PUPILS of Moretonhampstead Primary School have taken part in a major whole school art project in collaboration with Daisi and the Helen Foundation.

The Helen Foundation (THF) paid for nearly all of the project costs. They have made this wonderful opportunity possible for all the children and we are extremely grateful to them.

Kate Wannell is the Project Manager at Daisi,  arranged for the artist, Jess Carvill to take the felt making workshops to create a final art piece of a felt wall hanging to display in the school.

The Moretonhampstead Primary School Felt Project took place over two days. The culmination of the project will be a final felt wall hanging (approximately 1.9 metres by 1.5 metres) produced by all the children, inspired by their school’s local, natural environment – Dartmoor and will be hung at school.

Years 1-3 children experienced all ‘hands on’ aspects of the wet felting process when they create sheets of pre-felt. 

From a colour palette they selected coloured pieces of merino tops then over layering fibres to create subtle natural shades and tones that relate to and echo the surrounding moorland landscape. 

They learned how to protect the wool throughout the felting process, also something of the science involved that causes wool to felt, the transition from fibre to cloth and some elements of the history of this ancient craft. The day was very sensory, a memorable day of active learning!