Feltmaking Workshop/Carbon footprint

Saturday morning and I have planned to meet some Drawing class mates at the Shellcove Community Centre for a feltmaking workshop. Haven't done this for years but believe its like falling off a horse. So I'm looking to add a 3D sculptural element to my artwork/photgraphy perception, this is a familiar medium, let's see how I go. 20 participants, so production line technology immediately in place. These ladies are extremely organised , I begin with a preprepared ball of fleece offcuts and proceed to add layers of colour and texture then dunk in soapy water and mould using cricket ballhandling techniques of spinning in hands, squashing, sqeezing out water, soaping, re-dunking, generally slapping around the ball to make the wool fibres matt together and meld. Now hot water to wash out soap, then final shaping(mine is egg shaped) then drying in sun. Well that was easy now to the next technique, Nuno felt. Strands of silken fleece are laid horizontally on piece of material then overlaid vertically to form layers. These are wetted, soaped and patted and pressed with palms then rolled in cane matting or bubble wrap. Turn piece around and roll. Repeat 20 times, the more rolls, the stiffer the felt. I went for a flimsy webbed effect to make an artpiece rather than for durability.Next, a felt picture on felt. I need an exhibit for an upcoming show with a nautilus theme. A seahorse made from coloured strands of fleece and wool. Roll. roll yes that looks great. Another wool ball shaped to look like a shell to add to the seahorse and "Voila" a felting star is born. Checking out the work of regulars showed some great potential for this media. Anita Larkin has just won an international award for feltmaking and has also been a Wynne Prize entrant with a felt sculpture. I must say I was inspired and I am planning a trip to Jenolan Caves as inspiration for a felt piece.....coloured drupes and solid plinths........
Contact  http://theillawarrafeltmakers@westnet.com.au