Tiwtor / Tutor: Helen Melvin @fieryfelts

Costiau / Cost: £68

In this workshop Helen will share her experience of felting fine Japanese and Nepalese papers onto fine layers of merino. Japanese papers felt into the surface of wool as they are long staple fibres from tree trunks and leaves and are thus stable when wet. The surface created is different from any other type of felted surface and opens up the opportunity of further experimenting. A wide variety of papers can be used from the exceptionally fine ones such as Bib Tengujo of 12 gsm to 45 gsm Murakoban; as guide normal print paper is usually 90gsm. We will learn the technique and create samples of different paper and felt, before experimenting with layering papers. After drying the papers during the day, we will also experiment with painting with my unique Artisan inks. Some experience of wet felting is required for this workshop.  

Materials provided: packs of assorted papers, inks, some naturally dyed linen threads  

Bring your own: your felting equipment including: soap solution and sprayer, piece of dowling to roll fibres, 2 x bubble wrap squares, old towel and fibres (assorted colours 18.5-23 microns), pens for paper, basic sewing kit with embroidery threads.