Would you like to win some Free wool of your choice, 2 premium felting needles, and some cute “Hello kitty” noses with washers? ($20 value for all) These felting needles are my favorite by far! They are very comfy with the soft rubber tip so they don’t dig into your fingers! The #38 star is medium with extra barbs on it for fast detailing! The #40 is for fine fiber like merino and it leaves smaller holes in the surface. You’ll love them as I do!
The “Hello Kitty” noses are 6 different sizes!
All you have to do is tell me the best tip that has really helped in your needle felting adventure! Leave the tip in a comment with a wool choice (see link below).
Winner gets all!!
*I will be adding more varieties of wool to choose from. Anyone interested in core wool? I also have that available in all dog colors! My core wool is NOT trash wool! It can be used to make any short haired dog as the only wool.
Go here to pick out the wool of your choice!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gfelted?section_id=5310650
noses here
whiskers here
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65982534/real-mini-horse-mane-for-whiskers
Gourmetfelted's Weblog 
What a fun give away. I’d love to have a sampler pack of your wool.
As for my best tip…Don’t be afraid to wet felt. Sometimes a bit of water and friction can really help especially with small pieces like legs and tails. Or to help finish the surface.
By: Chris on January 12, 2011
at 7:51 pm
Thanks for the comment Chris! Welcome to my blog! That is so true about wet felting. No pokes that way!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 12, 2011
at 9:46 pm
I love the Chestnut colored baby alpaca wool! I have only done a few small needle-felting projects so I don’t feel qualified to give advice! I guess if I could advise myself, I’d say, “Don’t worry so much about making your project look exactly like the picture/book/tutorial you’re following! No one will know what it’s supposed to look like!” I’ve visited your blog a few times and am truly in awe!
By: Holly on January 13, 2011
at 9:00 pm
Hi Holly,
Thanks for your comment! That is so true about the look of the project. Most people think that needle felted items are adorable. There is no correct recipe!lol!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 9:22 pm
my tip check out the thrift stores for some wool to learn on
the sampler pack
By: dorothy on January 13, 2011
at 9:11 pm
Hi Dorothy,
Welcome to my blog! That’s a great idea! I started with pillow stuffing and I also unspun wool yarn!!LOL! Where there’s a will there’s a way! Happy felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 9:21 pm
I have none as I enjoy seeing what a single hand can make with love. I am not had the joy of making anything with wool but would love to try some day. Just need the right beginners class in my area.
By: Dee on January 13, 2011
at 9:13 pm
Hi Dee,
Thank you for your comment!
I have a beginners needle felted sheep kit that lots of people have learned how to needle felt with. They tell me that it is very easy. You will learn how to make a poseable sculpture. If you scroll down there are some examples of sheep made by people who have never needle felted before. More details here.
http://www.gfelted.etsy.com
see needle felted kit
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 9:19 pm
Hi,
My tip is to use interlocking foam floor mats when needle felting a large surface area. You can get them in either 12″ by 12″ or 24″ by 24″. Check out the link below.
http://www.greatmats.com/products/foamspecial.php
I would like this mix.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65291571/needle-felting-wool-gourmet-fiber-mix
Omi
By: Omi Gray on January 13, 2011
at 9:59 pm
Hi Omi,
Thank you for your tip! Great idea!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 11:17 pm
The natural alpaca samples are gorgeous! I love the white and the grey one! And your felted animals are simply incredible.
My tip is: don’t be afraid to experiment. I like to make free-form needle felting appliques on my knits – especially bags and hats. I usually just wing it or take a picture for inspiration, but it tends to turn out the way it wants to, which is great and fun 🙂
By: Knititall on January 13, 2011
at 10:01 pm
Thank you for your tip! That is so true that there are times when the wool has a mind of it’s own for sure!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 11:16 pm
using a brush or foam to bast the items should close to the size of item so it is less likely to stab fingers holding
By: Virginia Tippen on January 13, 2011
at 10:33 pm
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for your comment. What is bast the item??
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 11:15 pm
Lovely giveaway!
I am new to needle felting, but I LOVE it!
My tip is to choose the right fiber.
Merino is soft and silky, and while it can be a bit tricky, will product a lovely finished piece.
Corridale is heftier and may felt up more quickly, but the longer fibers can leave a fuzzy halo around the finished piece.
By: Heidi on January 13, 2011
at 10:38 pm
Hi Heidi,
Thank you for your tip! To tip a tip…be sure to clip off that halo with scissors!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 11:14 pm
My favorite tip is that you can strand wool yarn to make small bits of roving–I got some variegated yarn in primary colors so I just rip off what I need when all that’s required is a tiny amount. I think I like the gourmet fiber mix best.
