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Post by josiebrat on May 4, 2015 2:04:56 GMT
Thanks Ruth,
Yes I did put the felt balls in a laundry bag.
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Post by josiebrat on May 3, 2015 13:44:21 GMT
Thanks Ruth, Marilyn and Frances- While we're on the subject can I ask if either of you have air dried your beads in the dryer before? I tried to do the other day, and for some reason it seems as though the balls became more hairy, but perhaps it was just me being too anxious and taking them out before they dried. Have any of you ever used anything else to help eliminate the hairiness?
Ruth- yes I will also investigate using the batts for the class, as I have some but have not compared cost to regular merino. The one I have is variegated orange and I did make a set of beads with this. I was also able to roll up the balls faster when I use the batts. I will also make a necklace using less beads as a sample and give this as an option in case some do not want to make a lot of beads.
thanks again ladies- wish me luck in getting people to take the class. I really enjoy chatting with you all on this subject, as you are the experts in the field. By the way, Ruth I just took out your book again "Complete photo guide to felting". This is really a great book, and good reference material. Do you always rinse with vinegar as stated in your book? Josie
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Post by josiebrat on May 2, 2015 15:57:59 GMT
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Post by josiebrat on May 2, 2015 15:55:25 GMT
Hello everyone, Hope your Saturday is going well. Good news is I worked out a proposal with the Beading store to teach a beaded necklace class. The beaded necklace will also incorporate beads from the store. The store actually has a separate room to teach the class so that's good news. I'm finishing up another sample which I will photograph so the owner can advertise the class. I'm starting out with 4 hours, split 2-1/2 hours and 1-1/2 as the beads need to dry before finishing. The 1st session will cover making/felting the beads, and 2nd half assembly using nylon cord, and clasp. At first I thought I could do in 3 hours, but if it takes me 2 hours to make 25 beads then it might take a beginner longer. I can always adjust with the next class. By the way, I'm using mainly merino wool top, but it also takes longer. Do you think the merino batts would work or is this just too hairy? Regardless they all produce a little hair but i've found the batts that i've used previously produce a little more hairiness than when I use fine merino. For the class I will put color packs together, and the store owner will add in the beads so it will save time. If you have any other thoughts let me know. I will send you a photo separately of some of the beads I made yesterday. Josie
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 28, 2015 20:17:09 GMT
Hi Frances, and sorry for the delayed response. Yes this is a bead store that sells supplies and also offers classes. One reason why I like the idea of doing a class here if all details can be worked out. I did not see the video on using plastic easter eggs to make felt balls, but this was actually the first project I taught in my class. It was great fun and all the kids took them home. The cat balls sound interesting. I think my first project will be doing felted balls to make into bracelet or necklace where we can also combine beads from the store. I'm doing the same think with the young kids now, except I'm the one adding the string and bead accessories to their project. I would prefer to do the whole class with the older students and teach them how to string and add the bead accessories. Thanks for your ideas as it gives me more things to think about. Will keep you posted. Josie
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 24, 2015 22:23:41 GMT
Dear Ann, Marilyn, Ruth - it would be the same kids for a week or 2 wk program. I can actually propose the ages I would prefer to work with. I do think 3 hours for the younger ones could be too much as you're right about their attention span but maybe I can propose 1-1/2 -2 max depending on their age x 3 days week. We can easily accomplish small projects within this time frame. Right now the 1 hour goes by fast and the kids are always asking if they can stay longer. Of course there is always one or 2 that you can lose, but I have managed to keep majority of them interested in their projects. The key is having them focused on a project that they want to take home.
Agree Small purse and landscape would be great projects. I also have felt all key chains on my list. If I work with the older kids we can incorporate some beads into the project which would benefit the store. Currently I have invoiced the school separately for supply fee. Correct I need to work out all details clearly. Will keep you posted if more develops from this. Yes jewelry store odd place, but this one is set up more like a learning center and I think the owner has no idea what she ps getting into. I told her it requires use of water and could be messy, depending on the age. Thanks for all the positive feedback.
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 24, 2015 14:51:21 GMT
Thanks Zed and Frances,
Zed- k-3 is actually kindergarten through 3rd grade in US or (5-8/9 year olds). For this store front class I might be better to start with kids that are at least 7 and up, as my only concern is the time. I've noticed even with the 6-7 year olds they are good for about 45 minutes then they want to move around more. I think the key is keeping them busy and working on projects they enjoy.
