What is it? Feeling creative? No holds barred creative? Want to make something that exudes light and color and texture? Something that conveys emotion? Flat is good but how about adding form or structure? Something like three dimensional shapes to make gorgeous flowers, cute puppies or elegant birds? Well you’re in for a treat. Let me introduce you to needle felting. It’s been a “thing” for a very long time but seems to be a growing fad recently with a whole new set of applications. Think of it as a combination of painting and sculpture but instead of using paint and rock we employ an impressive selection of carded natural or synthetic fibers portrayed in an almost inexhaustible array of color. You can even dye your own colors. The combinations are limitless! Creating stand-alone objects of art, jewelry, toys or applying your signature themes of embellishment for fashion, home décor or even quilting is limited only by your desire for creative expression. The basics of needle felting techniques are applied across all sewing and crafting genres. Those techniques can be implemented or modified specifically to each individual project to get the desired look. In its most basic form the process of needle felting transforms wool or other carded fibers into a dense cloth by bonding fibers together. The felting needle is a long barbed needle that entangles the roving fibers as it is inserted. In this way felting needles allow us to apply layers, colors and shape to our project in any way that suits our creative design. Best of all the creative potential of needle felting transcends age, skill, physical ability or even talent. Anyone can enjoy it and even mistakes can be inspiring.
What does it do? Needle felting allows an amazing range of creative expression. Needle felting tools enable that process and using quality, application specific tools make that process and the result even more satisfying.
Needle Felting Mat – Available in two sizes (small and large), the needle felting mat is a necessity. It provides a stable platform for our felting project while allowing space for needle penetration without damage.
Needle Felting Tool – The needle felting tool sports five needles attached to a comfortable handle with an articulating protective shield. This tool is perfect for larger projects where a more “macro” application is required over a large area.
Pen Style Needle Felting Tool – The Pen Style tool is fitted with three needles to enable more detailed application of wool roving. It is fitted with a protective cap to shield the needles when not in use.
Claw and Mat Cleaner – This is a very handy, multi-use tool. One end of the tool is fitted with spring wire “claws”. The claws hold the felting fibers in place without restricting our view or needle access. Most importantly, however, it keeps our fingers far away from the very sharp needles while felting. Safety first! The other end of the tool is fitted with plastic grooves. Their function is to clean excess roving from the bristles of the felting mat, preventing stray fibers from becoming a de facto part of our creative vision. Trying to pull that single chartreuse fiber out of the purple field without disturbing it is frustrating and time consuming. Just don’t go there.
Needle Felting Tool Refill Needle – It’s inevitable. Felting needles eventually break due to routine wear and tear. Sometimes they strike a solid object (hopefully not a finger). No problem. To keep your creative process in motion, Clover provides replacement felting needles in two sizes. Regular size refill needles are perfect for finer felting materials and applications. For heavier, more dense fibers or applications, a heavy weight replacement felting needle is available.
How do I share it? This is a class. Few people can see the tools and envision the process. The best way to promote this art form is to provide instruction with a simple project resulting. Once your friends see how simple the felting creative process is they’ll be hooked. The kids love felting too. They can create all of their favorite cartoon or fictional characters as standalone projects or as embellishments on all of their clothes and bags. Put together some project bags just for them. Needle felting is like painting in 3D. Increase the awareness and you’ll build a following.
