INTRODUCTION TO MAKING ANIMAL MASKS – THE BASICS (LEVEL 1) September 25 to 30
5 days, 1 day off
•Type: Advanced workshop
•Level: Advanced
In this advanced workshop, students are guided through the basic principles and techniques of felting an animal mask, step by step, from start to finish, using a relatively uncomplicated animal as their starting point. The focus is less on achieving a hyper-realistic and hyper detailed mask of the type created in master classes, and more on achieving a thorough understanding of the different aspects involved in the process, and on executing each stage well. The sculpting aspect is something that many find difficult and daunting, as it requires more than just a knowledge of felt making. By focusing on relatively “simple” animal shapes, we spend less time on intricate surface details, complex technical feats, or wide variety of embellishments, and more time on learning how to achieve strong and convincing sculptural shapes
This advanced workshop is aimed at those who would like to gain a thorough understanding of how to make a full head cover animal mask, but who are not yet ready to make overly complex and detailed pieces. This workshop is an excellent prelude to those who wish to progress to the Faces of Extinction master class in future.
Learning is supported through practical demonstrations, one-to-one consultations and practical help, handouts and illustrated explanations.
DAY 1: Shrinkage / designing & preparing the resist / laying out 1 & 2
DAY 2: Eyes / laying out 3 & 4
DAY 3: Attachments /laying out 5 & 6 /fur, hair
DAY 4: Felting / sculpting
DAY 5: Sculpting / finishes
More information at