Black Sheep Designs: Class Offerings & Fees

Class Offerings & Fees

TWO & THREE-DAY WORKSHOPS
1. Fiber Exploration for Feltmaking
2. A Cottage Garden Vest – wearable felted landscapes
3. Figurative Sculpting in Wool – the amazing felting needle
4. Advanced Figurative Felting – Sculpting young and old
5. Felt Vessels – exploring images and forms
6. The Art Of Disguise – Felted Fantasy Masks
7. Painting with Fiber – felting techniques for landscapes and other imagery
8. Featherweight Felt Fabric Sampler
9. Pockets, flaps, handles “n” straps – The Felted Handbag

ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS
10. Featherweight Felt Scarves
11. Nuno Felt Scarves
12. "Lattice" Felt Scarves
13. Foolproof Felt: New Ideas for Needle Felted Yardage
14. Ruffles, Ripples and Ribs: New Approaches to Laminated Felt Fabric
15. Sculpted Felt Hats
16. Bouncing Bonnets
17. Wizards, Gnomes, and Father Christmas - Needle Felted Fantasy Figures

HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS
18. Buttons, Bobbles and Beads – Hand felted adornments
19. Needle felted ornaments

Thanks for your interest in my felt making workshops. You’ll find a wide range of offerings to choose from. I’ve organized the descriptions by workshop duration so that you can choose one or more that fit your timeframe and facilities. If you are interested in combining several workshop offerings please keep in mind that each may require different supplies and equipment. If I will need to fly to your workshop site, it is best to choose workshops that use similar supplies to avoid excessive baggage or shipping charges. I am happy to customize a workshop to your group’s specific needs and can offer 1-2 hour lectures on feltmaking as well. If you need further information or would like to discuss the specifics of your workshop, please feel free to contact me at:

BLACK SHEEP DESIGNS
5000 Delaware Turnpike
Rensselaerville, NY
Contact: Sharon Costello - sharon@blacksheepdesigns.com
Ph: 518 - 797 - 5191

Workshop Fees

My current fees are $450.00 per workshop day. In addition, my transportation expenses to and from your workshop site (either airfare or current IRS mileage reimbursement- now at 50.5 cents per mile) will be charged. For workshops over 100 miles from my home, I require a two-day minimum and you will need to provide food and lodging. There is no need to pay for a hotel, as I am happy to stay at someone’s home. Evening lectures and demonstrations are usually about $150.00 when combined with a workshop and can be tailored to your group’s specific interests.

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Two and three day workshops

1. Fiber Exploration for Feltmaking
This two-day workshop features the wonderful felting qualities of some of the lesser know sheep breeds and other animal, vegetable and synthetic fibers. Students will learn how different fibers, and different layout techniques, can create entirely different types of felt. They will work with luxury fibers such as alpaca, angora, and cashmere and experiment with surface textures created with linen, soy, silk and nylon. They will experiment with at least 16 different, uncommon fibers and fiber blends, making samples to reveal the unique characteristics of each and then using our discoveries to create a finished piece.
On day one we will split into small groups and each group will work with at least four different fibers, making samples (that will be cut and shared) using
different layout and felting techniques appropriate to those fibers. At the end of the day we will discuss results and share samples so that each participant will have information and samples of all fibers used. Each student will leave the workshop with a complete sample book that can serve as a great resource and
idea book after the workshop is over. On day two, students will take their new knowledge and complete a project using one or more of the fibers that were introduced on day one. They can take an idea from the sample projects included in their notebook, or create one of their own. They can create a Wensleydale lace or Merino/Tencel scarf, brushed Angora beret, Icelandic slippers, or Karakul trimmed hat…. the only limit is that it must be a project they can complete in one day. This workshop can open up a whole new world of possibilities to new and experienced feltmakers.

Day one of this workshop, creating the fiber samples and sample book, can be offered by itself as a one-day workshop. This can also be offered as a three-day workshop. Participants spend day two working on projects with fine fibers and day three working on projects with sturdy, sculptural fibers.

Maximum number of students: 15 (a smaller group will work with fewer fibers)

Materials Fee: $40.00 per person includes detailed sample notebook, and all fibers needed, pattern making materials, and use of various felting supplies (materials fees will change for the one or three day format).

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A pen to write notes in your notebook
- A washtub
- A pair of wool cards (optional)

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2. A Cottage Garden Vest – wearable felted landscapes
Drape yourself in your own cottage garden, country meadow or forest glen…. in this two-day workshop you will learn to “paint” impressionistic landscapes in
wool using a combination of wet and needle felting techniques. Starting with a base of specially needle felted wool yardage, we will work from a simple vest pattern and adapt it for felting, needle felt wool flowers, foliage and other imagery of your choice onto the front and back vest pieces, and then wet felt the garment to secure the imagery, felt the seams and shrink the garment to the proper size. Additional embellishments can be added with a felting needle, or you can sew on beads, buttons and other finishing touches. Bring a simple vest pattern in your size and some pictures of your favorite impressionistic landscapes to use as inspiration. This can also be offered as a three-day workshop, allowing students more time to create detailed designs on their vests as well as finishing embellishments.

