By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Adult Services/Programming Librarian Bri Ozanne led a packed needle felting workshop at the Medfield Public Library on June 27. Approximately fifteen participants worked to create a plant sculpture that was fitted into a small clay flowerpot filled with stones. Following illustrations placed in the middle of the table, or using their imaginations, participants worked to create plant leaves or cactus arms to create their fauna sculptures.
In needle felting, a specialized needle with barbs or notches at the bottom is used to poke through the surface of wool. A foam block placed under the wool protects the worktable from damage. Fingers are protected by rubber “thimbles.” Felters poke the needle into the loose wool until the fibers are compressed or tangled into a piece of felt. By using different colors of wool or felting wool into different shapes, one can create a sculptural piece or a flat piece of felt art. The felting needle can also be used to join separate pieces of wool.
If you would like to try needle felting or another craft, Ozane offers craft workshops regularly. The library’s event calendar lists classes being offered.
If you are not able to attend a scheduled class, you can use the well-stocked Makerspace on the bottom floor of the library. The Makerspace offers craft supplies and tools to be used by both adults and children. There is a good-sized table to work on.
For adults and older children, there is a computer, high-resolution scanner, wide-format printer, Cricut maker, sewing machine, label maker, and laminator. In addition to felting supplies, there are also supplies for jewelry making, paper crafts, book binding, paper quilting, letter writing, knitting and crocheting, embroidery, punch need embroidery, and adult coloring.
For all patrons, the Makerspace offers polymer clay, shrinky drinks, duct tape crafts, button makers, Perler beads, craft thread, 3D pens, hook and latch looms, and general arts and crafts supplies.
See www.medfieldpubliclibrary.org/makerspace/ for more information on the Makerspace at the Medfield Public Library.