By: Carolyn on January 13, 2011
at 10:58 pm
Hi Carolyn,
Welcome to my blog! Great idea!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 13, 2011
at 11:13 pm
I love the Gourmet Mix and have favorited your etsy shop for future reference. I have two daughters that I showed needle felting to just after I learned and they’ve taken to it like a duck to water. My tips would be: 1) don’t be afraid to try anything. 2) Use a pointy knitting needle instead of your finger to hold what you are needling. 3) Break a 3d object down into a set of smaller shapes to make it easier to make.
I have visited your blog before to show my daughters some of the amazing creatures you make. I love your work.
By: Teresa on January 14, 2011
at 12:08 am
Hi Teresa,
That is a great idea about holding the item down with something other than fingers. Less pokes that way.
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:48 pm
I have no tips …. because I can’t find felting needles anywhere in my city!!! I’ve got this beautiful wool juuuuust waiting to be felted. 😦 lol
By: Vanessa on January 14, 2011
at 12:32 am
Hi Vanessa,
I buy everything for needle felting online. My area doesn’t have anything either. I do have felting needles available if you’re interested. you can email me gfelted@verizon.net
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:46 pm
Hi Gerry, I am new to this form of crafting, my interest started because I have Dairy goats and make goat soap milk. I have a Alpaca whom I have been shearing regularly for the past 5ish years, collecting his wool and thinking I must do something with that. My alpaca is a guardian for the goats. I saw some felted soap and the lightbulb went on. I have been doing some research and guess my TIP is there are no hard and fast rules, there are many ways to create, there is lots of excellent tutorials whether you go to needle felting, wet felting, felting to other materials, sweater/jumper felting and then embelishing or creating or a mixture of all styles. Use a tutorial as a base and have fun there are no mistakes just querky arty pieces. This is the craft of the future.
By: Kris on January 14, 2011
at 3:07 am
Hi Kris,
I have seem the most beautiful wet felted soaps with needle felted detailing on them! Breath taking!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:44 pm
I would like to try the Natural White/Cream Core Wool. I think I would like to try my hand at dyeing some of this as I like to make felted landscapes on purses, etd. I have only been dong this for a little whle but I have found that when I want to needlefelt a stem for some flowers, say on a stuffed bunny’s bellly, it is ok to use bits of wool crewel yarns and they will lie right where I want them to. It is easy too! Thanks for the opportunity to win this prize and try my hand at some dimensional work.
By: Shari J. on January 14, 2011
at 6:13 am
Hi Shari,
I just got the most lovely colored wool dyed naturally with walnut shells! It is a warm chestnut color! I also have some mohair that was tinted blond with eucalyptus tea!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:43 pm
I love the tip about looking for wool at the thrift shop – I often look for odd skeins there. I also look for old wool sweaters to felt in my washer, then cut up for different projects. I also take wool from knitting projects and pull/tease the strands apart to use as accents to my felting.
By: Audrey on January 14, 2011
at 11:51 am
Hi Audrey,
Great tips! Thank you!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:41 pm
I have only done a few little birds in needlefelting and after seeing the dogs here, feel my birds may look a bit unfinished but… So I have no tip other than try needlefelting! I cannot believe how much fun it watching little creatures come to life in your own hands!
I will come back to learn more!
By: laurenfinley on January 14, 2011
at 11:59 am
Hi Lauren,
Yes isn’t it fun and VERY rewarding 🙂
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:40 pm
I do not have a tip, as I have not done this before, but it looks fun & interesting. I just found your blog from Craft Gossip.com & look forward to learning more. Thanks for the chance to win & begin!
By: Skye on January 14, 2011
at 12:21 pm
Hi Skye,
Welcome to my blog! Everything that you need to learn about needle felting is here! Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:39 pm
WELL, I don’t have a tip. I have never needle felted and would love a chance to try!!
By: Carol DeLater on January 14, 2011
at 1:33 pm
Hi Carol,
Welcome to needle felting! Give it a try! You will love it! You can create priceless little gems with a very small investment! It is tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier! Everything that I make seems like a miracle. It is so heart warming to see an adorable little pup that you created out of a pile of fluff! I want to keep them all!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:38 pm
Hi Gerry,
If you have been felting for a length of time after each other, your fingers can cramp up. I found some wooden handles, with bad needles but those I threw out. Now which needle is in which handle. Simply use a color code on the handle. Keep a spare without color code for those needles that a rarely used. These handles make it possible to needle felt for hours on.
