This Biodiversity month, learn how to make your own needle-felted mudskippers with Questacon!

You will be guided by Darwin-based and nationally renowned textile artist Melanie Tribe, who specialises in vibrant 3D needle felted sculptures. Melanie is also an experienced educator and has taught beginners the art of transforming wool fibres into textured, lifelike creations.

What you can expect

• Enjoy 6 hours of expert instruction from textile artist Melanie Tribe in a small group of 14 participants
• You will receive a kit with all the materials and tools, which you can take home and continue creating after the workshop
• Take home your own felted mudskipper at the end of the workshop
• Enjoy morning tea pastry, tea and coffee

About the facilitator

Specialising in dry needle felting, Melanie sculpts vibrant 3D forms—such as mangrove crabs, lobsters, and mudskippers—using dyed wool fibres and wire frames, capturing the essence of Darwin’s coastal ecosystems. Her work often reflects her deep connection to the local environment, particularly the mangrove forests, which inspire her detailed and tactile artworks.

Melanie’s artistic journey is rooted in her passion for nature and community engagement. She collaborates with fellow artists on projects like the Mangrove Ecosystem Installation, which combines recycled materials and felted sculptures to educate audiences about coastal biodiversity. This project has garnered national attention and is exhibited at Questacon, Australia’s premier science museum.

FAQ

Where is the workshop held?

In Questacon’s Maker Space, at the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre, 60 Denison Street in Deakin, right next door to the Royal Australian Mint.

Who is this workshop for?  

If you are 16 years old or above, and interested in craft or needle felting, this workshop is for you. You do not need to have knowledge or experience of felting or textile craft.

How will the day go?

The workshop begins at 9am with an introduction to felting. Then you will work on different parts of the mudskipper, and take breaks as you need. We have scheduled morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea breaks

Will there be food?

We will serve tea and pastry during the morning break. Please let us know any dietary requirements you may have in the note section when you purchase your ticket.

Please bring your own lunch, or you can purchase lunch or snacks from the Royal Australian Mint Café next door from 10am to 3:30pm.

Where will I park?

There is free parking at the parking lot at 60 Denison St, and paid parking at the Royal Australian Mint.

Do I get a physical ticket?

There are no physical tickets for this event, please present your proof of purchase email at the event.                

Further questions?

Please contact Events@Questacon.edu.au