Needle Felted Figures

March 09

What a lot of fun you can have with some wool tops, felting needle, a foam pad and not much more. Transform carded wool into some delightful figures such as mice, bears, trolls, dinosaurs and balls as well as useful items like pincushions and coasters. What impressed me was how beautifully made - and lifelike - many of these figures were. They made delightful toys or conversation piece ornaments, as well as Christmas decorations in the shape of snowmen, penguins and swaddled babies. Each of the items has a whole page photograph showing it in all its woolly glory, as well as text instructions. There is quite a lot of text in this book, and hardly any diagrams or staged photographs. I had to read it several times before I was even close to understanding exactly how you made the figures, and how helpful a photograph or two showing the process would have been. There is nothing for it but to set to with the materials and have a go; doing this is a voyage of discovery indeed from a few sketchy drawings to the wonderful finished pieces.

May 09

Try something different with wool, and discover the crafting possibilities in the world of needle felting. It's done with a special barbed felting needle rathern than by washing, giving you control over the object's shape and size as you felt. This way, you're abel to make any shape you like, and the book explains all the technical information you'll need to know to do this. When you've got the hang of it, choose a project to practice on - make a pincushion, a set of colourful placemats, or penguins, dinosaurs, and even martians! Get the kids involved on a rainy weekend, and see what shapes and objects can be created.

Winter 09

This book is full of colourful, whimsical figures, ranging from caterpillars to elephants and martians. The preparations, techniques and materials are all carefully explained and the instructions for each figure are clear and easy to follow. This would be an ideal book for anyone wanting to try this type of felting for the first time, especially as most of the figures are very quick to make.

Mar 10

Create this wonderful collection of 24 delightful characters with a felting needle, a foam pad and wool. A hobby that is suitable for children aged five and upwards (with the help of a grown-up) and for both girls and boys. The book supplies in-depth descriptions of the basic techniques and a range of patterns for the ingenious figures. Follow the pattern avidly or adapt the design by using different colours, making them different sizes or giving them different proportions. With clear step-by-step instructions and photographs you can create penguins, bears, rabbits, dinosaurs, trolls and aliens, plus other objects including dice, balls and a pincushion. A good way to encourage children to be creative and learn patience.

May 09

With clear step-by-step instructions and photographs, Bodil Nederby shows how to make a wonderful collection of delightful characters and animals including penguins, bears, rabbits, dinosaurs, trolls and aliens. She also shows how to make felted brooches, with fun projects for a butterfly and a flower. Once the basic techniques are mastered, the rest is simple. You can follow the instructions closely, or use different coloured wools and adapt the designs by adding alternative features. Add a little creativity and imagination and you'll soon be developing your own unique characters.