Your alpaca is magnificent.
Bye,
Hilde
By: Hilde Versmissen on January 14, 2011
at 1:34 pm
Hi Hilde,
Sounds great! Where did you get the wooden handles? I found some, but they wanted an arm and a leg for one!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:35 pm
Hi Gerry,
I couldn’t find the original ones anymore but found some simular ones on next link
http://dewitteengel.nl/en-133
I will try to find which firm made mine. But if you have a handy friend, normally it shouldn’t be too difficult to make.
Hilde
By: Hild on January 14, 2011
at 4:31 pm
They seem kind of pricey. Are they worth it??
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 5:47 pm
I found the original one, but that is €5.80 for one, so I guess €2.2 for 2 handles is rather cheap, especially if compared to the holder mentioned on page 131, that is €5.95 a piece.
By: Hild on January 14, 2011
at 8:39 pm
Hi Hilde,
That is a much better price! The one that I saw was $13.50 for ONE!! Are they worth it? What are the advantages of using it?
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 4:29 pm
Hi Gerry,
If I work for a longer time in a row, let’s say about half an hour, my fingers tend to cramp up and start to hurt so I need to stop felting, with these handles your fingers are bend like you were writing and it is alot more relaxed for them without the cramp and the hurt, with them I can continue much longer and if you need to finish a piece in time it does matter.
Hilde
By: Hilde on January 16, 2011
at 4:04 pm
Sounds great Hilde! Thanks! I’ll have to try that sometime. The handles that I have are all multi needles!
That does make sense that you could felt longer in that position! Thanks for the tip!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 3:00 am
My tip is to stop being afraid to try this. Just jump in with both feet and start creating. I am a newbie at this but thats what I did. So I am just starting out and trying the waters here. Love to win, my choice of wool would be NEEDLE FELTING Natural CORE wool. Ricki
By: Ricki Duke on January 14, 2011
at 1:39 pm
Hi Ricki,
Welcome to needle felting! It is a lovely craft/art form to be involved in. Using a coarse core wool with a great needle makes felting a breeze! Fine wool like merino is great for the top coat, but since it is so fine, it takes much longer to felt. Unfortunately, most felting kits use merino, thus making it harder for people just learning. I’m not sure why they do that?
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:30 pm
I have several tips….Make sure and use good needles….don’t be afraid to try mixing in other fibers along with roving to give different texture…the results are often outstanding!
The alpaca would be my choice..I got to try needling some once during a class, and loved it!
By: Anne V. on January 14, 2011
at 2:31 pm
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your comment! It is fun to experiment with different fibers. Please see my post on mixing fibers with file cleaner brushes bought cheaply at a hardware store!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:28 pm
Awesome little giveaway, thank-you so much! And you work is stunning!
I am still fairly new to the realm of felting, but the best thing I have learned so far is to use rubber thimbles on your fingertips. It helps protect them from accidentally donating blood samples. When you get the right size, they don’t add any awkwardness to your handing of your project, though you may find you might need to remove them for felting very tiny objects (items the size of a pencil eraser) from time to time.
The alpaca colors are absolutely yummy!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61119151/needle-felting-natural-alpaca-eco
By: Patricia on January 14, 2011
at 2:40 pm
Hi Patricia,
Welcome to my blog! Thank you for your tip! That is so true about the OUCH factor. I have made very few sculptures that didn’t have a t least one good poke! It does get more seldom the more you felt! Good news for newbies!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:26 pm
My tip is to use a special needle felting brush instead of a foam pad on which to felt. I find needles last a long time and rarely break
By: Jeanne Clarke on January 14, 2011
at 3:25 pm
Hi Jeanne,
Thank you for your tip. I have yet to try one of those, but need to sometime! There are many reasons for breaking needles and I have TWO posts on how to avoid that!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 3:33 pm
I’d like to win some core wool…I’ve never tried it. I have been having problems felting down #2 alpaca ( a friend gave me a huge garbage bag full!) and someone on the felting forum suggested a core first! I want to try that!
My newest foam for felting is a dark gray packing foam… weird stuff.. it came as packing for a computer. It’s very “non-compressible”, does not get areas where the foam is disintegrating from too much needle felting. It’s light weight, can be cut with a serrated knife and I really really like it! And it was FREE !
By: Bettina on January 14, 2011
at 4:03 pm
Hi Bettina,
Welcome to my blog! I use the same thing for felting foam! Love that recycling! I wold never use alpaca for felting the body of a sculpture. I only use it as the topcoat. It makes lovely fluffy fur!
