Landfill-core holiday sweaters are out. Repurposed, whimsical, and lovingly made holiday sweaters are IN.

In this beginner-friendly needle felting workshop, Risa will teach you the fundamentals of needle felting and how to turn what you already have in your closet into something your holiday party or family gathering will be asking you about non-stop.

Risa will show you how to directly needle felt onto a garment as well as making gift-ready patches. You’ll learn tips and tricks and take home a kit of your own so you can keep making long after class is done.

Supplies Needed: As part of this class, you will receive a kit that includes a felting needle, wool, fabric for patch making, and other felting supplies to take with you. Just grab the item you'd like to adorn from home (if not creating a patch). Wool, tight-knit sweaters, cashmere, thinner/softer fabrics (vs a sturdy denim) and pieces with not a lot of stretch are best for needle felting. If you’re not sure, bring it anyways!

Instructor: Risa Iwasaki Culbertson is a fiber artist, letterpress machinist, illustrator, and master crafter living in the Bay Area. The abundance of Risa’s work is silly and playful which is visually approachable at face value but, there is also a personal story behind each of her quirky creations. She uses the power of play as a vehicle to strengthen connections, replenish one’s energy, problem solve, inspire, and be inspired. Her colorful artwork has deeper meaning but, it is meant for all to enjoy.