Are you intrigued by some of the art and how it is created? Maybe you have an idea of your own that you think you might like to try…. or perhaps you are just curious. A needle felting class might be something you might like to try. Please check the schedule and the locations below and see if a class might work for you. We tend to have alot of fun in class and sometimes students see projects go in directions they never thought possible. Many of the students feel that they are not all that artistic, but no one said you had to be ….just come and enjoy learning needle felting and enjoy the camaraderie. Hope to see you soon!!! If you would like to receive an email with the schedule as I update it please contact me at irene@ireneheckel.com and ask to be added to my email list.
Schedule Of Needle Felting Classes
I am constantly adding new classes. Checkout my current list of classes below to see which of our classes interest you.
Stab & Gab sessions are currently offered on Zoom, once a week on Thursdays at 12 noon. For more details or to join the sessions, please contact me at irene@ireneheckel.com to add you to the list so that you will get the invite to our Zoom session.
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Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists
The location of classes will be at Historic Johnson Farm (see address below). If you wish to register for classes at this location, please visit the website for Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists (www.hwfanc.org) and check under classes and calendar for dates and times, etc. You will need to fill out the class sign up form (under the drop down for classes) and follow the instructions on the form. The class fee is listed … materials fee is extra (if you are a member of HWFA you get a discount – if you intend to take a few classes you may be interested in joining – inquire on the website) Any questions, please contact them. Here is the link to the class on their website:
www.hwfanc.org/classes
Needle Felt A Fiber Painting – “Let It Snow”
Friday February 20th, 2026
10am – 2pm
Maximum number of students: 8
Prerequisites: just want to have fun
Class Description: A perfect small project for a winter class… fiber painting a snowman who is happy to see a snowfall. Learn to use fiber to create a 5 x 7 image on a prefelted background. We will be sketching in our snowman and background; and then, using different fibers, color in our image. Good introduction to using fiber to “paint”. Also using a bit of stitching to create some snowflakes for him to enjoy!! Painting can then be matted and framed (can be matted in an 8 x 10 frame).
Fee: Payable by cash, check or credit card
$30.00 for HWFA members (must have completed orientation at time of registration)
$40.00 for non-HWFA members
Materials fee: $15 payable in cash to teacher first day of class
Materials provided by instructor: All materials needed to complete the project
Supplies brought by students: snacks & drinks
Registration and Payment: See registration information on the class page link here
Address: HWFA
3346 Haywood Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Needle Felt a Cute Chickadee
Friday May 29th, 2026
10am – 2pm
Maximum number of students: 10
Prerequisites: None
Class Description:
Learn to needle felt a little feathered friend (or at least a wooly feathered friend!). This little bird will help introduce a beginner to needle felting and prove to be a great project to add to your skills if you already have some experience. A set of legs will be included in your supplies to make it easier to get good results. We will be blending fiber colors to give the bird some more realistic tones… which gives you the opportunity to “play” a little with the outcome. Bring your sense of humor and imagination as always.
Fee: Payable by cash, check or credit card
$40.00 for HWFA members (must have completed orientation at time of registration)
$50.00 for non-HWFA members
Materials fee: $10 payable in cash to teacher first day of class
Materials provided by instructor: All materials needed to complete the project will be provided.
Supplies brought by students: snacks/lunch and drinks
Registration and payment: See registration information on the class page here
HWFA (Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists)
3346 Haywood Road
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Classes At Other Locations
Purple Crayon – Asheville, NC
Needle Felted Sheep With Wire Armature
Saturday April 11th, 2026
It’s lambing season, and you can join in the excitement by making your own needle felted sheep! Come honor the animal that gives needle felters their raw materials in this fun, full-day workshop lead by fiber artist Irene Heckel-Volpe.
You’ll start by learning (or reviewing) how to create a base for your little fella. Then, Irene will teach you how to incorporate a wire armature to make your friend a little more posable and add some personality. Finally, you’ll learn how to attach locks to finish off your piece.
You’ll leave the class with an adorable, 6”L x 6.5”H (approximately) that’s got lots of character—and, perhaps, a little attitude!
Whether this is your first time needle felting, or you’ve been doing it for years, you’re sure to have success and learn something new!
To register for class, please go to Purple Crayon’s website at: PurpleCrayonAVL
for more information.
Blue Ridge Fiber Festival – Sparta NC
June 5th & 6th, 2026
The first annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest was held in Sparta, North Carolina on June 2 and 3, 2018. This area of northwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia is deeply steeped in the tradition of the fiber arts. Set among the mountains, just a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sparta offers a small town quaintness, not far from bigger cities and a more metropolis-like atmosphere.
The event is held at the Higgins Fairgrounds in Sparta, NC.
Admission is free!
They will have classes, demonstrations and events galore! Plus lots of great vendors for your shopping pleasure.
They welcome volunteers, and are always happy to receive suggestions for classes or items to be included in the festival.
For information go to their website at: blueridgefiberfest.com or Email: blueridgefiberfest@gmail.com
For information on my classes there ( I will be teaching 2 classes): blueridgefiberfest.com/felting-classes
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Handweavers Guild Of America – Convergence 2026
August 12th – 16th, 2026
Sheraton in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Follow the link to get more info on this biannual event! Convergence 2026
To get info on my session at Convergence here is the link.
Experience the unmatched beauty of New Orleans—where history, music, food, and celebration come together like nowhere else in the United States. From the lively sounds of jazz in the French Quarter to stunning Creole architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and world-famous festivals, this city captivates at every turn. Whether you’re strolling under the oak trees, savoring beignets, or dancing in a second line parade, there’s no place quite like NOLA.
New Orleans’ award-winning airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY), currently hosts 15 airlines, serving over 50 nonstop destinations.
The New Orleans Streetcar offers easy transportation to explore many of New Orleans’ popular districts and businesses.
I will be teaching a class at this wonderful event for fiber enthusiasts! There is so much info on this event! Please click on the various links to find out more about this fiber spectacular!
Needle Felt a Sheep Using a Wire Armature (1W-U110)
Irene Heckel-Volpe
1-Day Workshop
We’re paying respect to one of our fiber sources by needle felting a sheep using a wire armature! Great for beginners or a more experienced student who has not constructed or used a wire armature before. We will be using floral wire for the armature and learn to wrap fiber around the armature we create. Then adding locks to enhance the look of the sheep, along with eyes. Good start to learning how to use the armature to create a more lifelike critter.
Get a sneak peek of this session! Watch the Session Spotlight Video.
Required Equipment: None
Prerequisite Skills: No prerequisite experience required
Registration Fee: $153 with CVP or $205 without
Materials Fee: $10
Skill Level: Beginner (no advanced knowledge or skills)
How to Register:
- Click here to Join the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) if you are not already a member (you must hold an active Student, Individual, Household, or Professional artist membership)
- Click here to purchase a Convergence® Value Package (CVP) if you want to receive the discounted registration fee (make sure you receive the confirmation email)
- Click here to Register for the Session
More information about the Convergence® conference is available on the HGA website, including details about all sessions and leaders.
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance – Atlanta, GA
Needle Felting Wizards, Hobbits and Elves
FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center)
FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center) in Tryon – Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 828-859-9021
WORKING ON NEW CLASSES FOR 2025 – CHECK BACK SOON!
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Tryon Arts and Crafts School
Tryon Arts and Crafts School – 373 Harmon Field Road, in Tryon, NC 828.859-8323
Please register directly through their website… here is the link https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/product-category/workshops
No new classes at this time
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