Happy felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 5:52 pm
I’ve been a fiber crafter for years but have never tried needle felting. after seeing your wonderful work my tip to myself is —let’s try it! I’d like the natural alpaca. thanks for the giveaway chance.
By: Linda on January 14, 2011
at 5:04 pm
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comment! If you love working with fiber you will certainly love needle felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 14, 2011
at 5:53 pm
Hi there
Felting is awsome – it is a freedom – because what you create is totally unique – even if you are attempting to recreate.
Love it and your blog Any would be loved 🙂
My tip is to enjoy the process – create with a rythm – music might help and it is yours.
Cheers
Catie
By: Catie on January 14, 2011
at 6:05 pm
Hi Catie,
Amen to that! Every needle felted creation is unique! It is even hard to match two ears!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:36 am
How fun! I haven’t seen the rubber tips before. This would be some fun winter playing!
By: turtle on January 14, 2011
at 6:05 pm
Thanks for your comment!
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:36 am
I want to be able to do this! That puppy at the top of the page has stolen my heart.
By: Aleksa on January 14, 2011
at 6:16 pm
Hi Aleksa,
That’s the spirit! Thank you for your kind words on my pom! I loved that little one. He was created after a real little pom named Houdini! Very unusual colors!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:38 am
My tip….just get started! I joined a mega American Girl Storybook Swap. I chose the book Heidi. Now, of course, Heidi had to have a goat. I started looking for stuffed goat in the right size/price range. No luck. Then I came across felting. I bought a goat kit and made a pretty nice goat. I contacted the kit designer and place a bulk order. Sixteen goats later I’m hooked! The possibilities are endless for my dolls and beyond. I would love to win this kit. I think my dolls need a few pets. Again, my tip….just do it, you’ll love it!
By: Susan on January 14, 2011
at 6:54 pm
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your comment! That is one thing that I haven’t made yet is a goat! What kind do you make? Do you make the horns also?
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:39 am
I would love the sampler packet. I gave my daughter some wool roving for Christmas two years ago and we had great fun making snowman ornaments for her tree. My tip would be do not be afraid to mix colors to get just the effect you want.
By: Donna on January 14, 2011
at 7:21 pm
Great tip Donna! Thank you!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:40 am
I’ve recently won a needle felting kit and have been having lots of fun trying my hand at the craft. I don’t have any good tips at the moment, but the only one I could come up with is to use reference pictures or sketch out a picture on a sculpture you are working on.
By: Lowena on January 14, 2011
at 8:35 pm
Hi Lowena,
Thank you for the tip! I do the same thing! I had to do that especially with cats! Easier to work it out on paper and then you know what to do with the wool!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:41 am
I’m no pro at needlefelting, but I’ve learned to not worry too much about whether or not the finished product looks like the one in the book/tutorial! The things we make are special because they are one of a kind. So don’t be afraid to spice things up!
By: Kristie on January 14, 2011
at 10:07 pm
Hi Kristie,
That is soooo true! EVERY piece is a masterpiece in it’s own right!! and I do like it spicy!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:42 am
Just getting into felting….would LOVE and appreciate the give away. Thanks.
By: Carol Murphy on January 14, 2011
at 10:13 pm
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your enthusiastic comment! It is so true!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 4:22 pm
I like the natural core wool. I do wet felting and needle felting. My tip would be, and of course, depends on what you’re making, to feel what you are making. If it’s an animal, see him/her in your mind..the smell, the feel and the form. Also, know when to leave well enough alone. I remember making a tiny bear and the more I worked on it’s face, the worse it got – can turn into an animal of a different sort very quickly!
By: Connie Berlin on January 14, 2011
at 10:55 pm
Hi Connie,
Welcome to my blog! That is so true. You can tweak a sculpture forever trying to get it perfect and end up messed it up!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:44 am
I love the gourmet mix of wool. I haven’t done any needle felting yet, but i do have all the equipment, guess i’m afraid to get started. I have been buying wool sweaters and felting them, i have made some things with those. I really like it. guess i need to just jab right in.
By: Jagels on January 14, 2011
at 11:35 pm
Hi Jagels,
Be very careful when you first start. Needle felting in the beginning will feel like writing with wrong hand. BEWARY of the point of the needle. When you first start, you are paying attention to the wool and not the fingers! You will poke your fingers a lot in the beginning..don’t give up! It will get easier:)
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 1:47 am
The wool I like is the Gourmet Fiber Mix. A far as a tip, here is the one that helped me the most is don’t press too hard on the needle. I used to press down to hard it took me forever to stop.
