Felting - A Bag of Tricks
- Jorie Johnson

B is for Bag: With the departure theme- a Feltmaker's Bag of Tricks- participants will survey a variety of techniques applicable to durable felt bag making for all sizes. Through demonstrations and guided group exercises, for example color and fiber blending, encapsulation, linking, closure friendly functions, participants will learn ways of shaping to create and enhance both felted forms and fabric surfaces. Elementary leather techniques for finishing will be included for reinforcement, as well as, design compatibility and closure purposes.

The instructor will give individual attention to each person's work and highlight ways to create designs that maximize the manipulation of wool fiber during the hand feltmaking process.

B is also for brain and thus we will strive to combine research into the medium with personal interests to design, create and complete a series of uniquely personal bags for which a special item or need is fulfilled.

JORIE JOHNSON, Kyoto, has been venturing off-track since she first was introduced to felt boot-making in Finland in 1977. She has traveled the world seeking information on sheep, wool and the rediscovered sculptural capabilities of the technique. She studied textile design at RISD and in Finland and interned at Marimekko. The design studio, Joi Rae Textiles, was opened in the Boston in 1979 and now JRT Japan produces limited edition body and head wear, accessories, as well as, interior items. She is author of Feltmaking Wool Magic (Quarry Books) and co-wrote Fabulous Felted Scarves (Lark Books) and a part-time lecturer at several universities in Japan. She teaches workshops in the USA, Europe and Asia. Her works are in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, de Young Museum, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Bank of Boston, Nuno Corporation, and have appeared on the cover of contemporary textile art publications worldwide. www.joirae.com