Did you ever take an online class and just feel something is missing? I take them from time to time to see if there are any new techniques out there. After the last one I've decided not to take another one.
Not only was the information I signed up for missing in the class but the person who wrote the class was very testy if you asked a question. All sweetness and light before you pay. So, I've been cured.
Now, having said that, I do have an exception. Birgitte Krag Hansen! She has a class online that actually tells you all you need to know and then some. Price is very reasonable also. Not for beginners though. You do need to have some experience. Considering English is a second language for her it is well written and informative.
This little kitty is about to take a swat at his friend. (I'm making the friend today.) I made this practice piece to try out a new way to attach the legs which did work out very well. The limbs are poseable on this sculpture.
He has a very soft finish, done with a short fiber Merino wool. I've been experimenting with different finishes to see which get the best results. I love using the Merino wool because it does not leave the "dreaded fuzzies" on the surface. I don't like the look of loose fiber poking out of the finish. No matter how well you work the surface there always seems to be one or two fibers standing straight up.
So, today I need to add whiskers to this little fellow and make him a friend.
My mill end roving arrived yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised. All clean wool roving ready to use. Now, what to do with it. It does felt well so, as promised, here is the link to a really good bargain: http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com/Roving.html
I'm using some of the white for a kitten and it does seem to felt well. At $7.50 a pound it was worth a try. Shipping is a killer though. $11 which is almost as much as the cost of the wool. They use USPS to ship. Still a good bargain.
It's a rainy day so I think I'll spend a good part of it needle felting. I'm working on a lamb and decided he needed a full, plush coat. So I'm using a Merino top and laying on the wool row by row. Then he gets a haircut. I'm hoping to finish today. But that was also yesterdays plan and the day just got away from me.
The irony hasn't escaped me! The sheep are shorn so that I will have the wool to put back onto my sheep. My little guy is really cute though and super soft thanks to the Merino wool. I sometimes mix a little Angora in with whatever I am using to add to the softness.
Mother Nature has excellent taste so I love to use the natural colors of the wool. It just seems appropriate when felting animals. I'm also saving the results of grooming my Cairn terrier so that when I do a sculpture of him it will have extra meaning to include his own fur.
I think I'll also dip the new batch of needles that arrived last week. I use three different colors of Plasti-Dip so my needles are color coded. This way, when I reach for a needle, I know exactly what size I am using. I dip each needle handle several times, drying between each dipping. The liquid rubber builds up and creates a nice little handle. One of the small comforts in life.
I ordered some mill end wool roving which should arrive in a day or two. First time order from this company. Great prices. Natural colors. What's not to like. I better like it because I ordered two pounds. One pound of the white and one of the brown shades. If it turns out to be a good deal I'll post the link.
Back to work. So much wool, so little time.
Welcome and glad you could join me. This site will deal mostly with wool and all the wonderful creations that are possible. The only thing that will limit you is your imagination. So, grab your Muse and have some fun.
Art, and all that entails, has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have to say, that of all the mediums I have used to express my ideas, wool is a favorite. I like to buy my wool cleaned, dyed, and ready to go. However, if you enjoy the process, you can buy a whole fleece and do all the preparation yourself.
Sheep need to have their fleece removed on a regular basis and this has to be done wheather we use their wool or not. So, first off, no harm comes to the sheep in the process and it is indeed necessary for their welfare. The shearing process usually starts around 7 months of age.
Everyone has a favorite fiber and the best way to find yours is to take the plunge and get started. It doesn't take a lot to begin, just some wool, a few needles (they do break), and a foam pad to work on. There are kits on the market for beginners that are inexpensive and a good way to get started.
feltingsupply.com is a favorite site of mine to purchase wool batts and supplies. They do carry a beginners kit. I have purchased from many sites and the best way to find your favorite is to do your homework. It all gets easier with time.
I'll add what I hope will be useful information and comments are welcome. Come on, share your favorite sites, fibers, and latest creations. I have seen some truly outstanding works of art in wool.
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