Sacred Landscape :: Felted Wool Wall Hanging

For the past two years, I've been developing a body of work, entitled, "Sacred Landscapes". This collection consists of various size (3' to 7' in height) felted wool wall hangings which evoke the Grand Canyon's geological strata and its carver, the Colorado River. Each piece features a 3D "cut" to reveal a hidden layer below. The ovoid shape is inspired by the Shiva Lingam stones gathered from the Namada River in Onkar Mandhata, one of India's holy sites. The works' reference to the sacred is intentional, as Grand Canyon too serves as an inspirational site commanding respect and often reverence from those who gaze into its depths… and is sacrosanct to many who fight for its continued protection.

Photo: Sacred Landscape; Hand-felted Merino wool; 16.5" x 36.5". © Kim Buchheit

2017 Nuno-Felting Workshop at the Grand Canyon

 

We just wrapped up an incredible weekend of nuno-felting and dyeing at the Grand Canyon! Workshop participants really pushed themselves, outlining challenging design projects on day two with fabulous results. Special guest Mary Rooney showed everyone how to use acid dyes to color their wool and silk fiber in preparation for the class's second project. If you're interested in coming to the canyon next year, please join us for a Felting Vessels course. Details on Grand Canyon Association Field Institute's website.

Nuno-felted Striped Scarves using Tape Resist

This weekend I'll be teaching a nuno-felted workshop at Grand Canyon National Park (hosted by Grand Canyon Association Field Institute). We'll be making airy silk and wool scarves and durable purses/tech cases during this two-day course. In preparation, I experimented with using masking tape as a resist. It was just one of those wild-hair ideas and I truly wasn't expecting the tape to stay in place during the wet felting stage, but it did (!) and I was so tickled about that. This striped scarf design requires very little fiber and, by exposing the silk in between, showcases the lovely silk chiffon while creating a beautiful sculptural fabric. Both samples were made using creamy white Merino wool roving and silk. Once felted and dried, I dyed one sample scarf using Lansaset dyes from Dharma Trading. I'm looking forward to sharing this new technique with my students in a few days. And, btw, if you're in the area, call (866) 471-4435 to see if there's still space available... we'd love to have you join us!

Nuno-Felting Workshop at the Grand Canyon

This past weekend the Grand Canyon Association's Field Institute (GCAFI) hosted our nuno-felting workshop once again. Rachel, Libby and I are so grateful to GCAFI's team for all the hard work they do in making this annual event possible. Also, thanks to our talented class participants for challenging themselves creatively and making some incredible nuno-felted scarves, tech cases, shawls, and purses! Anyone interested in signing up for our workshop at the Grand Canyon in October of 2017, please contact GCAFI… we'd love to have you join us!

 

18th Annual Flag Wool & Fiber Festival

Photos © Mike Buchheit The Flag Wool & Fiber Festival is under new management  partnering with the Arizona Historical Society and Flagstaff Community Markets. And, boy, did they hit the ground running with a record number of booths and visitation this year. Congratulations to festival coordinators Andrea Greene and Heather Babbott! Yesterday at the Festival, I had the pleasure of demonstrating nuno felting with the help of my 10-year-old artist friend, Libby Gdula. If you're interested in nuno felting, consider taking my weekend workshop this October at the Grand Canyon, through the Grand Canyon Field Institute — class details here. We'll be making nuno-felted scarves/runners and purses/carrying cases. Additionally, special guest Jeanne Salt (an incredible fiber artist from the Navajo Nation) will share her deep knowledge of animal fibers' place in regional arts and culture. Join us for a wonderful woolly weekend!

Felting Workshop at the Grand Canyon

October 13-14, 2012
Wool Workshop at the Grand Canyon
Learn to nuno felt in the sublime wildness of Grand Canyon National Park! Join me and fellow fiber artist/art educator, Jen Marshall, for a wonderful wool workshop in one of the most inspiring venues anywhere! Enjoy sunrise discussions on the rim and classroom instruction on felting with wool and silk (other techniques will be taught as time permits). Sign up now for this 2-day workshop hosted by the Grand Canyon Field Institute. Space is limited. Course fee: $195 (includes all supplies). For details or to enroll, go to: here
or, call 866-471-4435

Wool Workshop at Grand Canyon

Photos © Mike Buchheit
Wool Workshop at Grand Canyon :: October 15-16, 2011
Learn to nuno felt with Kim Buchheit and Jen Marshall in the sublime wildness of Grand Canyon National Park! Enjoy sunrise discussions on the rim and classroom instruction on felting with wool and silk. Sign up now for this wonderful woolly 2-day workshop hosted by the Grand Canyon Field Institute. Space is limited. Course fee: $195. Enroll here — or, call 866-471-4435