Featured image: Petal the Piglet, one of the felting projects to be completed at the three workshops taught by artist Juneko Martinson in Vancouver, Washington, in February 2018 (photo by Juneko Martinson)
My first experience with felting was during a visit to an alpaca farm on Block Island, in Rhode Island, four years ago. For someone who enjoys needlecrafts, it’s a fun way to relax and create something different.
If you’re new to felting or want to improve your skills, the Friends of Fort Vancouver is hosting three workshops taught by felting artist Juneko Martinson in the Visitor Center at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in February:
- Sweet Heart Pins (all skill levels), Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your own embellishments, such as beads and buttons.
- Spring Bunnies (beginners), Saturday, February 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Petal the Piglet (intermediate), Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. To attend this workshop, students must have attended one of Martinson’s previous workshops or felted a 3D item.
Each workshop costs $25 per person, and advance registration is required. Call (360) 816-6216 to reserve a spot.
Materials and tools are included in the registration fee for the Sweet Heart Pins and Spring Bunnies workshops. For the Petal the Piglet workshop, tools are not included, and students should bring their own needles and felting mats.
In addition to her felting art, Martinson raises sheep and alpacas in Brush Prairie, north of Vancouver, Washington. Many of her handmade felted animals and other items are sold in the Friends of Fort Vancouver’s Bookstore in the Visitor Center.
The Fort Vancouver Visitor Center is located 1501 E Evergreen Blvd. in Vancouver, Washington.