Maximum students: 10

Materials Fee: $50.00

Students should bring:
- A simple vest pattern in your size to adapt for feltmaking (preferably something that you know fits well)
- Several pictures of flowers, gardens, landscapes for inspiration (impressionistic images work best)
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A plastic dishpan
- A tape measure
- Sewing thread, needle, and pins
- A piece of flat upholstery foam about 18” x 18” x 2” thick

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3. Figurative Sculpting in Wool –
the amazing felting needle

(You may also choose to focus this workshop on animals instead of human figures)

Figures: In this two-day workshop participants will create an original needle felted character, roughly 15” high. Sculpt a fairy, elf, wizard, mermaid, old grandmother, or other one-of-a-kind character. The workshop will take participants step-by-step through the process, with particular emphasis on detailing the face, hands and feet,
creating an armature and building the body to create a lifelike character. We will also learn different methods for clothing your figure and creating accessories. This can also be offered as a three-day workshop, allowing time for students to learn basic wet felting techniques for creating more drapable clothing and accessories for their figures.

Animals: In this two-day workshops students will create an animal of their choosing. Sculpt a favorite pet, polar bear, lion, llama, giraffe, chimp or even a fantasy animal
such as a dragon. The workshop will teach participants how to analyze their animal’s anatomy, create an appropriate armature and detail facial features to recreate a life-like felted animal.

Materials fee: $30.00 includes instructions, all necessary fiber, felting needles, armature wire, locksfor hair and facial detailing pack.

Students should bring:
- A flat piece of upholstery foam at least 8" x 10" x 1.5" (can be found at most fabric stores)
- A pair of scissors
- A 4-5” long darning or doll needle and light colored thread

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4. Advanced Figurative Felting – Sculpting young and old
This two or three-day workshop is designed for those who have already mastered basic figurative needle felting and would like to learn more controlled ways to achieve different facial expressions and facial types. Students will sculpt the head of a young child, learning how features differ from adults and how to create a smooth, youthful expression. By contrast, the second project will be a very old character. Students will learn how old faces differ from others and how to achieve realistic wrinkles and facial expressions. Students will also sculpt hands, learning how to create realistic articulated fingers. In the three-day version of the workshop, students will also make a body for one of the two heads they have created.

Maximum number of students: 15

Materials fee: $20.00 for two days ($35.00 for three days) includes instructions, all necessary fiber, felting needles, armature wire, locks for hair and facial detailing pack.

Students should bring:
- A flat piece of foam rubber at least 12" x 12" x 3" (can be found at most fabric stores)
- A pair of scissors
- A 4-5” long darning or doll needle and light colored thread (if three days)
- Pictures of old and young faces from several angles

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5. Felt Vessels – exploring images and forms
Felt offers a great opportunity for fiber artists to work with three-dimensional
sculptural forms, and the vessel is perhaps the most universal of these
forms. Learn how to create a unique felt vessel that combines a full range
of innovative felting techniques. Start with a simple “felt on a ball” technique
to create the beginning shape, covering it with layers of different colored wool
that can later be carved to reveal the underlying colors and create patterns
and texture on the vessel’s surface. When the vessel is partially felted,
learn how to add additional surface design with wool and yarns. Shape your vessel through a variety of fulling methods. A wide range of complex, organic, shapes can be created through controlled stretching and shrinking. Add additional sculptural forms and surface design to your vessel, including felted
figurative elements, leaves, flowers and other abstract forms. Combine these techniques with cutting, carving, needle- felting and stitching to make the surface of your vessel a work of art! (This can be
offered as a two or three day workshop - three days is preferable)

Maximum number of students: 12

Materials fee: $35.00 includes instructions, all necessary fiber, felting needles, inflatable ball, accent yarns and fibers, use of fulling tools (washboards and streamer)

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- Small, sharp scissors (spring loaded Fiskars are best)
- Three pairs of old panty hose (extra large size-no control top)
- A washtub (at least 14”x14”)
- Needle and thread
- Any accent fibers you would like to use in your piece
- Pictures, objects and ideas to inspire you
- A large foam sponge
- A washboard (optional)

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6. The Art Of Disguise – Felted Fantasy Masks
Felt has sculptural qualities, making it is an excellent medium for making masks. In this two-day workshop we will use the “felt over a ball” technique to create a
beginning 3-D shape. We will add ears, horns, noses, beaks, beards, brows, gills and other fanciful facial details and embellishments to create whimsical one-of-akind disguises. Students will learn a full range of 3-D felting techniques as well as fulling methods to create complex sculptural forms. (This workshop can be offered as a three day workshop and combined with the Vessels workshop, offering each student a choice)

