LeBrie Rich

fiber | portland, oregon

Feltmaking is a process of transformation: puffy cloud-like wool roving becomes dense fabric in the presence of hot water, soap and agitation. Making felt is manual: like kneading bread or scrubbing a floor; both the labor and the finished product are a joy for me.

I hand-dye my fiber in small batches before I felt it. The process of creating a color from scratch is both intuitive and a fun technical challenge. I design my items to sell for a price that most anyone can afford. My work is democratic in its accessibility so that everyone can have the intoxicating experience of falling in love with hand-crafted goods.

I feel so fortunate to get to spend my days making adorably soft objects and accessories. It feels like the best kind of life to get to make my living by bringing color and delight to others.

Artist Demonstration:
Hand-Felting with LeBrie Rich
December 17, 2011, 1–3 pm
Free and open to the public

Gallery artist and local "Duchess of Felt" LeBrie Rich leads a hands-on demonstration, allowing visitors to drop in and learn the technique of hand-felting from a master felter. Participants can take away what they create and gain a new perspective on a craft that has roots as early as 600 BCE in Mongolia.