Felting: a practical art
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It’s not an art that gets a lot of attention. Its process takes only a few hours. Its supplies are primarily dependent upon sheep. What is it?
Felting. An art that Gaston studio artist Loyce Ericson discovered after taking a needling class.
“I had been spinning for 15 years,” said Ericson. “Then, I finally found that thing that made me go ‘aha, this is my thing.’”
And her “thing” has found a market. Some of Ericson’s work is for sale in the Norm Thompson catalog.
Ericson, who recently started teaching at Valley Art, moved her Chocolate Sheep Gallery art studio from Carlton to Forest Grove in December.
The art of felting is an ancient craft with roots in Mongolia and Persia. It has very few rules and takes little more than an afternoon to see a final product.
Felt is formed when moist fiber is agitated. The loose wool binds together rather quickly and can be used to make hats, scarves, purses, wall art or sculptures.
Different types of wool are available from soft, fine wool to a stiffer, sturdy fiber. Dyed wool is also available; though, an artist may choose to dye his own wool.
The hobby is relatively inexpensive. Wool can cost anywhere from $10 per pound to $40 per pound, and one hat uses about four ounces of wool, said Ericson.
“Felting is actually experiencing quite a resurgence,” she said. “A lot of people are coming into it from knitting.”
Knitters especially appreciate how efficient the art is; knitting a hat can take four times as long as felting a hat, which usually only takes two hours.
Once a person has learned the basics, like Ericson, they may want to move onto needle felting. Needle felting mechanically entangles the fibers using a steel needle with tiny barbs.
Ericson has items available in her studio, which is open by appointment only.
Call 503-359-3958, or email Loyce Ericson for more information.