We had a full house last Saturday for our Traditional Tibetan Felting Family Art Lab. This time of year many families seek fun, indoor weekend activities and what better way to spend a cold day than learning how to felt with your family?
We began our workshop with an introduction to traditional Himalayan felting methods, where felt comes from, and what types of items are made from felt. Watching a brief video, showing traditional felt-making in Mongolia, made the families excited to try it on their own…although without the help of yaks and horses.
Afterwards, we took a trip to the Museum to explore the exhibition, Gateway to Himalayan Art. We searched for yaks, patterns, colors, and items that might be made from felt. A few interesting stories were also shared along the way…
After completing our museum exploration, we returned to the art studio ready to felt. First I demonstrated the simple techniques for making felt – a process of layering thin pieces of wool roving, adding laundry soap and water, followed by agitation, agitation, agitation!
Once they selected their colors, everyone got to work. The creative collaboration between adults and children never ceases to awe and inspire me.
The finished pieces were all equally impressive. The families had a great time making them and learned a new activity that they can do together at home.
Up next month…
Please join us for Losar Family Day on Saturday, March 8th. We will be celebrating the Tibetan New Year with a day of art, crafts, music, snacks, mandala-making, and more! We hope to see you and your family there!
