6k 
Fish Apple
location_on East Perth, Perth
local_activity classes: Tufting • Textiles
5.0 (15)Hi everyone!
I'm Ben a Perth based artist who has been tufting rugs since early 2020. I'm a qualified glazier specialising in art glass but have been working with a softer material (yarn and wool) for a few years now.
I'm one half of "Good Rugs" a Fremantle based rug tufting company and I also tuft rugs under the name "Fish Apple".
I've made rugs for businesses and made many privately commissioned pieces. I've worked with the City of Melville on a multi sensory rug for their ParkArt 2022 project and had a rug featured in an ArtLovers exhibition this year.
I run music jam sessions and workshops when I'm not tufting or I'm at the beach with my doggo Senke!
Classes
Reviews
(15)
Michelle Francis • Jan 2024
100% recommend this class. I was an absolute beginner with zero DIY skills so was a bit nervous signing up. Ben was an excellent teacher. He was organised, honest, knowledgable and patient. I enjoyed both the process of learning rug tufting and my finished product. Venue is well situated with ample parking nearby. Best class on class bento - will likely book again!
Lilli Dorn • Aug 2023
10/10 would highly recommend this workshop! Ben was an excellent teacher, very relaxed and knowledgeable and answered any question you had.
It was good amount of time to do the tutorial and make our rugs. Once we glued the back we needed to take it home to dry and Ben gave very clear instructions what to do when you got home.
There was so many coloured wool balls to choose from and the equipment was super easy to use. Fitting in the space well.
I really enjoyed the day! And can’t wait to start my tufting journey at home.
Jason Stubbs • Jul 2023
We booked a private class for 4 with Ben and all had an amazing time. He was super supportive of everyone in the group and incredibly friendly. Highly recommend it's very relaxing.
Alison Paterson • Jul 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
What a great experience! Ben was the such a patient and knowledgeable teacher. I can’t believe I managed to create such a great rug! The venue was light and bright and the pastries and drinks were perfect.
I’d definitely recommend this class to anyone. I left feeling rather proud of myself, I can’t wait to gift the rug I made to my son - he’s going to love it. Thanks Ben and classbento, the perfect crafting experience.
Ruth Jurgens • Jun 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
This was an amazing class, Ben was such a good teacher, realy helped me get technique right. The space was set up beautifully, right across the road from the train. Lots of parking.
I am hooked on rug making now
Zoe Tippet • May 2023
Had a great tufting class with Ben! He was an excellent teacher and very friendly. The class was great and we are so stoked with our new rugs!
Sixian Yip • May 2023
Ben came in prep with many colours to choose to suit our design.
Once we mastered the technique it was just enjoying the process and effect. Depending on the design it might be a challenge to finish it within the session but Ben was generous enough to arrange a make up session to finish it up. I would strongly recommend to others who are looking to experience something different and looking to take a rug home or to hang it up as a art piece that is truly uniquely.
Paulette Harraway • May 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Fabulous class!
I highly recommend taking it.
Ben was patient and encouraging throughout the process.
I loved hearing about the work he and his partner do and seeing the art he has created - so cool.
The venue was pleasant and well laid out - easy to find and for parking.
I am really happy with how my rug has turned out (and tired - who knew it was a workout too! The Gatorade got me through )
Daniel • May 2023
This workshop was amazing! Ben was an awesome teacher who made us feel comfortable and confident as first time tufters. The location was so easy to access with plenty of parking in the area and the classroom was spacious and vibrant. All the equipment was provided so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. A perfect class for someone who doesn’t have the most creative imagination - we just gave Ben the picture we wanted to tuft and he projected it onto the frame to be traced over. We got to test out the tufting gun before starting on our own projects. Ben shared so many tips, tricks and advice throughout the session. Couldn’t recommend this workshop more!
Claire Kastelan • May 2023
The workshop was held in a small art space which was bright and pleasant. Ben is a great instructor with patience while teaching and a real passion for his art. I immediately felt comfortable in his class, and really enjoyed it. As all materials were supplied I felt the class was great value for money- just turn up and make a rug! Loved it.
Youssef Radwan • Apr 2023
Loved every minute. This was one course I was really look forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Ben was great and gave guidance depending on your level. I think I’ve found my new hobby!
Natalie Smith • Apr 2023
91 ClassBento workshops attended • 38 reviews
What an experience. This is a very cool class. Power tools meets knitting needles. Loved learning this and ‘I made a rug’. The teacher has got this right. He’s got it all well organised and he’s organised. Laid back but never lets you flounder. Take your piece of art which is great. Choose you colours. Just a fantastic day.A picture of my work in progress.
