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Category: Easy Projects
Simple, easy to follow needle felting projects for complete beginners
The nations favourite Christmas bird, and mine. Here’s a quick a quick needle felting tutorial on ‘how to’ make a wing for your needle felted birdies; scroll down for video tutorial. This tutorial is for my Robin but you can adapt this for any bird. It is super easy and, before you know it, you will have a pile of wings just waiting to be stuck to a body.
You choose the finish; I prefer a looser more rustic look but the ‘neat freaks’, like my daughter, would be horrified at the thought so just go with whatever you’re happy with.
Please follow the written instructions and the corresponding photograph numbers. You don’t need much wool at all for each wing and after one or two attempts you will be flying… Aah come on; someone had to say it!
NEEDLE FELTED WING IN 7 EASY STEPS
1 Make a rough paper template as a guide (approx 6/cm) or just ‘draw’ a teardrop shape with your needle.
2 With your hands blend a thin layer of brown, dark brown and a little orange (or whatever colour you choose) and lay on top of your foam block. Cut out one wing template and lay on top of the layer of wool. Use your needle to draw a rough shape around it; poke the needle straight up and down all the way around your template.
2 Remove the wing template and go over the lines you have drawn again; not too deep into your foam block.
3 Fold in the sides and felt gently, following the line of the shape you have created
4 Keep turning and felting until it is firm and holds its shape Tip: It should be firm but not bulky
5 Hold the sides of the wing and create a curve by pushing the needle gently and repeatedly along the top centre, being careful not to poke your fingers. Always keep your needle straight or the tip will break!
6 If you want to you can tidy the wing around the edges by pulling the edges over and felting some more. Keep turning and repeating until you are happy with the overall shape. Repeat the procedure for your second wing.
7 Decide how you want your finished wing to look; you can fold the end over for a tidy finish or leave it loose.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Grab your wool and felting needles and felt along with me.
START WITH A NEEDLE FELTING KIT
Needle felting kits – including this fabulous robin – are available on the website and Etsy. it is a great way to start needle felting as all the wool, tools, detailed instructions, templates, size guide and photographs are included.
It’s that time of year again, and Christmas at Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts wouldn’t be complete without a needle felted snowman. This is my simple, but stylish take on frosty, complete with hat, scarf and carrot nose. Subscribe at the bottom of the page to receive notification of new tutorials.
Happy Christmas felting!
Easy Budget Friendly DIY Snowman
Time to complete: Approx 1 hour and the easiest DIY snowman you can make!
You will need: Core wool or toy stuffing but wool is much easier to felt with. WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY CORE WOOL? No problem as this can also be done with white wool top/roving by following my basic ball shape tutorial (4th picture down) and increasing the size accordingly. TAKE ME TO TUTORIAL
Felting needles – Sizes 36 or 38 are good all rounders.
White batting sheet – if using core wool – for wrapping around the body shapes.
Orange wool for carrot nose.
Black wool for eyes and mouth.
Your choiceof wool colours for hat and scarf.
Felting Mat to work on
TERMINOLOGY – You will come across the following terms throughout the tutorial.
Felting/to felt: Means to stab/poke your wool with a barbed felting needles to produce a fibre that will not pull apart.
Carded batts: Come in springy, flat sheets instead of long lengths like wool tops/roving.
Core Wool: Used for the centre of your piece as stuffing that can be shaped; it saves using your best wool.
NEEDLE FELTING NEWBIE? You are going to love this tutorial.
Why not have a quick read of my beginners guide to needle felting do’s and don’ts before you start. CLICK HERE
NEEDLE FELTING KIT – Is available on the website in the CHRISTMAS SHOP
Scroll to the bottom of the page and watch the video tutorial
TOP TIP: Always read the top tips!
Lets get started and remember, the needle are very sharp so keep your fingers out of the way. Always keep your needle straight; bend it and it will break.
BODY
1- Start with three pieces of core wool and make sure they are different weights/sizes. I started with 5g (handful), 3g and 2g.
2 – Roll each one into a chunky doughnut shape with your fingers. Hold with one hand and poke (felt) with your needle to secure. Don’t over felt or worry about lumps and bumps as the whole thing will be covered. TOP TIP: It only needs to hold it’s shape and should only take a couple of minutes to felt and shape each one.
3 – Make sure they are all different sizes, from large to small.
4 – Start with your large piece and lay it on top of a piece of wool batting.
5 – Pull the wool batting around your shape and felt only to the centre. This will keep the rest of the shape nice and smooth with no needle marks.
