From April 5 - May 30, 2023 the Madison Area Felters' Guild will be exhibiting pieces at Sequoya Library. During the exhibit, attend demonstrations of various feltmaking methods by the exhibiting artists, participate in beginning felting classes and visit the Sequoya Squares interactive display to make your own art. Come away with an appreciation for how felted wool can be used to make art.
Artful Felt Exhibit at Sequoya Library
April 5 to May 30, 2022
View 50 original handmade items representing varied feltmaking techniques and uses of wool: two-dimensional landscapes and portraiture, textural wall hangings, three-dimensional vessels and sculptural objects. All are made from a variety of sheep’s wool using felting techniques that go back thousands of years to turn wool fleece into sturdy felt. This exhibition will take place throughout the library - all are welcome to stop by to view the exhibit during open hours at Sequoya Library.
Sequoya Squares: An Interactive Display of Felt
Apr 5 - May 30 during Library hours
The exhibit will be accompanied by an interactive felt display from April 5 - May 30, 2023. Members of the Madison Area Felters’ Guild have collaborated to create felted squares mounted on a magnetized board, and visitors are encouraged to rotate and rearrange the squares to create their own patterns and designs.
Demonstrations/Classes
Learn more about the art of felting with classes and demonstrations for kids, families and adults at Sequoya Library.
Felting Activity: Wool Blending & Bead Making for Kids
April 15, 10AM - 12PM | Sequoya Library
You may be familiar with blending paint to make new colors, but you can do the same with wool fiber. Stop by Sequoya Library kids area to learn how to make any color in the rainbow starting with red, yellow and blue wool. Add water and some hand rolling to make a felt bead to take home. All supplies are provided. This drop in activity is perfect for youngsters and available to kids of all ages, though kids under seven will need an adult helper.
No registration required.
Felting Class: Make a Potted Wool Succulent
April 15, 10AM - 12PM | Sequoya Library
Learn basic wet felting skills with professional felter Emily Graf. Starting with wool fiber, participants will learn how to make a flat piece of felt and then form it into an artful, three-dimensional succulent plant. Small clay pots will be provided to display the finished works of art that participants will take home. Participants should bring a hand towel and a fabric scissors if easily available; all other materials will be provided.
Appropriate for teens/adults. Registration begins April 1, 2023. REGISTER
Felting Demonstration: From Sheep to Felt
April 22, 10-11AM | Sequoya Library
Sheep owner and felter Terry Tackett will talk about raising sheep and shearing their fleece for use in making felt. She will show how raw wool is processed for use in different fiber applications and explain why sheep’s wool felts so easily. Gain an appreciation for the many steps required, from the raw materials to the finished products, for all of the felted artwork on display in the library.
No registration required - all are welcome.
Felting Activity: Wool Blending & Bead Making for Kids
May 13, 10AM - 12PM | Sequoya Library
You may be familiar with blending paint to make new colors, but you can do the same with wool fiber. Stop by the Sequoya Library kids area to learn how to make any color in the rainbow starting with red, yellow and blue wool. Add water and some hand rolling to make a felt bead to take home. All supplies are provided. This drop in activity is perfect for youngsters and available to kids of all ages though kids under seven will need an adult helper.
No registration required.
[FULL] Felting Class: Make a Needle-Felted “Critter”
May 13, 2-4PM | Sequoya Library
Learn basic needle-felting skills with whimsical felter Michelle Martin. Participants will learn how to use wool fiber and special felting needles to create a fanciful, three-dimensional “critter.” A variety of wool colors and all materials will be provided.
Appropriate for adults and children ages 10+.
Felting Demonstration: Three-Dimensional Felted Vessels
May 20, 10-11AM | Sequoya Library
It’s a bit of magic to turn wool fleece into a free-standing vase or bowl. Felter Carol Cohen will demonstrate the basic method of felting wool with a focus on creating three-dimensional objects and will bring a variety of vessels to show and talk about.
No registration required.
Meet the Artists Reception
May 6, 2:30-4PM | Sequoya Library
Come and meet the artists behind the amazing felted pieces on display at Sequoya Library from April 5-May 30! Be sure to stop by the Sequoya Squares interactive felt display to create your own design or pattern. We'll also enjoy light refreshments.
The Madison Area Felters' Guild provides a supportive community for felters to advance their skills, inspire their artistry working with fiber and educate others about the many forms of this fiber art. Contact them on Facebook @MadisonAreaFelters.