This will be an exciting gathering, full of techniques, design, passion and inspiration!
Felt Gathering
February 5-11, 2027
Mahon Hall
Salt Spring Island, BC
How to Get Here: https://www.fionaduthie.com/how-to-get-to-salt-spring-island/
Where to Stay on Salt Spring Island: https://www.fionaduthie.com/where-to-stay-on-salt-spring-island/
Cancellation/Refund Policy: https://www.fionaduthie.com/cancellation-refund-policy/
Registration opens at 1:00 PM, PST (Vancouver, BC time) on October 30, 2026.
Registration will be taken by submitting a form here with your choice of workshops. The form will be available on this page at the time noted above.
Registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received. I will confirm your registration within 24 hours of your submission, and send you an invoice for the workshop fee and any applicable materials fee.
If you have any questions at all, please do email me!
February 5,6,7 : Fiona Duthie, Meanderings: Sculptural Forms in Felt and Paper
$675
The Materials List can be found HERE!
Meanderings- Inspired by the sinuous paths of rivers, shifting coastlines, undulating mountain contours or layered, drifting clouds, this workshop explores the transformation of flat surfaces into dynamic, three-dimensional forms.
We will create richly patterned surfaces using paints, markers and inks, and then collage and embellish our wool layouts adding ramie fibres, paper, pencil rovings and yarns. Incorporating flexible wire, we will bend, fold and twist our double-sided pieces into flowing curves, angular forms and unexpected shapes.
Working with two individual forms, we will explore the visual dialogue between them: how they interact, overlap, balance and frame one another. The sculptures will be designed to work in multiple ways—as flat wall pieces, dimensional wall sculptures, or free-standing forms displayed on a table or shelf, offering changing perspectives and possibilities.
Through an interplay of material, surface and structure, we will discover how flat materials can become tactile, expressive sculptures that can be continually reshaped and reimagined.
Materials and techniques: Paper, felt, wool, ramie fibres, yarns, pencil rovings and wire; painting, printing, collage, wet felting and sculptural manipulation.
There will be 8 participants in this workshop.
This workshop is open to most levels of experience- basic through advanced- you must have some basic experience of felt making.
February 5,6,7 : Ksenia Shinkovskaya (Wool Bulb), A Caravan of Pilgrims
$675
The materials list can be found HERE!
A journey into imagination, storytelling and the art of found objects.
Inspired by Ksenia Shinkovskaya’s Pilgrims series, this workshop invites you to discover the unexpected possibilities of driftwood and wool, transforming them into expressive sculptural figures.
Each piece of driftwood becomes the starting point for a unique sculpture. By exploring its natural shapes and textures, participants will discover the character within — a wanderer, dreamer, guardian or mysterious traveller, each with a story of its own.
Using needle felting and wet felting techniques, you’ll bring your pilgrim to life, combining the organic forms of driftwood with the softness, colour and texture of wool.
The “Pilgrims” will be about 15–20 cm in size. Each person will be able to make 2-3 pieces. Everyone works at very different speeds—some might make just a few, while others may make a whole collection of characters.
There will be 10 participants in this workshop.
This workshop is open to most levels of experience- basic through advanced- you must have some basic experience of felt making.
February 5,6,7: Gabriella Kovacs, The Tower Box
$675
The Materials List can be found HERE!
Create geometric spatial forms found in architecture by felting on a built-in template. Lighthouse, minaret, campanile, church tower… we meet them all over the world in so many colours and shapes. The silhouette of towers is always very expressive. The more dynamic the silhouette, the more exciting is the final shape. These are intricate and technical felt structures, all created using the bold, bright and harmonious colours for which Gabriella is renowned!
During the three days, everyone makes an approx. 45 cm high three dimensional tower-shaped storage box. We will examine the structure of the shapes and make decorative elements for each ornament.
• You will learn how to make a 3D shape, sculpture, with a spatial template.
• You will see what kind of patterns can be achieved using wool layouts in different directions.
• You will experience the shrinkage of different layer thicknesses during felting and how to calculate these factors in advance.
There will be 10 participants in this workshop.
This workshop is best suited for intermediate to advanced felt makers.
February 8,9,10,11 : Fiona Duthie, Layers in Design- Fabric Painting and Design Study
$875
The Materials List can be found HERE!
I’ll post some examples of previous students work here on October 25th.
Through nature observation and creative exercises, we look at where to find inspiration and use it to make your own personalized fabrics through abstraction in colour, form, text and layering in markmaking on cloth. We’ll paint in colour and black and white to create durable, complex cloth designs that will be collaged into dynamic felt surfaces. We’ll look at where to use print, where to use texture, combining these and making visually pleasing transitions. We’ll look at what to include from an inspirational image, and what to leave behind, to make a strong composition. We’ll discuss how to go from idea to finished project, and work together through the design steps as you create your own artwork. Projects can include wall hangings, sculptures, vessels or accessories.
There will be 8 participants in this workshop.
This workshop is best suited for intermediate to advanced felt makers.
February 8,9,10, 11: Ksenia Shinkovskaya (Wool Bulb), Sculpture on an Armature
$875
The Materials List can be found HERE!
Create Fantastical Creatures with Mirrored and Glass Faces
In this workshop, artist Ksenia Shinkovskaya invites participants to explore her imaginative approach to sculpture and create their own fantastical characters. Using an armature as a starting point, participants will build their sculptures through needle and wet felting, experimenting with form and the interplay of materials.
Inspired by Ksenia’s distinctive work, we will explore the use of mirrors and glass to create striking, expressive faces. These reflective surfaces bring an intriguing, otherworldly quality to each character, playing with light, reflection and the viewer’s perception.
Each participant will create a unique three-dimensional creature that brings together structure, material and imagination.
These sculptures are approximately 40-50cm (15.5″ – 19.5″) tall.
There will be 10 participants in this workshop.
This workshop is best suited for intermediate to advanced felt makers.
February 8,9,10,11 : Gabriella Kovacs, The Pomegranate Bag
$875
The Materials List can be found HERE!
The pomegranate is rich in symbolism across many cultures, representing resurrection, eternal life, sanctity, fertility, abundance, and a blessed future. Its stylized form has been used in various textile designs, and my bags were inspired by Renaissance pomegranate embroideries. These motifs offer many opportunities for creative play, which we will explore.
In this four-day workshop, participants will felt a crossbody bag with flip top cover, measuring approximately 30 × 30 cm (12” × 12”). We will focus not only on the technical aspects of felting but also on surface decoration and colour blending. Gabriella will guide you through creating beautiful gradients and teach you how to work with various yarns and silk on thick-walled felt, ensuring that your pattern elements stay in place during the felting process. We will incorporate additional resists to create exciting shapes and designs, adding exquisite detail to both sides of the bag.
There will be 1o participants in this workshop.
This workshop is best suited for intermediate to advanced felt makers.