Day 23

Dec. 22nd - Day 23 - @peacefulpendant

Needle Felted Ornaments

Needle felted ornaments are a fun project and make it easy for beginners to jump in. I love using cookie cutters to create the shape.

Before I begin, I like to share a little bit about needle felting and how it works.

Needle felting is a process in which barbed needles interlock wool fibers to form a more condensed material. Wool fibers have scales which when rubbed against each other catch and lock into place to create this denser material called felt. Felting needles help the wool fibers join together.

More information about the history of needle felting

Some basic safety tips:

Felt on some type of foam. Place the foam on a firm surface like a table. Please do not needle felt on your lap.
Keep an eye on your needle. Make a practice of watching the needle when you felt so your avoid hitting your fingers.
Hold the needle perpendicular to the foam. This will help prevent the needles from breaking.
Have a storage spot for your needles such as a bag or sleeve. Place your needles in the sleeve when you are done felting.
Turn your piece over regularly to prevent the piece from felting to the foam.

Supplies

Wool roving assorted colors

or you can buy a starter kit like this one

Gather your cookie cutter, felting needle, needle felting foam, and wool roving.

Start layering the wool roving into the cookie cutter.

Gently push the needle into the wool roving. Add more wool on top of the first layer.

After you have needle felted one side, flip the cookie cutter over, and start needle felting the other side. The felted wool may start to "stick" to the foam. Just gently pull it up.

Remove the shape from the cookie and cutter and start adding decorative details.

Take light wisps of wool roving to add smaller details.

Needle the designs into your shape. Feel free to add fun elements like sequins and small beads.

Continue adding details.

Create another mitten to make a pair.

Add white roving to decorate the bottom of the mittens. Cut yarn to attach the mitten together. I used an 8 inch piece.

I knotted the yarn on the back of the mittens so it doesn't show.

The finished ornament! This could be a window decoration for those who don't celebrate Christmas.

mitten ornament.MOV

Going further:

You could make a garland with several different shapes. You might make a shape and then sew or glue on a pin back. Or you could add twinkling LED lights with these supplies.

Sparkfun has a great tutorial for creating a firefly jar with the LilyPad Twinkle. Find it here.

Sarah Magner

Innovation Lab Teacher Flint Hill School

Follow Sarah on Twitter

@peacefulpendant