Recommended Suppliers: Workshops
(clickable links are highlighted in red)
Canberra Region Feltmakers – has existed since the early ’90s to support and encourage all those interested in this versatile and exceptionally creative activity. Although based in Canberra, their membership spans not only the local region, but Sydney and the rest of NSW, and also includes a number of interstate and international members.
Elizabeth Armstrong – Artist, Author, Teacher. Elizabeth has been a full-time artist for over 20 years and focusses on several media, chiefly Felt, Painting and Ceramics, although that doesn’t stop her from trying something new now and then! She also works as an Artist in Residence, where she specialises in making installations with school students, and conducts workshops and classes in her home studio in Melbourne, around Australia, and overseas.
Evocative Arts and Heritage – provides a range of products and services, including workshops and events. Workshop sizes are always small to give you more personal time with the tutor and to provide a more enriching learning experience. Importantly, you are provided with plenty of work space so you can spread out your work. One on one workshops are available on request.
Geelong Fibre Forum (TAFTA Inc) – Tafta Inc presents a week-long retreat for artists, craftspersons and like-minded individuals to come and create with tutors of their choice. Held annually during the Victorian September school holidays – please check the website for the correct dates and the selection of workshops.
Grampians Texture – an annual workshop series for textile artists which provides an opportunity to participate in workshops with one of approximately 18 visiting Australian or international artists. Workshops are suitable for beginners to experienced artists. Set in Halls Gap, on the edge of the spectacular Grampians National Park, in western Victoria, workshops are available for – 2 day (Sat/Sun), 4 day (Mon-Thur) and 6 day master classes (Sat – Thur). Sessions run from 9 am – 4 pm with morning tea and lunch provided at your workshop.
Handmade Felt Workshops (Feltwilde Studio) – One Day Felt-Making Workshops in Sydney’s Inner West with Felter Gillian Brooks.
HOOKt – Debbie McGuire is a fibre artist specializing in hand spinning, hand dyeing and crocheting.
Marilyn Townsend – Texture and colour are two of Marilyn’s passions and although she has been teaching and working in freehand machining for over 30 years, she is forever trying new ideas. She is a very experienced artist & tutor, specialising in art at teachers college in UK, and later at art school taking part 2 City & Guilds diploma specialising in freehand machine embroidery with distinction, and teaching in England, S. Africa and Australia.
Martien van Zuilen – Martien’s current range of works includes wearables, bags, rugs, jewellery, vessels, sculpture and more – all made using wool fibres that she colours and manipulates by hand. She invites you to join her in one of her in-depth workshops – learn the hands-on techniques and create your very own treasures in hand-made felt.
The Embroiderers’ Guild NSW Inc. – The ‘Guild’ is a not-for-profit membership body for anyone and everyone who loves to stitch or would love to learn. People of all ages and walks of life join the Guild for all sorts of reasons: following their creative urge; mastery of a new skill; a love of traditional crafts; memories of learning from family members; the company of like-minded people – just to name a few!
The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria – a state-wide organisation devoted to teaching and learning about all forms of embroidery and textile arts. They run classes, exhibitions, and all sorts of stitching sessions, covering weekdays, evenings and weekends. They give advice, have an amazing library, put on regular displays, and have a museum quality Collection of traditional and contemporary embroidery.
The Victorian Feltmakers Inc – a not-for-profit organisation with over 100 members ranging from beginners to advanced feltmakers. They meet regularly to share the latest feltmaking techniques and keep up-to-date with happenings in the world of felt with natural and synthetic fibres. Their organisation is all about sharing and supporting the development of the feltmaking community.