Maximum number of students: 12

Materials fee: $35.00 includes instructions, all necessary fiber, felting needles, inflatable ball, accent yarns and fibers, use of fulling tools (washboards and streamer)

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- Small, sharp scissors (spring loaded Fiskars work best)
- Three pairs of old panty hose (extra large size –no control top)
- A washtub (at least 14”x14”)
- Needle and thread
- Any accent fibers you would like to use in your piece
- Pictures, objects and ideas to inspire you
- Wool hand cards (optional)
- A washboard (optional)
- A large foam sponge

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7. Painting with Fiber – felting techniques for landscapes and other imagery
Create an impressionistic landscape, still life or portrait in wool. In this two-day workshop, work with your favorite painting, photo, or your imagination and translate your image in fiber. Starting with a palette of colored wool we will build a colorful background using traditional wet felt techniques (with a few
new twists). Then we will learn to add imagery, line, shade, highlights and texture by applying assorted fibers with a felting needle. Finish off your masterpiece with special mounting techniques. Find out how fun and spontaneous feltmaking can be as an artistic medium. (This can be done as a one day workshop if we start with a base of specially needle felted yardage.)

Maximum number of Students: 14

Materials fee: $30.00 includes instruction sheet, all fiber necessary to complete a picture (roughly 18"x18"), felting needles, and use of felting tools and supplies.

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- Scissors
- A plastic dishpan
- Wool hand cards (optional)
- A piece of flat, firm foam rubber about 18”x18”x 2” (can be found at most fabric stores)
- Several pictures of landscapes, still life or portraits to inspire you

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8. Featherweight Felt Fabric Sampler
There are many techniques available today for making wonderfully light weight and drapable felt fabrics. These fabrics each have their own characteristics in terms of translucence, texture, sheen and surface design. This two-day workshop will focus on the many methods for making lightweight felt fabrics introduced in my new video “Featherweight Felts”. On day one students will make a variety of 12” x 12” samples learning all of the following techniques: wensleydale felt lace, “nuno” felt collage, fabric faced laminated felt, latticework felt, bonded silk felt, merino/tencel blend felt. On day two they will chose one (or a combination of techniques) to create a scarf of their own design.

Maximum number of Students: 14

Materials fee: $30.00 includes wool fiber, background fabrics, accent fibers, instruction sheets and use of felting supplies and equipment

Student should bring:
- Scissors
- A dishpan
- Several old towels
- Light weight fabric scraps, designer yarns or other materials to incorporate into samples and/or scarves (instructor will also have these available)
- A pair of wool cards (optional)

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9. Pockets, flaps, handles “n” straps – The Felted Handbag
This one-day workshop will teach students a range of techniques for creating complex, seamless felt bags. We will learn how to design a pattern for a bag with multiple pockets and compartments. We will make sturdy straps or handles felted right into the bag. We will even design felt closures to finish off our one-of-a kind bags. (This can also be offered as a one day workshop for simpler and slightly smaller bag designs)

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $25.00

Students should bring:
- Scissors
- A dishpan
- Several old towels
- A large foam sponge
- A pair of wool cards (optional)
- One yard of heavy vinyl (picnic table cloth thickness)

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One-Day Workshops

10. Featherweight Felt Scarves
Create a hand-felted scarf that is as light and airy as a feather. In this one-day workshop you can create either a delicate felt “lace” scarf from the long and lustrous Wensleydale wool fiber or a shimmering, silky scarf from the newer merino/tencel blends. Learn the tricks for creating super thin, durable felt fabrics
without a fabric base. This workshop will change your preconceptions about felt!

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $15.00

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A plastic dishpan

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11. Nuno Felt Scarves
Nuno, or laminated, felt is a wonderful technique for creating lightweight, drapable fabric for clothing, curtains and more. In this one-day workshop we will learn how to fuse wool fiber into a background of woven cloth while creating luscious, lightweight scarves. Work on a background of light cotton or silk, add super fine merino wool, silk fiber, designer yarns and even other fabrics to create surface designs, luster, color and
texture to your scarf. You will never think of felt as heavy or stiff again! (This can also be offered as a two day workshop including a day of sampling various Nuno techniques.)

Maximum number of Students: 14

Materials fee: $20.00 includes wool fiber, background fabrics, accent fibers, instruction sheets and use of felting supplies and equipment ($30.00 for two days)

Student should bring:
- Scissors
- A dishpan
- Several old towels
- Light weight fabric scraps, designer yarns or other materials to incorporate into your scarf (instructor will also have these available)
- A large sponge
- A pair of wool cards (optional)

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12. “Lattice” Felt Scarves
This one-day workshop will focus on making fun and funky scarves with space dyed strips of roving laid out in an open design. You can choose a simple grid or diamond layout or go wild with circles and swirls! You can finish off your scarf with a
fun fringe of felted bobbles or curlicues.

