Felt was probably the very first cloth invented by nomadic tribes living in cold climates. In this class you will learn about the specific characteristics of wool that make it ideal for creating a thick, durable and very versatile material. You will learn how to literally paint pictures with loose fiber and with time, muscle and hot water create a piece of clothing that is very strong and beautiful. There is nothing more satisfying on a blustering cold winter day than putting on a gorgeous, warm wool hat that you have made.

Suzanne Connolly Howes is a local fiber artist and clay sculptor, and a founding member/owner of pARTiculars Art Gallery and Teaching Studio in Lafayette, CO. Recently Suzanne retired from 20 years of teaching children, families, and other teachers environmental science and awareness and shifted her passion for teaching to helping others find their artistic expression. Her love of nature is still reflected in everything she makes. Suzanne believes that art, like science, can bring people closer to their own connection to the grace and beauty of the natural world. Fiber art has always been a part of Suzanne's life, her mother taught her to sew and embroider at a very young age. She made her first felt hat 10 years ago and has since made over 30 hats. "I love keeping this ancient form of cloth making alive. It is very satisfying to make a very utilitarian and functional piece of clothing into an art piece."