Frances/Zed- I am doing some research and checking other Day Camps in the area, as well as neighbors who have children in school this age. Yes, I'm covered for the basic supplies now and will just have to determine a lesson plan then figure out cost of supplies needed. In my current class the supply fee is included based on what I suggested, and i would do the same for the day camp as the kids would not have access to supplies in this jewelry store. I will also check out the site you listed. Thanks and I always appreciate the timely, good feedback from members of this forum.
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 24, 2015 2:07:06 GMT
I have checked everywhere on this site so I believe this is the appropriate place to discuss this subject. If not please let me know. Recently I mentioned that I'm doing an after school program for 1 hour each week with kids from k-3. I'm working with a class size of 8 with one assistant. We have been working on small projects such as felting over an egg for Easter, felted balls, and today felted soaps. So far they love it and I too am having so much fun teaching. Anyway, I was in a jewelry store this week and was asked if I had interest to do a summer program for kids. The program could run a couple of weeks at a time 3-4 hours a day. The ages of kids would be based on my suggestion. I would only be able to do 3 days a week at most. For those of you with more experience in this area do you think 3-4 hours a day would work for kids and if not what is your suggestion based on your experience. I'm thinking 3-4 hours would be too much for the younger kids, but better for 3rd grade and up based on project base. Any feedback on cost per class and how you determine that.
Thanks Josephine
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 15, 2015 13:43:11 GMT
Thanks Ann, I think I need to experiment with small pieces before I try something big. Will share when I do. Thanks again for all your help
Best regards, Josie
Off to another day of felting even with close to 79 degree temperatures today!
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 14, 2015 1:11:34 GMT
Hi Marilyn, Always good to chat with you all on this site. You are so knowledgeable. Hope things are going ok for you. Did you take any of Fiona's online classes this time around? I did take the jewelry one, but working at my own pace.
Thanks Ruth, I was able to get on the site with Frances help and yes I used the google store. I'm always concerned about downloading from the internet.
Ok, I will try this method on another project. Will let you know how it comes out. thanks everyone, Josie
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 13, 2015 20:20:27 GMT
Yes Francis, This is the one I'm referring to. Let me try this browser and see if I can get in. Thanks for your help. Josie
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 13, 2015 20:15:32 GMT
Hi Ruth, I was using Safari, but now have to use Firefox. I generally have to type in google translate to bring up the site for translation. Sometimes I might be on a sight which has a button for me to press. Just wanted to know if anyone had any special tips on this. I found a few images of the Sassafras design that I can share. Do you know how she gets the nice shapes around the outside edge? Thanks for reading my blog. Yes the kids are really enjoying the felting. I hope I can get into a few more schools and do the same after school program. Need to figure out other ways to supplement my artist income. always more going out for supplies than coming in.
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Post by josiebrat on Apr 13, 2015 17:35:06 GMT
Hello everyone, It's been a while since I have visited the forum. I have been spending a lot of time quilting which is my other passion, but now getting back to my felting which I love. I have also spent some time working on a kids after school program teaching basic felting skills. oh what fun! I hope everyone is having a great time felting, and all the other great things we do in life. I have been reading through the blog updates. thanks anyway, I hope you can help me. 1. translating the foreign sites that have great tutorial info on felting. Someone recently wrote a blog post about this, but I cannot find or remember who wrote it. the one I like a lot is the one called "livemaster"...any tips on best navigation of this site? 2. I want to learn how to add more dimension to my felting similar to what I see from the "Sassafrasdesign". I can't figure out how to copy these images so I can easily attach so let's see if this link to my pinterest will help. Can anyone direct me to a tutorial that will help? Now that Spring is here I hope to get out more, and perhaps do some felting in the backyard. thanks, Josie
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Post by josiebrat on Oct 21, 2014 17:51:14 GMT
luvswool - Yes, I was in Fiona's workshop earlier this year, and gained so much knowledge which I have been incorporating into my work. I truly love felting as the possibilities are endless in what you can do. Would like to explore more landscape type designs as I see everyone doing here on many of the challenges. thanks
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Post by josiebrat on Oct 21, 2014 15:47:33 GMT
Yes it was a lot of work, with many months of preparation but in the end it was well worth it. My friends and family were very supportive, and helped me out especially with the tent, and getting my set up done. Overall, we had a good time meeting friends and some new customers. On the day 1 of the event it was raining lightly, and just when we put the cover on the tent the downpour started…by noon the sun was out and we still had plenty of people coming. Good thing we were at Lincoln Center as people who had tickets to the ballet or theater were not bothered by the rain. The scarves were my number one seller, and I sold some of the smaller accessories that i showed.
thanks again, for info related to care. I have been doing the cool/cold water with mild detergent suitable for my wools so you i will stick with that. I had to ask, as someone did ask me if they could dry clean which I did not recommend.
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