Workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen

Hi everyone! I’d like to share my fantastic experience that I recently had. In late August, I learned that my needle felting idol, Birgitte Krag Hansen would be in Alaska in early September putting on needle felting workshops. I was so lucky to be able to take not one but TWO workshops with her. The first workshop was a one day event titled “Funny Theatre Figures. This class was in the tiny, remote community of Kenny Lake, Alaska; I had to drive 4 hours in each direction to take this one day workshop. It was so worth it! Our class was in a little library with only 9 people in the class.  And Birgitte and I were roommates at our hosts’ home for one night.  I got so much special insight from that experience.

Birgitte is on the porch and that’s Penny, her host from the Fairbanks Spinners and Weavers Guild.

There wasn’t even running water – we had to use the outhouse out back!

We had so much fun learning how to make these funny little theatre figures! The little guy I made is named Kleebus. He only has one hand (and that is at the end of his neck/body) but really, he needs no more! He is fun to play with and kids absolutely love him. Birgitte taught us how to work the wool so that the characters come to life.

 

This is Hailey, the doll I made with Birgittes help! (My 4 year old niece is in charge of naming my creations)

I made her in the 3 day workshop I took in Fairbanks with Birgitte. This was so intense and I learned so much. Luckily, I took a flight up there because the 6 hour drive each way would have kicked my butt.

The needle felting workshop was called “Figures in Motion” and I had the idea that mine would be sunbathing. The end result was more like she was flying!

The last pictures were taken during the needle felting workshops – Birgitte’s Workstation is quite interesting. I love the one of the family of characters that were made in the class. There were some fun and talented people there!  If you ever get a chance to take workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen, don’t hesitate!  

UPDATE – 5/31/2025

I didn’t know it at the time I wrote this article (November 2007) that these needle felting workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen were the start of a lifetime journey.  Birgitte is the one that developed needle felting back in the 80s – before that, wool could only be felted by hand using water and friction.    

I believe that Birgitte touched me with her magic felting wand and gave wind to my felt sails.  Visit her amazing website and be prepared to be awed by her artistry in wool.  feltmaking.com>

Read more about me and my felting journey Here>, and of course it includes these workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen.

and here is a better photo of my beautiful Hailey basking in the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska – thanks Birgitte, for the adventure of a lifetime!!