Sarah Leigh – Nuno Felted Fairy Lights

Venue: Nook Gallery & Studios, Kings Heath, Birmingham
Cost: £80
Timing: 10.30am – 5pm
Date: 13 December to 13 December 2026
Website: https://www.sarahleighartist.com/workshops

What lovelier way to embrace the winter season than creating your own string of tactile felted fairy lights? You’ll be introduced to the technique of Nuno felting to combine a sheet of patterned fabric with white wool fibres. This is the process of drawing wool fibres through the fine weave of lace, tulle, net or silk chiffon using hot soapy water and friction to create a bonded, felted fabric. You’ll wash and iron the fabric and while it’s drying you can take a lunchbreak. We are lucky to have lots of independent cafes within a few minute’s walk, or you’re welcome to bring a lunch to eat in the studio.

Once your felt is dry, it’s time to get cutting! Whether you’re creating a string of disc or conical lights, you’ll create a template to draw around as a guide. You’re not restricted to circles … how about cloud shapes or stars? You’ll then attach the felt in pairs to each LED bulb on your string of battery operated lights. These lights will last for years and are most definitely not just for Christmas!

A variety of embroidered tulle and lace pieces will be available. If you have a particular piece of lace or silk chiffon you’d like to use, feel free to bring it to the workshop and we can check the suitability for this project.

All materials are supplied, alongside plenty of light refreshments and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

This workshop will run with a minimum of 2 participants, and a maximum of 4.