By: Dennis on January 15, 2011
at 4:33 am
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your tip! That’s a good one!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 4:23 pm
ha,ha, scary start new project & I’m scardy cat,,ha,ha, I have needle & felt little because I don’t know if I will like it..Tried painting can’t do that tried stamping like that . Glad found this maybe get some help from you ladies,They call me ‘Cookie”
By: Barbara on January 15, 2011
at 4:59 am
Hi Cookie,
Don’t be afraid to try it! The first thing that I made was a pomeranian! (see post-my first feltie) It didn’t come out so great but it was wonderful to accomplish! I’m sure that you will LOVE it!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 4:24 pm
I am new to needle felting but can honestly say all you really need to do is jump right in! Once your in, your in…..Thats my tip! i love it!
By: Carrie on January 15, 2011
at 3:35 pm
Hi Carrie,
Thank you for the tip! I don’t know why people are so afraid to try needle felting! It is only wool so anything can be fixed! Don’t like the head?? Cut it off and make a new one! Leg too long…trim it off and then it is perfect! Wool is VERY forgiving and easily molded! YES try needle felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 15, 2011
at 4:27 pm
Just found your blog today thanks to CraftGossip. I have never needle felted but havelonged to try it since Carol Duvall had someone on demoing it. So I don’t have a tip other then don’t let your fear hold you back. Wow ,your work is a-maz-ing! Your avatar is my dog. I need to learn how to do this! I would choose the white wool as my dog is white.
By: marianne adam on January 15, 2011
at 6:16 pm
Hi Marianne,
I’m so glad that you found my blog! There seems to be so many people poised to needle felt …I say….just DO IT! Thank you for your kind words on my sculpture! Many hours and much love go into each one!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 3:28 am
Hi Gerry,
Your blog is so helpful. I’ve only been needle felting for a short time, but my tip would be to not give up. A little determination and patience can be just what a piece needs.
Best,
Vicki
By: Vicki on January 15, 2011
at 10:47 pm
Hi Vicky,
Welcome to my blog! Thanks for your kind words! That is so true!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 3:21 am
Hi Carrie! Try felting on two mousepads, it is a great alternative to a foam block!
I would love a sampler of the wool…if I was so lucky to win the needles!
By: Debra on January 16, 2011
at 3:02 am
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for your tip! Great idea!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 3:19 am
I wish I had a needle felting tip, but I’ve been scared to try it! I have starting amassing a stash of wool…. The only felting I’ve done is by knitting and shrinking, which was seriously great fun, but I’ve been dying to try needle felting! I think I need a mentor…. 🙂
By: KarmaPerDiem aka WhiteRiverBluff on January 16, 2011
at 9:40 am
I’m here for mentoring!!LOL! There are so many people just getting ready to start needle felting! It is so exciting! Perhaps I should make another contest just for beginners! LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 3:19 am
I have just started needle felting and am simply blown away at the intricately detailed animals and dolls that can be made! My tip would be to be open to every new way to be creative; I paint gourds, and make clay pot crafts, do some sewing, making and fleece blankets and diaper cakes as well as write poetry. Very limited needle felting supplies where I live, so I would LOVE to win your wool roving sample giveaway! Thank you for the inspiration to learn a new way of allowing my creativity to flow!
By: ~Ellen~ on January 16, 2011
at 5:10 pm
Hi Ellen,
Welcome to my blog! It is fun to be creative! I get all of my supplies online. I am so glad to provide inspiration for needle felting! Thanks for your comment!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 2:47 am
I use a ball of wound up knitting wool for the core of my larger needle felting to get some bulk and shape quickly. -dee
By: Dee on January 17, 2011
at 6:45 am
Hi Dee,
Thanks for the tip! That’s a great idea! It takes FOREVER to felt something big. Filling in some of the center with yarn is brilliant!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 2:48 am
I haven’t been felting for long, and have only tried little projects using the plastic forms. I do have the brushes to felt on, but found some dense white, plastic like stryofoam in some big packing crates that I love to felt on. I had only seen this in very small pieces in kits in the store. My first bigger project, well big for me was a mermaid. I was happy how the body came out, but the face left a lot to be desired. Much practice is needed. You can see the mermaid and my felted center silk flower pins on my blog in the archives March 2010.
Thanks for a chance to win your wonderful giveaway. Elaine
By: Elaine Akers on January 18, 2011
at 10:49 pm
Hi Elaine,
Welcome to my blog!
