Needle felting is an art that allows the artist to use their imagination to create beautiful peices. The equipment needed is minimal, but great care should be used when working with the barbed needles. The process of needlefelting is not something you should be doing while watching television, or anytime that you might be distracted. ( being poked with the needle really hurts, trust me I know, LOL).
Needlefelting tools are basically three things. The needle, it is metal with barbs on it, the purpose of the barbs is to felt the wool as you are poking it into the wool roving you are using, .
The wool roving, is the medium used to make the peice you are working on,, there are many types of wool you can use and as you practice, you will find the right one for you. Right now I prefer to use Merino wool , it felts well.. I buy my wool roving from several different businesses online.
The sponge, is the last tool in the felting process, it is important. The sponge is put under the roving while you are felting it, it gives the needle a soft surface to go if you poke through the roving. If you dont use the sponge under your work you could damage the table or the needle you are using,, it is a cushion for your needle. I use the foam that you get for making your own cushions. It works for me.
There is no real pattern that can be made for this type of art , in my opinion, I use my imagination and create the peice from there, I make bears and rabbits mainly. I have never had two bears turn out exactly the same, they are truly unique and one of a kind!
I started out with a kit that I bought online, it included the needles , roving and sponge along with a book that gave me the basics of needlefelting. The picture above is of my very first attempt at needlfelting. She turned out surprisingly well , I thought, so I was encouraged to continue with it,
This little guy was my second project, he has an open mouth and glass eyes. He has a little more detail on his paws and face and cute little embroidered nose. His arms and legs were attached with dental floss, (I used waxed), and they moved well so he could sit and stand.
This is Baby Jane, she turned out very well. She just developed into a sweet little thing as I was working on her. Her paws were done with little toes and on the bottems I felted pink hearts. She has a huge personality,, She was adopted and is very happy in her new home..
This was my first bunny! she came with her basket full of Easter eggs! She has glass eyes and her arms moved but her legs are stationary, she was adopted into a wonderful home.
This little farmer and his goat, was just fun to make, because I have goats and they are wonderful. His arms and legs are jointed and move slightly and his little goat nubie has stationary legs. They were just so much fun to create. He and his goat are still available , and I am asking $25.00 for him, he stands approm. 2inches and makes a great addition to any collection!
The pictures here are only a few of my creations, just to give you an idea of what can be done with a needle and wool.. You are only limited by your imagination. If you are thinking about trying I encourage you to do it! It is Fun!!
