll do the finishing touches.
Friday, after camp, I leave for the Midwest Felting Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin. Lisa Klakulak is teaching a two-day workshop called: Felting Three-Dimensional Mini-Handbags. I know it will be fun.

Felting Books

I went to visit my "wish list" on Amazon today. It is quite extensive.
Of special interest, there is a new book called Creative Felting by Lizzie Houghton that I'd like to have. A felting acquaintance recommended it.
Also, I am especially looking forward to Nancy Hoerner's Felt Inlays book that is due to be published sometime this year.
Another book that will probably find it's way to my shelf is The Art of Felt by Francoise Teller-Loumagne.
I already own several of the newer books published, including How We Felt by Carol Huber Cypher. I really like this one. She has projects from several well respected artists who describe their process. Uniquely Felt, by Chris White, is another favorite, because she explains several different types of felt making.
Fabulous Felted Scarves is a must have. Authors Alice Hagen and Jorie Johnson are two of the most respected felt makers out there.
I have not done any sculptural needle felting so I can't comment on any of the books on that topic.
It is fun to look though all these books, even if I don't make some of the projects. There are so many talented artists out there, each with their own vision and style. That is something I aspire to become: an artist with some depth and uniqueness, rather than someone who just dabbles in a variety of things. Time will tell.

So cool curlicues

Ok, I've been adding a lot of blog links lately, and, also, Googling for felting blogs and sites. Tonight I found something cool: a three part YouTube video on making felted curlicues for embellishing jewelry or whatever. The blog is Mary Susan: All Good Girls are Mary. Check it out. The videos are in the Feb 08 entries. She also has an Etsy shop and sells what she makes. Good work, Mary Susan.

The Fiber Studio

I made a discovery yesterday. There is a shop in The Cities called The Fiber Studio. It is located at 4810 Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis MN 55419. I haven't been there yet, but I signed up for 2 felting classes...pictoral needle felting and painting with wool. The second one is a wet felting class. I can't wait.