To Prepare the Roving: Pull off layers of roving and roll it into a ball, pull off another layer of roving and wrap it in the opposite direction around your tiny object. Continue wrapping layers at 90 degrees angle to each other until you have an object about 2 inches in diameter.
If you are planning on making a lot of felt balls, prepare all of the roving first so the balls turn out about the same size.
To Prepare the Water: When I am felting on my own, I make my water as hot as possible. When I am felting with my girls, I make the water as warm as I think they are comfortable with. Mix in a generous squirt of dish liquid with the water. I have used many different varieties of dish soap from Dove to Meyers and Green Works and they all seem to work fine.
Getting Wet: Dunk the wrapped roving into the soapy water. Gently squeeze and shape into a ball. As the roving begins to shape into a ball, roll it between the palms of your hands. The roving will slowly begin to congeal and become smaller and harder. Repeat dunking, squeezing, rolling, and adding roving until you achieve your desired sized ball.
Rinse: Rinse in cold, clean water and let dry. Drying usually takes a day or two.
HOW TO MAKE BUGS
Spider: Cut 4 pieces of embroidery thread. For each piece of thread, sew one stitch through the bottom of the spider to form 2 legs. Tie a knot at either end of the thread. Cut 2 circles of white felt for the eyes and attach with French knots. (Or glue googly eyes on the spider instead).
Ladybug: Cut small circles out of black felt for the spots and sew (or glue) onto the back of the ladybug. Take a small piece of thread and sew one stitch through the top of the ladybug. Tie a knot at each end of the thread to form the antennas. Sew 2 French knots for the eyes, or glue on googly eyes.
Caterpillar: Start with the head. Take a small piece of thread and sew one stitch through the top of the caterpillar. Tie a knot at each end of the thread to form the antennas. Cut out Cut 2 circles of white felt for the eyes and attach with French knots. (Or glue googly eyes on). Sew the head and 4 more balls together to form the caterpillar's body.
Nola (almost 6) did all the sewing herself. This was her first time making French knots, so she is VERY proud. Sorry no pictures of said French knots, it was not a pick-up-the-camera moment. The Purl Bee has a simple tutorial.
FELT BALLS AROUND THE WEB
1.Shooting Stars 2.Felted Soap 3.Mobile 4. Chair 5. Trivet 6.Rug
For more inspiration, follow my Felting Pinterest board.
IT'S FUN TO SHARE
If you have projects that you have already made, please add a link in the comment section so we can all have a look. And if you're motivated to make something inspired by the series, please send pictures to [email protected]. By becoming a fan of Curly Birds on facebook you'll be able to join in the fun.
Facebook: Behind the scenes shots and first to see new projects. You can also upload your pictures to the Curly Birds facebook page.
Pinterest: I will be continuing to update my Felting Pinterest borad with tutorials, ideas, and inspiration. Follow along with felted projects and ideas.
THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE to WET FELTING - A SERIES by CURLY BIRDS
Beginner's Guide to Felting Wet Felting with Kids
NEXT TIME... Using a mold
P.S. You have until 8pm CST on Tuesday, September 25 to enter Curly Bird's giveaway for a copy of my new favourite book, Show Me a Story.
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