On Thursday, GCSE Art Textiles students had the opportunity to enhance their skills in a workshop led by Jacqui Smithson, a talented mixed-media textile artist known for her innovative work with eco-printing and felting techniques.
Jacqui, whose work was first seen by the students when they visited the Compton Verney Textiles Fair, brought her expertise in wet felting to the session. Wet felting is a traditional textile technique that involves matting and binding Merino wool fibres together using moisture, heat and friction, allowing the natural structure of wool to interlock and form a dense, durable material.
Throughout the workshop, Jacqui guided the Year 10 students through the process, showing them how to create three-dimensional sculptural forms, such as containers and vases, using the felted material. They had the chance to explore their creativity and incorporate embellishments into their pieces, adding a personal touch to their work.
The students have been experimenting with a variety of textile techniques over the last term, including printing, painting, embroidery, free-machining, smocking and fabric manipulation. This hands-on experience has allowed them to deepen their understanding of one of the oldest textile arts, providing a strong foundation for their future projects and GCSE coursework.
Jacqui Smithson’s workshop was a valuable addition to the students’ ongoing learning, offering them the opportunity to work with a professional artist and refine their skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. With their new knowledge of wet felting, they left the workshop with unique, handmade pieces to take home, reflecting both their creativity and the skills they have developed throughout their studies.
A huge thank you to Jacqui, and we look forward to sharing more updates on the students’ work as they continue to explore the world of textiles!