I use packing foam also for felting. Not the hard styrofoam that breaks to bits…this one is in pressed layers that give a little so you can make a little indentation if you need to shape an ear or something.
I have never made a face! I think that if I made a mermaid I would make it waldorf style! lol!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 20, 2011
at 2:58 am
I love felting – both wet and needle, but dont like multiple punctures – I’ve found that a gardening glove- leather, cut to just thumb ad 1st finger protects the fingers while detailing fine sculptures
By: kathy on January 21, 2011
at 1:19 am
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your tip! Great idea and it can be used for recycling too if there is a hole somewhere else!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 21, 2011
at 4:03 am
Awesome, thanks for the chance!!
To watch those fingers haha. To do some research also, I just got into needle felting not too long ago and did a book for The SketchBook Project with nothing but needle felted 3D pictures on canvas (science projects gone wrong, it was fun!) Well I sent it out last week and two days later found out about the different sizes for needles haha. I had no clue, so all my main work and detail work was done with one needle and even now I have no idea what kind that is other than sharp 😛 I tend to just jump head first into things… One more tip that I learned is most of the stuff sold in store is awful to work with!
I used up all my black so that would be awesome!
By: Amanda Starr on January 21, 2011
at 3:09 am
Hi Amanda,
Welcome to my blog! When I first started needle felting years ago, I was doing well just to find felting needles! I used one size for everything and pretty much do the same thing now. If I have a problem area that I’ve felted a lot, I sometimes switch to another smaller size to be able to felt some more to try to improve it. There is a HUGE difference with the fine needles ( the 40’s) and they are like felting air in the progress that they make. They are great for felting in a layer of fine merino wool on the surface as they leave smaller holes. That is all that I use them for as they take forever.
You are so right about merino wool in those kits! I don’t know why they do that especially for beginners. It is sooooo hard to felt as it is so fine. It takes a looooong time to felt. Romney wool is much better for the core wool. I have that both in my kit and in my core wool listing. See http://www.etsy.com/shop/gfelted?section_id=5310650 for more details!.
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 21, 2011
at 4:00 am
Awesome tips everyone 🙂
I make felt beads by wet felting beads then needle felting designs like flowers on the beads. Don’t make the wet felted bead really hard, as you want easy needling when you decorate the bead.
Needle felted pieces are great to use as a base for embroidering beads onto. I have covered a needled felted doll, a Christmas bell and a starfish in seed beads. Easy to do because the beading needle can travel anywhere you want through the felted piece as you sew on the beads.
I wanted to make a huge head once, so I carved a rough shape out of foam first, and then covered it with a good layer of needle felting, adding eyes, nose, hair etc.
And recently had fun with the easiest wet felting ever. To make a gorgeous long cord, lay out a long length of roving onto a long piece of bubble wrap. Sprinkle with hot soapy water, and gently at first, roll the fleece back and forth with your palms and fingers along its length.No need to wrap it in the bubble wrap, just work on top of it. Continue rolling and mopping up suds, rinse in hot and cold water, and roll again to firm the cord. So beautiful for a necklace or a belt.
By: beadzoo on January 21, 2011
at 3:47 am
Thanks for your great ideas! Wet felting on bubble wrap would be fun for kids in the summer outdoors!!
By: gourmetfelted on January 21, 2011
at 3:53 am
Hi! I love your work! My tip is that there is no right nor wrong way to do needle felting (or any art, really!). There is just what works for you, what gets the results you want. Try anything and everything to perfect your techniques.
By: Kathleen jackson on January 21, 2011
at 9:51 pm
Hi Kathleen,
Welcome to my blog! Thank you for the tip! That is so true!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 24, 2011
at 8:17 pm
My newest tip would be to read all these!! There are some great ones there… some that would have never occurred to me! I am going to the Kansas City Fiber Guild’s subgroup Felting to learn about felting and stiffeners this weekend. That’s a topic that would have never occurred to me!
By: Bettina Groh on January 24, 2011
at 9:06 pm
Hahaha! You are too cute! Hope that you have a fun time at the Fiber Guild!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 24, 2011
at 9:37 pm
My best tip is to never look away from your work when you are poking that needle into the felt. You may think you will be careful but trust me it hurts!
PS I just love your work!!
