Workshops by Catherine Cole
Workshops by Catherine Cole
Attention: A note from Catherine Cole:
Due to an upcoming medical procedure and the recovery time required, I will unfortunately be unable to lead the workshops at the retreat as planned. I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to join everyone for what I’m sure will be a wonderful weekend, and I appreciate everyone’s understanding as I take the time needed to focus on my recovery. I wish all the participants a lovely and inspiring retreat!
Please Note:
We have local fibre artist from the Peterborough Artisan Centre, Darlene Fallis who has generously decided to take on the running of these workshops in Cathy's absence. We are very grateful to Darlene for taking this task on at the last minute. Please give her a huge welcome to the Riversong Fibre Retreat.
Hi, I think of myself as a lover of all the Fibre Arts!
My hobbies include knitting, crochet, tatting, tapestry, rug hooking, weaving, cross stitch, sewing, needle and wet felting, and of course my love for spinning wool.
I am retired and live in beautiful Millbrook, Ontario on a “hobby” farm with lots of small animals and 1 very patient husband. (No sheep yet, but I’m dreaming!)
I am an active board member of the Peterborough Weavers and Spinners Guild, and for the Artisans Centre Peterborough. I am currently working towards my OHS Spinning Certificate Level 5. (wish me luck!)
Looking forward to meeting other Fiber enthusiasts!
Darlene Fallis
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Cathy is the fibre artist behind Lolli & Boo, a small business rooted in a love of natural materials and slow, intentional making.
Working primarily with wool, she creates nature-inspired pieces that are both beautiful and functional, including felted vessels, landscapes, and small sculptural forms. Drawing on both needle and wet felting techniques, Cathy’s work reflects an organic, earthy aesthetic inspired by the quiet textures of the natural world.
Her teaching style is relaxed, supportive, and beginner-friendly, with a focus on helping students build confidence while exploring their own creativity. Cathy believes in the value of working with your hands, embracing imperfection, and creating meaningful pieces that connect us to nature and to the process of making.
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Saturday Morning Workshop 9:15am – 11:45am
Landscape with Sheep
Slow down and sink into the meditative art of needle felting as you create a serene wool landscape inspired by nature.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how to "paint" with wool using layers of colour and texture to build depth, light, and atmosphere. We’ll explore simple techniques for blending fibres, creating soft skies, and adding foreground details like trees, grasses, or distant hills. Whether you choose a misty meadow, woodland edge, or open sky, your finished piece will be uniquely your own.
Perfect for beginners and experienced felters alike, this class offers a calming, creative experience—and you’ll leave with a finished landscape ready to frame or gift.
Materials Fee per Student:
$20 payable to instructor
What’s Included in the Kit:
Selection of wool fibres in a curated natural palette; Wool base fabric; Felting needles and foam work surface; Reference images and design guidance
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Saturday Afternoon Workshop 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Organic Felted Vessels: Sculpting with Wool
Discover the magic of wet felting as raw wool transforms into a beautiful, functional vessel.
In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to shape and form an organic wool bowl or pod using water, soap, and simple resist techniques. Guided step-by-step, you'll explore how to build structure, incorporate texture, and create natural forms inspired by seed pods, stones, and earthy textures. This is a tactile, satisfying process that invites you to connectivity with the material and embrace a little creative mess.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind felted vessel—perfect for holding small treasures, using as décor, or even as a softly scented piece.
Materials Fee per Student:
$30 payable to instructor
What’s Included in the Kit:
High-quality wool for vessel construction; Resist materials; Soap and wet felting supplies; Use of tools and finishing materials
Student Supply List:
Bring rubber or latex gloves if you are sensitive to soap.
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Sunday Morning Workshop 11:30am – 2:00pm
Tiny Woodland Mice: Needle Felting with Simple Armatures
Bring a charming little character to life in this playful needle felting workshop!
You’ll create your own tiny woodland mouse using a simple wire armature, allowing your piece to have structure, pose, and personality.
Perfect for beginners ready to try something new, this class introduces basic armature techniques while keeping the project approachable and fun.
You’ll learn how to build a wool body, shape features, and add sweet details like tiny ears, tails, and optional accessories. Whether your mouse is shy, curious, or full of mischief, you’ll leave with a delightful handmade companion—and the skills to continue creating small, felted creatures at home.
Materials Fee per Student:
$25 payable to instructor
What’s Included in the Kit:
Wool in natural tones; Wire armature materials; Core wool for structure; Felting needles and use of tools; Optional embellishment materials
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