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $15.00

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A plastic dishpan
- Beads, ribbons or yarns for embellishment

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13. Foolproof Felt: New Ideas for Needle Felted Yardage
Learn how to use commercially prepared needle felted wool yardage (or prefelt) to create quick and easy hand finished projects. Not to be confused with craft store felt...needle felted merino wool "prefelt" is soft, pliable yardage that comes in a variety of luscious weights and colors, just waiting for you to apply surface design and finish the felting process with soap and water. Create designer scarves and garments, decorator pillows, original wall art, customized blankets and throws with this wondrous material. This class begins with a short "show and tell" to introduce students to a range of project ideas. Then each student will chose a simple project to complete in class.

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $25.00

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A plastic dishpan

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14. Ruffles, Ripples and Ribs:
New Approaches to Laminated Felt Fabric
Ruffles are in!...and so are all the other wonderful textural effects you can achieve by combining light weight silk fabric with strategically placed, fast felting merino wool fibers in the felting process. Learn how to achieve controlled, variable shrinkage rates for a one-of-a-kind designer scarf full of ruffles, poofs, ribs and crepe effects.

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $25.00

Students should bring:
- Several old towels
- A pair of scissors
- A plastic dishpan

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15. Sculpted Felt Hats
In this one-day workshop we will learn simple techniques for making a wide range of felted hats, from a beret to a brimmed hat and everything in between. But we won’t stop with the ordinary shapes… learn how to sculpt felt to create complex and asymmetrical shapes that will make your hat a one-of-a-kind work of art. We will also learn how to create a hat pattern and make seamless three-dimensional felt, create surface design, texture and embellishments…all the techniques you need to create other felt projects like bags, footwear and more.

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $25.00

Students should bring:
- Scissors
- A dishpan
- Several old towels
- A large foam sponge
- A pair of wool cards (optional)
- One yard of heavy vinyl (picnic table cloth thickness)

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16. Bouncing Bonnets
Another easy method for making felt hats. Learn Beth Beede’s original technique for working over an inflatable ball. Then learn how to take that basic shape and transform it into a wide range of fashionable styles. Make a beret , a pill box, rolled brim cap, small
brimmed style, or a unique asymettrical style all your own!

Maximum Students: 14

Materials Fee: $25.00

Students should bring:
- Scissors
- A dishpan
- Several old towels
- A large foam sponge

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17. Wizards, Gnomes, and Father Christmas –
Needle Felted Fantasy Figures
This one-day workshop is a simplified version of the two-day “figurative sculpting in wool” class. Because the bodies are based on a simple cone shape, more attention can be paid to detailing the face of the figure. Students may choose a wizard with flowing robe, an old fashion robed Father Christmas or a charming gnome complete with pointed hat.

Maximum number of students: 15

Materials fee: $25.00 includes instructions, all necessary fiber, felting needles, locks for hair and facial detailing pack.

Students should bring:
- A flat piece of upholstery foam at least 8" x 10" x 1.5" (can be found at most fabric stores)
- A pair of scissors

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Half-Day Workshops

18. Buttons, Bobbles and Beads –
Hand felted adornments
Have you ever spent months working on a handmade garment only to be disappointed by the choice of commercial buttons and closures available? Do you want to create a special accessory to go with a hand woven jacket? In this half-day workshop you can learn how to make your own felted buttons, beads, necklaces and more that will go perfectly with your handmade garment. We will demonstrate several types and styles of buttons, as well as frogs, beads and felted
cording. Choose the type you like best and create your own button or bead designs in class. Bring some lose fiber or yarn used in your garment to add to your button or necklace design. (This can also be designed as a one-day workshop.)

Maximum students: 14

Materials Fee: $7.00 ($15.00 for full day class)

Students should bring:
- A garment, or swatch, that they would like to make buttons to match (optional)
- Bits of yarn or fiber from the above project
- Scissors
- An old towel
- A plastic dishpan
- A needle and thread
- Beads or other embellishments you would like to incorporate (optional)

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19. Needle felted ornaments
Learn the basics of sculpting with wool using a felting needle. It's a wonderful tool for creating felt without a wet mess and with much greater control of the end result. This workshop will take you through the steps of creating a “veggie” ornament while teaching you basics techniques that can be used to create many
different pieces. (This workshop can also cover a different ornament. The sponsors can choose a Gnome, fairy, backyard birds, Canada goose , snowmen, miceor penguins)

Maximum Students: 18

Materials Fee: $5.00

Students should bring:
- A piece of flat upholstery foam about 8” x 10” x 1” thick
- A pair of scissors