By: Holly Jackson on January 25, 2011
at 5:41 pm
Hi Holly,
Been there!! done that! Ouch!! That happens at night when I get too tired to felt. I hit my fingers as much as the wool..then I know that it’s time to switch to spinning! No needles there!!LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:44 am
Here’s a tip for storing your felting needles. Use a clean plastic coffee stir stick-the ones that have parallel tubes/channells/tunnells (you know what i mean) the kind coffee stores include with take out coffee. The tubes are the perfect size for storing your needles. Also-dab a colour of nail polish on top of needles-example; give all your 38 needles a dab of red (etc.) If you purchase wool from more than one supplier, get a recipe box and blank index cards. Staple a sample of wool to card and write down the name of the supplier
By: Lyn Cooper on January 25, 2011
at 8:14 pm
Hi Lyn,
Thank you for your great tips!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 26, 2011
at 1:50 am
Hi Gerry,
My tip for the giveaway is to begin your project “loosely” and gently, get the general shape of the form first, example: a round ball for the face, then tighten up the shape as you go. Creating gently felted sculptures will save you LOADS of time if they aren’t hard as a rock at the end! It will save you felting needles, too! Less snapping. And they are just a touch more huggable. Cheers!
-Kimberly
By: Kimberly on January 25, 2011
at 9:26 pm
Hi Kimberly,
Welcome to my blog! I add layers of wool myself. Since my sculptures are poseable, I need them to be firm enough to hold up to posing. I don’t make them hard as a rock though. Also I like to felt the fur into a firm base so the fur stays in. It is true that it takes a lot less time to make a squishy sculpture. Snapping of needles is usually caused by SIDEWAYS pressure on the needle. Since felting needles are hardened steel, if you press the wool with the side of the needle it will snap. Huggable is great too!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 26, 2011
at 2:02 am
I just found your blog three days ago and have spent hours looking at your Esty site and reading your different hints and the how tos. I think this is the best way to learn and get started with needle felting. You have found what works best. Your dogs are amazing.
By: Cynthia Cleary on January 26, 2011
at 1:37 am
Hi Cynthia,
Welcome to my blog! Thank you for your kind words on my blog and dogs. Many hours and much love go into each one! I think that everyone can do their own thing when it comes to needle felting. My blog is only a starting place!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 26, 2011
at 1:53 am
Thank you for this opportunity Gerry
My tip is the material I have found great for armatures , It is strong and flexible and best of all it costs nothing , I first came up with the Idea at Christmas when My Granddaughter got presents with the toy tied to attach it securely to the box the toy came in . They have made the best Armatures I really like them and it also is good for the environment as they don’t end up in the landfill
By: Mary on January 28, 2011
at 3:27 am
Hi Mary.
Great tip and recycling at that! You get double points!!LOL! Your Grandfather got toys??
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:46 am
No Gerry LOL My Grand daughter not my GrandFather roflol
By: Mary on January 30, 2011
at 10:58 pm
I am new to felting and started reading and found Gerry’s little Maltese. Wow! I want to learn and what a great blog of people sharing.
I have an Old English Sheepdog and thought she would be the easiest to do. I found out real fast it is a lot of work but fun.
I could not get the right texture or color for her hair so I cut the dogs hair and put it on. Now it looks more natural and soft.
Thank you Gerry for you help and fast reply. You are the best!
I just can’t leave it alone it is so much fun!
Thank you so much,
Nancy Saporta 🙂
By: Nancy on January 28, 2011
at 4:03 am
Hi Nancy,
Welcome to my blog! That is a great idea to use the dogs actual fur. Sometimes you can’t get the color or texture right unless you use the real thing!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:42 am
Great contest Gerry, lots of great tips. I make 1 to 1 1/5 inch balls color coded to the needle sizes to hold my needles. You just push the needle thru the ball, add just a touch of glue to the top, let it dry and you have a great and comfortable handle to felt with. Keeps your hands from cramping and they can be needle felted or wet felted in the washing machine. If you break a needle, just snip the glue and insert another one.
Linda M
By: Linda on January 28, 2011
at 6:50 am
Hi Linda,
Great tip! I’ll have to try this. What kind of glue do you use?
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:40 am
I have used super glue and tacky glue or even fabric glue. You just need a bit if the little felted balls are firm, the needle really stays in them quite well.
By: Linda on January 29, 2011
at 4:57 am
Here’s a tip I just (re)discovered today – to create the look of fur on a hard-felted figure, take a 0.4 mm crochet hook, reach through the outermost layer, and pull up some of the interior wool. The effect is too ratty for long fur, but for someone who just looks *wrong* fully smooth, it’s a miracle!
Fun contest… but if I win, please give my noses to someone else. I’m making my own out of wool, or wool drenched in beeswax….
