Feltmaking Workshops in Schools
Heidi Street-Ward, Artist feltmaker specialising in feltmaking workshops
For Primary, Secondary and Special Schools
Feltmaking in the curriculum
Felt is a wonderful material which has been handmade for thousands of years in many countries around the world and it is considered to be the oldest known textile. Felt is simply made by rubbing and rolling sheep's wool together with warm soapy water to allow the natural scales on the wool fibres to hook and lock together to create a firm felted fabric. Many of us have done this by accident to woolly jumpers in the washing machine… oops!
Feltmaking workshops are suitable for children of all ages and ability in nursery, primary, secondary and special schools. Creative and pleasing results are always achieved! and workshops can be linked to class topics and national curriculum subjects.
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In Art and Design pupils have the opportunity to explore new materials and plan their own designs.
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In Science pupils learn how a felted fabric is made and why feltmaking is a great example of irreversible change.
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In Literacy pupils learn words associated with feltmaking and follow up the workshop with writing activities.
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In Numeracy there are lots of opportunities for counting and making times tables fun!
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In History pupils learn the origins of making felt and how different countries and cultures have used felted fabrics.
Why invite an artist into school?
Working with a professional artist in school not only provides a positive role model for children but also creates the opportunity to find out how artists work and why they became an artist. The experience enables children to understand artistic processes in making art. Feltmaking textile workshops are fantastic for children to develop new creative skills, knowledge and confidence. Teachers will also benefit from developing and broadening their creative skills for the classroom. (CPD sessions can be booked extra if required).
Feltmaking workshops for GCSE and ‘A’ Level students will enable students to experience a new medium with which to create imaginative and individual artwork to help support marks and enhance their art portfolios. Older students will benefit from an insight into how artists present their artwork to the public and develop an awareness of the commercial and business skills needed to become a professional and successful creative practitioner.