TALL VESSELS: structural felt
paper + thread series
MARTIEN VAN ZUILEN
Two-day felting masterclass exploring sculptural vessel forms using colour blending, textured surfaces and mixed media techniques for dimensional felt artworks.
materials list
here are all the materials and tools you’ll need to successfully start this masterclass
date Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June 2026
duration 2 day
venue location in York tba 1 week prior to class start
Exploring sculptural felt forms through fibre, texture and colour blending…
In this two-day workshop, participants explore the sculptural potential of handmade felt while creating a distinctive tall vessel form.
Working with fine merino wool and a range of fibres, makers will experiment with techniques that transform soft fibres into strong, dimensional structures. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exploration, participants will learn how felt can be shaped, layered and manipulated to create expressive sculptural forms.
The workshop focuses on developing depth, texture and structure through colour and fibre blending, raised textural surfaces, and the incorporation of mixed media elements and simple stitching to enhance visual detail.
Participants will work toward creating a tall, hand-felted vessel while refining techniques that support both artistic expression and structural integrity.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced fibre artists, the workshop provides an opportunity to experiment with materials and develop confidence working with three-dimensional felt forms.
Martien van Zuilen — Textile Artist & Workshop Leader
Website martienvanzuilen.com
Insta martienvanzuilen
Martien van Zuilen is recognised internationally for her innovative felt artworks, combining technical mastery with a distinctive sculptural approach to fibre.
Exhibiting since the late 1980s, Martien’s work has appeared in galleries and exhibitions across Australia and internationally, and is featured in numerous specialist publications and books on contemporary fibre practice.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, she maintains an active studio practice while teaching workshops nationally and internationally. Martien is also Convenor of Fibres West Inc., a freelance curator, and Creative Lead with North Midlands Project Inc., contributing significantly to the development of fibre arts in Australia.
date Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June 2026
duration 2 day
venue location in York tba 1 week prior to class start
create and stay: participants will travel from across Australia, with many choosing to turn their time in York into a short creative getaway. The Wheatbelt offers a range of comfortable stays, from boutique guesthouses to self-contained cottages, all close to workshop venues.
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