Inspired by the landscape paintings in the Portland Collection, and set amongst the rolling green fields of the Welbeck Estate, learn how to layer and lock fibres to create your own felted picture in this family workshop.
You will learn
Using natural fleece from British sheep and alpacas, children will learn how to layer brightly coloured wool fibres and build up abstract images, before locking them into place using just their hands, soap and water!
Techniques covered include:
Choosing colours to create an image
Blending and laying fibres
Agitating fibres until they felt
You will need
This workshop is for children aged 7-16 and their parent or guardian; parents and guardians must stay with their child at all times.
We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting messy, removing any jewellery which fibres could get trapped in, and tying back long hair.
At the end of the session, each child will take away their own felted landscape picture which may still be wet. Please bring along a plastic bag to carry your creations home in.
Additional information
All materials and equipment for the session will be provided.
Please note, the act of felting wool is quite energetic and can take patience and a sum of physical strength. Please get in touch with us on education@harleyfoundation.org.uk if you are not sure whether this workshop is suitable for your child.
If your child is confident working independently, you can make your own creation by purchasing additional materials as a £12 add-on.
Sarah Wheatley
This workshop is taught by Sarah Wheatley, founder of weaveKNITit.
Sarah is a wool artist and graduate of the Royal College of Art, with over 20 years’ experience in fashion and textiles. She shares her love of heritage craft through her teaching – and is passionate about making creativity accessible, joyful, and fun.
