Hewlett Artist Has a Feel for Felt

For Brenda Schulman, art has always been much more than drawing and painting. Her outside-the-norm craft is comprised of the condensing of knitted materials or loose fibers into various felt formations.

As a longtime resident of Hewlett, Schulman knows there are not many places within the Five Towns community to pick up such crafts, and wanted to give the local community more exposure to the art form.

"People have to learn that there are many more crafts and artists who do more things in the [Five Towns] area," she said. "I've gotten very favorable responses. It's a new medium for most people here."

Schulman, who works as an interior designer, approached the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library originally to display her hand crafted jewelry. A similar exhibit had just ended, so an agreement was made for a felt display, a brand-new idea to hit the library's showcase. "From Fleece to Felt" began Jan. 6 and was running daily through Tuesday.

Hewlett-Woodmere librarian, Rick Fox, said of the display, "I think it's great, it shows another side of the artistry of local people." Fox helped organize Schulman's three-week exhibition at the library.

Schulman has practiced beading for more than 10 years, before she picked up the felting craft. She specializes in creating different kinds of jewelry, and has even taught classes on how to do so.

Her felt exhibit featured jewelry as well — a felt ring, necklace and pair of earrings — along with scarves and hats, cat toys and decorative items. Some of the pieces were created just for the three-week exhibit, while others Schulman has had in her collection for several years.

"I've always been with the arts," Schulman said. "I wouldn't say that made it [felting] easier, it was a learning experience. That was also another way of adding my beading to something new."

For now, Schulman's plans are to continue working with the craft she knows and loves.

"I think I need to develop the felting further at this point," she said. "I'm moving to North Carolina, so I'm hoping that will be a new avenue for me."