From time to time I receive inquiries about whether I teach, have a book or offer tutorials. I am quite flattered by the requests. But I'm really not the best at explaining things. Also, it would be a shame see a bunch of students out there learning all of my bad habits. There are a number of great felting books and teachers out there that can explain things much better than I can. However, here are few things that I feel could help a would be felter on their way.
- Never give up. No matter how ugly you think it is keep poking.
- You'll get poked a lot in the beginning. But it gets better, I swear.
- Study the subject you want to felt with fresh eyes. Don't just assume you know what a certain subject looks like. Look at it as if it were the first time you've seen it.
- The library is your best friend. Next best is google. I do tons of research.
- Find a good wool supplier and stick with them. I use weirdollsandcrafts.com for my core wool, needles and foam. Clover makes a great number of handy tools, too. I love my pink multi needle tool.
- Don't be afraid to experiment.
- Stay true to your vision. Although, there maybe others that inspire you, you have a unique voice to share with the world.
- I Felt Awesome by Moxie
- Animal Felt by Birgitte Krag Hansen
- Barby Andreson's Glory Studio tutorials
- Kay Petal's Felt Alive tutorials
- Stephanie Metz classes offered in California
- Felting Forum
6 comments:
Thank you! You are the best! Hugs, Morena
you are truly amazing I love your work so real and soooo cute!
I love your work, and thanks for your blog.
I have another suggestion for new felters, other than keep turning and poking, and that is if you really dislike what you've made you can stick it in a stocking and shove it in the washing machine on hot. What comes out is purely pot luck, but you may improve on what you had. If not, nothing lost. It's fun too.
What kind of wire is best for the armature? I used pipe cleaners for my first and felt like I was poking it all the time. It did hold onto the wool wonderfully though. The armature thing is my biggest question. Thanks!
Hi Tammy,
It depends on what you're making and the size. I generally use pipe cleaners, floral wire and aluminum armature wire in various combinations. The real key is learning to poke around it and not through it.
Thanks Robin, I will keep experimenting. I also thought of making a little shape, then sticking the wire through it to build on, like sticking the "bones" inside the "muscles". Last night I made a little kitty with no plan and no wire. It is so firm! It is not as easy as one would like it to be, but fun never the less.
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