To Dip Or Not To Dip!
I dip the needles I use in Plasti Dip. It's a liquid rubber product that does two things. It adds a small measure of comfort in using the needle but, more important for me, it makes the size of the needle easy to identify. Most of the needles look alike. Without the color coding I have to make a few jabs to identify the size of the needle and if it's the wrong size for what I'm doing, I have to grab another needle and start the process over. Very easy to get your needles mixed up on your pad when you are engrossed in what you are doing. So, I dip!
You can buy needles already dipped from a number of suppliers but I like to dip my own. I get exactly what I need. If you are just an occasional needle felter it would probably be easier to just buy them dipped. But, if you needle felt on a regular basis, it's better to dip your own.
I use the red and yellow colors for the needles I use most and a black color for the needle I use for deep attachements. I rarely use that needle. I usually dip about ten each of the two I use most. I don't break many needles but a few do crack with extended use.
All you have to do is dip the needle handle into the color you want, let the excess drop back into the can and then put it somewhere to dry. I use an old pad I have saved that serves many purposes. I let my needles dry and then redip them until I get the thickness I want. When they are totally dry I put them in a tin I use to store all my needles.
One can will dip many, many needles. If you are so inclined you can sell dipped needles. I prefer to use that time needle felting. You will never make a big profit dipping needles for other felters.
The can has full instructions on how to use the product as well as safety issues. It recommends putting foil over the can, under the lid, when you are finished useing the product. This helps to keep it from drying out too quickly. It also lists thinners you can use if the Plasti Dip gets too thick. So, happy dipping!!
You can buy needles already dipped from a number of suppliers but I like to dip my own. I get exactly what I need. If you are just an occasional needle felter it would probably be easier to just buy them dipped. But, if you needle felt on a regular basis, it's better to dip your own.
I use the red and yellow colors for the needles I use most and a black color for the needle I use for deep attachements. I rarely use that needle. I usually dip about ten each of the two I use most. I don't break many needles but a few do crack with extended use.
All you have to do is dip the needle handle into the color you want, let the excess drop back into the can and then put it somewhere to dry. I use an old pad I have saved that serves many purposes. I let my needles dry and then redip them until I get the thickness I want. When they are totally dry I put them in a tin I use to store all my needles.
One can will dip many, many needles. If you are so inclined you can sell dipped needles. I prefer to use that time needle felting. You will never make a big profit dipping needles for other felters.
The can has full instructions on how to use the product as well as safety issues. It recommends putting foil over the can, under the lid, when you are finished useing the product. This helps to keep it from drying out too quickly. It also lists thinners you can use if the Plasti Dip gets too thick. So, happy dipping!!
Ten Each Of Undipped Needles
Dipped Needles Drying
Seal Cans To Prevent Drying
Kool Aid To The Rescue
Have you ever needed a small amount of wool for a project you are working on and don't have the exact color?
I was working on a doll that needed a bit of color on the cheeks and I didn't have the exact shade of pink. Plus, if you order the wool, you get way more then you need.
Try this! In a cup of very hot water (microwaved) I added a few granules of red Kool Aid. The kind with no sugar in it. Don't add too much or the color will be off if you want a light blush pink. Then I put a small amount of white Merino wool into the cup and pushed it down so it would be evenly wet. Then leave it alone. When the water turns clear the dye from the Kool Aid has been absorbed by the wool. Lift the Merino wool out with a spoon and let the excess water drip off into the sink. Lay the wool gently onto a towel and let it dry. I moved it around a time or two. The end result was a small amount of the most perfect shade of light pink for adding a blush to a dolls cheeks. Lots left over for many more dying sessions.
I was working on a doll that needed a bit of color on the cheeks and I didn't have the exact shade of pink. Plus, if you order the wool, you get way more then you need.
Try this! In a cup of very hot water (microwaved) I added a few granules of red Kool Aid. The kind with no sugar in it. Don't add too much or the color will be off if you want a light blush pink. Then I put a small amount of white Merino wool into the cup and pushed it down so it would be evenly wet. Then leave it alone. When the water turns clear the dye from the Kool Aid has been absorbed by the wool. Lift the Merino wool out with a spoon and let the excess water drip off into the sink. Lay the wool gently onto a towel and let it dry. I moved it around a time or two. The end result was a small amount of the most perfect shade of light pink for adding a blush to a dolls cheeks. Lots left over for many more dying sessions.