Felt Making

Equipment: 
Wool Fibres
Bar of soap
Warm Water
Bubble Wrap
Sushi Mat
Netting or Mesh Fabric

1. Lay down the sheet of bubble wrap with the bubble side facing up.

2. From the collection of wool fibres pull off small chunks and layer them down on top of the bubble wrap, with the next layer facing the opposite direction. Do not cut the wool as the blunt edge will not felt well.

3. Place the netting over the top of the wool careful not to move it.

4. Sprinkle water over the wool but do not over wet.

5. Press down on the wool to make sure it absorbs all of the water.

6. Gently rub the bar of soap across the netting holding the netting so not to move it.

7. once more gently rub around the wool in a circular motion for a few minutes.

8. Carefully remove the wool from the bubble wrap and place it onto the sushi mat.

9. Roll the sushi mat up tightly to drain off any excess water.

10. Roll the sushi mat backward and forward for a few minutes to bind the felt fibers together.

11. Carefully unroll the mat and rotate the felt before continuing.

12. Once all the fibers are felted together rinse the felt to remove the soap and leave to dry.


Moy Mackay:
http://www.moymackaygallery.com/
Moy Mackay is a Scottish artist who specializes in the use of textiles. The main subject matter of her work is nature, including animals and countryside like scenery.


Mary Clare Buckle:
http://www.maryclarebuckle.com/index.shtml
Mary Clare Buckle is another textile artist who has developed a unique technique where she layers sheets of acrylic between the felt allowing light to be cast through but also allowing the piece to support itself and not have to be confined to a frame.