Needle-Felted Sculpture

SF 126
Instructor: Stephanie Metz
Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., June 6
1 session. $75 (plus $30 materials fee payable to instructor at first session). Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

This class introduces students to an innovative use of a humble and inexpensive material through an introduction to the tools, processes, and possibilities of needle-felting. Participants complete a small project to get familiar with the concepts central to this unique art form and leave with the skills and knowledge to translate their ideas into felt using simple tools to create three-dimensional, free-standing, solid felt sculpture.

Materials fee covers all supplies required to complete a small project, including needles, wool, and rubber work surface.

Image Transfers: 30+ Techniques

OAK 240
Instructor: Richard Elliott
Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., June 20 & 21
2 sessions. $150 (plus $20 materials fee payable to instructor at first session). Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

OAK 242
Instructor: Richard Elliott
Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., August 8 & 9
2 sessions. $150 (plus $20 materials fee payable to instructor at first session). Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

An intensive two-day workshop that introduces more than 30 processes for transferring photocopied images, as well as computer laser and ink-jet prints and magazine photos, onto paper, fabric, wood, and other surfaces. A variety of visual effects can be achieved for inclusion in drawings, paintings, collages, and artists' books, or as applications on fabrics, garments, furniture, walls, and more. Photocopying tips and techniques using transfer crayons, pens, pencils, acrylic medium, adhesive materials, natural oils, heat transfer and decal papers, and a variety of solvents is explored. Examples and slides complement the many hands-on processes introduced.

Warning: Solvents produce noxious fumes; therefore, a respirator mask is recommended. Materials fee includes a handout packet and most materials. A materials list will be mailed to registrants.

Dye-Verse: The Plant Dyer’s Palette

OAK 826
Instructor: Sasha Duerr
Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m., June 15–19
5 sessions. $700 (plus $20 lab fee payable at registration). Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

Students in this course learn to dye with creative sources of nontoxic natural plant color from their backyard, garden, or urban sidewalk. This course expands the dyer's palette and encourages experimentation with a vast array of alternative and organic color. The class focuses on biodiversity and creative reuse of dye and fiber materials by sourcing salvage yards, thrift stores, and the insides of one’s closet at home.

Students work with both traditional and nontraditional methods and learn about over-dyeing, mordanting, and patterning techniques. Each student develops a sample book for recipes and reference, ending with a final project that encourages "dye-verse" results and pushes the boundaries of botanically colored textiles. For inspiration and innovation, the course is supported with slides, resources, and examples from the sustainable and "slow" textile movement.

Lab fee covers some fabric and dye basics.

* This course also can be taken for a letter grade: $1,293