Dates: Saturday, June 21st; Saturday, June 28th ; Saturday, July 5th.
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day.
Location: CSB offices.
Price: $150

Workshop Objectives

The movement and texture of a fabric are the foundation of any garment design. The objective of this workshop is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques of constructing fabrics using the felt-making method.  Felting is a method by which wool fibers are matted together through the process of agitation and the addition of water. Participants will learn 2D and 3D felting by making samples of each. As a final output, they will choose between the construction of a handbag, a hat, or an art object.

Instructor Biography 

With a teaching career of over 20 years, Guitta Melki has held positions at Notre Dame University as the Chair of the Visual Arts, as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and most recently at the Lebanese American University. After completing a Master of Fine Arts at The Savannah College of Art and Design, Guitta practiced textile design in the USA for over 12 years, designing rugs, jacquards, friezes, and dobby fabrics.

Among some of her professional awards, Guitta won the CITDA First Place (Computer Integrated Textile Design Association), and the American Rug Craftsmen and Amoco Fibers and Fabrics awards. Guitta also co-founded the Heart Works Arts and Crafts Studio and her brand, The MelkiWay, under which she designs and executes wearable accessories. As a long-term ceramist, her art has been shown at MACAM, Cairo Biennale, Salon d’Automne, Sursock Museum, US Clayworks, and The Boulevard. Guitta has been a regular exhibitor at the Bkerzay Pottery Fair and Ras Beirut Cultural Center's 'Ceramic Days' shows.

Workshop Outline

• Session 1: The first session will include an introduction and brief history of feltmaking, discussions of related fibers and materials, and demonstrations of 2D felting. The demonstration will include layering the wool, laminating and embellishing, making flaps, layers, and pockets with resists, and making tassels or spikes by applying wet felt processes.

• Session 2: This session will work on 3D and dry felting techniques to create accessories or an art object. 

• Session 3: This session will revolve around preparation for the creation of the preferred item or accessory of choice. Participants will prepare resists, prepare pre-felts if necessary, set up for layering the wool, and complete the felting process.