By: Hilary Powers on January 28, 2011
at 9:54 pm
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for the tip. Love your raccoon! Excellent paws! The best that I’ve seen!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:39 am
My tip is place your animal, creation, anything 3d related to a picture drawn to scale. Draw it in black marker, make sure you are as correct with the shape as possible. This helps when filling out the body, legs, head, facial features. You don’t have to draw the details on the drawing jut the correct shape so you can place the felted item onto it to see how you are going.
By: Jessica Cook on January 28, 2011
at 11:37 pm
Hi Jess,
Welcome to my blog! That is a great tip! Thanks so much!
Love your cute maltese shih tzu. Great job!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on January 29, 2011
at 1:35 am
My husband bought me a needle felting kit for Christmas. I had fun making a hedgehog and want to make more critters. Since I am new to this the first tip I have is to put thimbles on your fingers. Those needles are sharp. 😉 I would love to win any of your wools. I’m bookmarking your site. Love your dogs!
By: Paige Lybbert on February 1, 2011
at 6:01 am
Hi Paige,
Welcome to my blog! What a lovely gift from your hubby! Was the kit for something special? That is a great tip! I wish that I had thought of that when I first started felting. It would save many ouches!
Thank you for your nice comments about my dogs!
Happy Felting!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on February 1, 2011
at 5:04 pm
Hi, Paige –
Here’s an even easier way to keep safe: If you have to hold something so small that a needle might get near your fingers, use tweezers to hang onto it. Thimbles are great for armor – but they make it hard to tell what you’re doing with your fingers….
By: Hilary Powers on February 1, 2011
at 6:00 pm
***I also like to take a straight pin with a ball end and stick it into the feltie to hold it down on the foam. I do that all the time to avoid the dreaded needle ouch!! HANDS FREE!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on February 1, 2011
at 9:20 pm
Hi Gerry,
My tip is to smooth out your piece before going at it with scissors, wrap the long strands sticking out around the point of your needle then needle felt in to the piece. Then needle along the surface of your piece with your needle horizontal to it. Do this in all directions, This not only smooths out your creation, but also firms up the surface. Then you can trim any shorter strands with the scissors
I’m not picky, surprise me.
By: Cat Albaugh on February 1, 2011
at 3:07 pm
Hi Cat! Welcome to my blog!
Thank you so much for your comment! Great tip that many can use I’m sure!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on February 1, 2011
at 5:02 pm
Cat’s tip reminds me of another way to get a smooth surface – after the twirl-and-stick system gets as much of the fuzz laid as you have patience for, use one of those zippy battery-powered fabric shavers (sold for getting the pills off sweaters) to eliminate anything still sticking up. Works a treat, and the blades are so sharp they don’t pull fibers out of the mass.
By: Hilary Powers on February 1, 2011
at 6:04 pm
My hubby is a great fan of using his electric shaver for trimming! That’s too high tech for me…I just use good ole scissors! LOL!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on February 1, 2011
at 9:18 pm
If men’s electric razors are anything like the kind I used to use on my legs when I cared about such things, I suspect they might be inclined to pull fibers if not very carefully used. A FABRIC shaver is a different beast – just cradle it in your hand and rub the figure against it, and all that comes off is what’s sticking out.
I use scissors too, of course, especially for places the shaver head won’t reach, but they’re way more trouble.
By: Hilary Powers on February 1, 2011
at 9:51 pm
I use the small personal trimmers to get rid of any halo’s and stray strands. Then finish with tiny embroidery scissors. That’s one reason I love using merino wool as the final coat on a smooth surface, it gives a lovely finish without many stragglers.
By: Linda on February 1, 2011
at 9:58 pm
I use merino for the top coat of short hairs.
By: gourmetfelted on February 2, 2011
at 2:38 am
Felting tip: The Dollar Tree has a small manicure set which is a plastic covered container that can be easily converted to an on-the-go needle felting kit. It has a handy dandy foam insert in the middle which I place 3 different sized felting needles.It comes with scissors you can keep or replace with your own favorite embroidry scissors. The see through cover is handy too.
By: Gael on February 3, 2011
at 7:16 pm
Hi Gael,
Thanks for the nice tip! That would be handy. Wish that I lived near a Dollar Tree store!
~Gerry
By: gourmetfelted on February 7, 2011
at 11:16 pm
Hello! I have been wanting to try needle felting for a couple weeks now, but without a job and going full time in college I just haven’t had the money to buy all the right tools of the trade. But I have been looking at MANY tutorials, photos of others work, and videos to help me get a good understanding for when I begin.
If I were to receive anything, I’d love to try your sampler pack 🙂 Thank you so much for your time!
~Karina
By: Karina Roberts on September 23, 2011
at 12:31 am