Fiber College of Maine Touchstone Workshop: Sept 3-7, 2025
Layer it On
Immerse yourself in color, texture, shape and pattern using nuno-felt and surface design techniques for the wall or table
With Judith Daniels
Judith will be teaching a variety of felting techniques with the spotlight on nuno felting. This is a process that combines lustrous wool with silk and other delicate materials to create lightweight, richly textured and patterned cloths. In this class, we’ll use textile paints to create designs on silk and paper that we’ll be wet felting. Judith will also be teaching simple embroidery stitches that can be used to highlight areas of your work and create additional surface interest. Whatever your experience level this workshop is an opportunity to let your creativity flourish in what Judith calls “a worry free zone”.
You will finish with three separate pieces that you can continue to embroider at home if you wish. Judith will also be discussing various ways to present your finished work— whether you intend to hang it on the wall, transform it into striking household textiles, or even make it part of a larger mixed media artwork.
Class and Retreat Fee: $990.00
Materials fee: $75
Class materials include: Silk yardage for painting & embellishment, mulberry paper, embroidery thread & needles, frames for silk painting, textile paints, textile markers, wool, wool prefelt, bubble wrap, soap, pool noodles, shavers
Students will be going home with the stretcher bars, paint brushes, 3 pieces- 2 that include silk, one with paper, and all with embroidery thread.
Students should bring: Metal or metal topped thimble- The thimble should fit tightly on your second finger. Your finger shouldn’t hit the top of the thimble on the inside- there will be a bit of space so you don’t keep jamming your finger into the top. scissors, apron (waterproof if you have one) or old clothes.
Prior to the class, Judith will be in touch with a list of optional items that you may want to bring.
Judith Daniels
https://www.judithmdaniels.com/
I have been involved with one form of art or another for most of my life. I’ve been a painter, weaver, oriental rug restorer, photographer and now a felt maker. To me they are all interconnected and are all part of one great big creative warehouse where I can go to find inspiration when working on a piece of art.
I am happy to reside and work in Midcoast Maine where the artist community is friendly, supportive and quite vibrant!
Touchstone Retreat Schedule
WEDNESDAY
Settle into this magical world
3:00-4:30 Free Bonus class with Mary Brann: Zen Stones.
Our cobbled beaches are a delight for your senses. Rocks ground us with their solidity and remind us to pay attention to textures, curves and temperature while we feel their weight in our hands. We invite you to start your retreat by walking down to the beach, breathing the salty air and searching for the stone that speaks to you.
4-5 Register, pick up our tote bag presents to you, share a cider, catch up with friends old and new. A food truck will be available for those looking for an on-site meal.
5:30-7:30 Join us for cocktails/mocktails and snacks. We'll visit each studio for show & tell by our teachers followed by a campfire in the garden. Retreat Attendees and friends are welcome.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY
Dive deep into your passion
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Garden Lunch (veg & GF friendly)
12-2 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
2-5 Class
5-7 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
Thursday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly) Followed by a free bonus workshop: The lovely Danielle of Guided by Breath Studio will teach us to make own scented massage oils and self-massaging techniques for hands, wrists, neck and shoulders. Bring a tennis or lacrosse ball if you can.
Friday: Dinner on your own, studios will remain accessible and we'll have a campfire in the garden for your pleasure.
Saturday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly)
6:30ish-8:00ish Open Studios...see what everyone's been creating. This will be an opportunity to buy teachers' work and supplies. If the weather is cooperative, we'll light a bonfire on the beach.
SUNDAY
Re-emerge Gently
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Chair with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage)
12:30 - 3 Lunch, last chance to shop, pictures and goodbyes (veg & GF friendly)
For those who would like to extend their retreat, we'd be happy to provide a personalized itinerary of our beautiful mid-coast region