When I entered the world of felt making 3 years ago, I immediately saw the benefits of teaching it to children. Since then, I've taught over 1000 children how to make felt and, I can honestly say, they all loved it!
So, what is it about felt making that children love?
First, they love the slightly messy nature of it - using water and creating bubbles with the soap (and yes, I encourage bubble making competitions!) are just downright fun. Somehow, they don't realise it's messy in a clean way and I certainly send them away with squeaky clean hands.
They love 'Milking' the felt, a technique used to squeeze water out and give it an extra 'felt'. The action is like milking a cow and they can't get enough of it.
They experience success! It really doesn't matter how old you are what your ability is, everyone can make felt. Children quickly realise this and just revel in creating a piece of art. Older children work from photographs and this can be challenging but, with a little encouragement and support, they're proud of what they've created.
They learn! Contrary to popular belief, children love learning. Felt making offers so many opportunities for children to learn. Of course, there are the many aspects of art and design to learn about but I also teach children science, maths and geography during my workshops and they enjoy it.
The awe and wonder children experience during felt making is amazing and, as a teacher, I love seeing it and encouraging their creativity, allowing them to explore a new medium and to play, to discover and most of all to enjoy.
If you'd like to try felt making with your children, then check out my website, www.felt-ed.co.uk for details of my monthly kit club, artist in residence work with schools and resources for teachers.
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