Brighten the dark months of winter with the soft light of wool luminaries.

A wool-felted luminary creates a cozy atmosphere indoors or outdoors. By learning the basics of the 3-D resist method of making a small wet-felted vessel, students will design their own luminary. Additional design options will be available using silks, yarns, lace, prefelts, or plant materials to create interesting shadow effects. Students will practice laying out wool for an even, thin, and consistent surface, choosing their colors, considering their design, and learning how to shape a 3-D object for strength and luminosity. Students will have time to make a number of vessels, depending upon individual designs and complexity. If you have glass vases you would like to create luminaries for, you may bring them to class. Candles or battery lights of many styles can be used.

Students should have the ability to stand for long periods of time and agitate wool (requiring a little muscle/stamina).

This course is open to students ages 15+. Youth ages 10+ are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• Two large towels
• A bag to carry home wet supplies
• Comfortable shoes for standing

Optional Tools

• If you'd like to use your own wool, you may bring it and we will test its suitability for the project. If you have any silk scarves, lace, old chiffon scarves, or interesting fibers you would like to add to the project, please bring them.