This year marks Phaedra's 4th year of teaching workshops in beginner and intermediate wet and dry felting projects; Waldorf doll-making; dying silk; and is also the 2nd year to offer private workshops and professional development classes for teachers in other like-minded schools and organizations. "I am thrilled to be teaching a class for art doll felting at the Taos Wool festival this year in October 3-4th and will attend the annual PWS Festival of Art as an artisan on April 25th. Please do come and visit, I will have gift certificates for all workshops this year some surprises!"A Note of Caution: This activity is for adults or older children (age 10 and up) only with strict adult guidance and supervision due to the long and very sharp needles. Do not allow your child to attempt these projects alone!
Something out of nothing workshop Classes: Spring /Summer 2009
held at locations around coastal Los Angeles and Topanga, Ca.
held at locations around coastal Los Angeles and Topanga, Ca.
All workshops offered can be tailored to fit most schedules during the day, evenings or weekends.
Most classes start mid morning 10-11am and light snacks are provided.
Most classes start mid morning 10-11am and light snacks are provided.
- Dry needle felt 2d or 3d seasonal items i.e. small animal, mineral or vegetable! Felting 101 cheat sheet, project pattern and basic kit provided.
Sculpted Wool ART Doll - 4-6 hours -$45 plus $15 materials fee - May 16th-17th 
- Here's your chance to make a captivating, magical felted wool art doll to proudly display in your home and sturdy enough for gentle child's play. The finished 8 “ doll will have pose-able arms and a sturdy firm base. Attention to detail and cover techniques for creating clothing of various styles (including shawls, aprons and accessories) and the ever important hair-styling tease tips. Bring your imagination!
A really fun class for any level. In this class you will learn how to make a 3-dimensional, free-standing tree sculpture perfect for any chosen season. This is a rather large piece, standing approximately 10 inches tall. At the close of this class you'll have learned the techniques for making ‘firm’ felt using multiple and single needles and know the inside scoop for making tall pieces stand.
Painting with Wool - 3 hours - $35 plus $5 materials fee - Anytime!
- Create your own unique wall hanging from your imagination, a picture, painting or even a poem. Perfect for beginning or advanced felters. We will pay attention to the nuances of ‘painting’ or layering with raw wool and how to make the roving take on different textures like water, stone, wood, flower etc. At the completion of this class, you will have a one of a kind frame-able piece of art for your home or simply use it for embellishment!
Fantasy Playscape - 6-8 hours split over 2-3 sessions - $65 plus $12 materials fee - August dates TBD
- One of the most challenging but satisfying workshops! You will learn every trick in the book (or close to it!) using many skills and techniques to sculpt your very own land of happy! Waterfalls, woodland, marsh, streams and nooks are all perfect hide-aways for your imagination. Bring rubber gloves, a towel and a bamboo mat!
Summer fruit basket - 2-3 hours - $27 plus $5 materials fee – May 23rd or 24th TBD.
All the how-to’s in the fruit world. Fake food is always fun to look and play with, you will learn both wet and dry techniques to create your own basket of favourite fruit or veg and instructions to make your own bowl too!
Traditional Waldorf dollmaking: 6-8 hours split over 2-3 sessions - $50 plus $30-40 materials fee.
July 9th, 10th and 12th ( third date can be used as a catch up or make up session).
- Learn how to create a unique gift for any child with all natural materials and age old tips! Choose your skin, hair and face combinations to really customize your doll. 12, 16 or 18” dolls. We will cover, making a sturdy head from raw wool, sewing your own skins from a pattern or you may use a ready sewn pattern, learn stuffing techniques to ensure a long life, wig making and finishing touches. Simple clothing patterns are provided to take home.
- Do you have a group of friends who want to learn to felt? Can’t make it to a scheduled class time or date? Design your own workshop for private groups or a really different birthday party with spectacular results! Create a custom class for any group of 3 to 10 people and schedule it when it's convenient for you! Prices will be determined based on length and class content.
- Clearing a room can reap a bounty of goodies to be used for your OOAK ( one of a kind) creation! We will transform your collection of keepsakes into a unique transitional doll. This extremely liberating class may also be used to inspire both maturing pre-teen girls and older women...to creatively and positively express themselves. Only basic sewing skills required. Original patterns will be created and used.
Contact Phaedra(at)thephoenixgift.com to schedule your class and receive registration info.
Recent comments from students of the 08-2009 workshops:
“Thank you so much, everyone had a great time and loved that they learned to felt!” Connie
Cat, “It was awesome! I came home feeling absolutely rejuvenated! Better than a spa! Lol!”
“By the way, the class was fantastic. Thanks, Phaedra, for all your help.” Karen B
Spectacular! I'm carrying it all over the place showing it off. Thank you so much for being an AMAZING instructor! I had so much fun and it's just beautiful. I can't wait for more classes.” L Wilde
“I appreciate your help and look forward to learning more felting techniques and tricks” Sandra
“It was great meeting you, thank you for guiding us with your talent!” Lilian
“I am always excited at an opportunity to share a fantastic and fulfilling fiber arts skill and continue to offer free community classes once a season.” More examples of Phaedra's work and musings can be seen HERE: and at her online Shop (Phoenix420.etsy).
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