Project by Helena Marette from- Peachtree City, Ga. When Helena first started turning felted fabric into artwork, she mistakenly thought she created the process--until she was doing some research on the Internet and realized that nomads discovered it years ago. Materials: wool roving (fine merino wool)
nylon mesh fabric
38-gauge felting needle
foam surface
hot water
liquid soap
damp towel Steps: 1. To create the background: Pick up wool roving by the ends and gently pull, allowing the fibers to slide away from each other. 2. Layer the wool strips parallel to each other and slightly overlapping, to the desired width of the finished piece. Keep in mind that the piece will expand approximately 1 inch once felted. 3. The second layer of fibers is prepared the same way but laid at a 90-degree angle to the first layer. Continue layering the wool in the same 90-degree crossing pattern until you have at least a thickness of 3/8 inch. You will use approximately an ounce of wool fiber for every square foot of background. 4. With the felting needle, poke the wool to compress the layers together. Using two or three needles together will help you get the layers compressed quicker. 5. Using just a few strands of wool, create the basic shape of your composition. Continue placing additional layers using a variety of colors to create the details and depth. Use many thin layers to build up your design. 6. Cover fiber artwork with a piece of nylon mesh. Fill a large bowl with hot water and a squirt of liquid soap. Drizzle water over the artwork and press down firmly enough to penetrate all layers but without disturbing your design. Fibers should be wet but not sodden. 7. Keeping the nylon mesh over the artwork, add a small amount of liquid soap to your hands and gently massage the fibers for 3 to 5 minutes to form a "skin" on the outside of the felted piece. The mesh can be removed at this time. 8. Place a towel on your workstation. Lay a piece of bubble wrap large enough to fit the felt over the towel. Roll the felt and the bubble wrap together into a roll. Roll the bubble wrap on the towel, exerting firm pressure. 9. After 50 rolls, unwrap the felt and turn bubble wrap and felt 90 degrees. Repeat the rolling procedure as described above. 10. At this point the felt should be firm to the touch. Rinse with cool water while pressing down to squeeze out the soap. A mild vinegar rinse will restore the wools natural Ph balance. Website: www.planetartstudio.com
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