Demonstration Saturday with Laura Ryan

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Our September Demo Saturday brought something a little different to the Simpson Center as guest demonstrator Laura Ryan introduced attendees to the art of wet felting.

Using merino wool, water, a little Joy dishwashing soap, and plenty of hands-on technique, Laura demonstrated how loose wool fibers can be transformed into a beautiful three-dimensional felt vase.

She began by explaining the different types of wool used for felting, what works best for this process, and where artists can find quality materials. From there, she demonstrated how to layer strips of merino wool vertically and horizontally over a circular template until there are no thin or “bald” spots.

Water and just a few drops of dish soap help the fibers become pliable and begin bonding together. Laura compared the process to making a pancake, layering the wool around the template, then flipping, folding, and working from both sides.

HVAA member Tracy Anderson got a workout during the demonstration as she helped roll a prepared piece inside a bamboo mat. Rolling, pressing, and manipulating the fibers gradually shrinks and strengthens the felt.

Once the wool had reached the right stage, a small opening was cut into the center and the inner template was removed. That simple step allowed the flat piece of felt to begin taking on its three-dimensional form. From there, Laura demonstrated how the piece could be shaped by hand into a small vase.

Laura made the process look surprisingly easy, though she admitted felting takes experimentation and practice.

The afternoon ended with a raffle for a felting kit Laura donated, and one of our visiting guests was the lucky winner.

HVAA’s Demo Saturdays are open to the public and offer a chance to discover new techniques, meet local artists, and experience different forms of art firsthand. We appreciate Laura for sharing her knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm with everyone who joined us.