6 – Gently pull away any excess wool TOP TIP: Any bald patches can be covered up with a little more wool batting.
7 – Repeat for the next two pieces
8 – Your snowman should increase in size from the top down.
Attaching Your Pieces Together
9 – Place the bottom two pieces on top of each other (smooth side down) and attach together by pushing your felting needle through the centre of the top piece and into the bottom piece; this will tangle the fibres of the two sections together. Keep moving your felting needle around the centre and continue until both pieces are securely attached to each other. TOP TIP: Pick it up and give it a gently shake and, if they stay together, this is firm enough.
10 – Repeat step 9 and attach the head.
CREATING THE MOUTH
This is a little fiddly but worth spending time on. If it doesn’t look right the first time, remove and start again. TOP TIP: Only push the needle, gently into the very top layer. This will avoid distorting the shape of the head.
10 – Take a very, very thin piece of black wool (longer than you will need) and use your felting needle to gently tack into place, where you want his mouth to start TOP TIP: Leave a little bit of overhang which you can trim when you have finished. Create a curve and tack gently as you go. Once you are happy with the shape, trim any excess.
CARROT NOSE
11 – Take a tiny piece of orange wool and roll into a seed shape; press and roll firmly in the palm of your hand with your forefinger.
12 – Poke one end gently into the face until secure; the nose will straighten as you do this.
13 – Give the end of the nose a little twist with your thumb and fore finger to shape and trim any stray fibres.
EYES
14 – Roll a teeny, tiny amount of black wool into a loose ball and felt onto the face, using your needle to bring in the edges and create a circle.
TIME TO MAKE THE SCARF
15 – Lay a long narrow length of your preferred colour along your mat or foam pad. TOP TIP: Check the length around the neck of your snowman before starting to felt.
16 – Fold over the ends for neatness and felt until just secure.
17 – Continue to felt the whole scarf on both sides. Keep turning and felting until nice and firm. TOP TIP: Felt with two needles at the same time to speed up the process
18 – Punch tools have 7 needles and save so much time if you are making lots of scarfs or flat felted items. However, it is not suited to foam pads as it has a tendency to bounce.
MAKE THE EASY HAT
There are lots of techniques to making a hat but, at a recent workshop, we tried three and voted unanimously for this one.
19 – Lay a thin (the thickness will double as you felt) piece of wool on your mat and ‘draw’ a rough circle with your felting needle: Approx. double the size of the snowman’s head.
20 – Use your fingers and needle to bring the rough edges to the outline of your circle.
21 – Continue until your circle is formed TOP TIP: Pull off any excess to avoid it becoming too thick. Keep felting, turning and neatening the edges until you have a firm circular shape.
22 – Felt on a little bobble of your colour choice. TOP TIP: Only felt around the edges of the bobble so as not to flatten it.
TIME TO SECURE IT TO THE HEAD
23 – Place the circle on top of the snowman’s head and felt around the edges to secure; you can neaten and shape later.
24 – Create a brim with a thin strand of wool. It needs to be longer than the diameter of the hat so you can overlap it at the back of the hat.
25 – Roll the length of wool firmly between the palm of your hands to quickly matt the fibres together; no need to use your needle.
26 – Place at the front of your hat and felt to secure
27 – Continue to felt until both end meet at the back. If it is too long then overlap and felt until secure.
28 – If your hat needs shaping or tidying then push downwards towards the base of the hat; this will create a nice shape TOP TIP: To keep a nice shape keep the hat loose and don’t flatten onto the head.
29 – Create some tassels (optional); lay a few thin strands of wool on your mat.
30 – Lay the end of your scarf on the tassels TOP TIP: Lay your scarf front facing up so the contrasting colour remains underneath.
31 – Wrap your scarf around your snowman’s neck and secure with your felting needle, where the scarf crosses over.
FINISHING TOUCHES
You can leave your snowman as he is or embellish to your hearts content. I have added some little stick arms and some smart black buttons.
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW
The variations are endless and I have created a Christmas scene with this one. Hat and scarf are made from an ethical Merino and silk blend.
This is one of the easiest needle felting projects you can make. These gorgeous needle felted pumpkins are utterly addictive and make for some really show stopping Autumn/Fall décor! Imagine having these plump beauties dotted around the house, made into garlands, or given as gifts to only your best friends.
HAVE A PUMPKIN CRAFT PARTY
They are so much fun and so easy, why not have a craft party and needle felt the afternoon away. Imagine how many of these you could make in just a couple of hours, and more fun than you can shake a witches broomstick at.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
You will find my step by step video tutorials at the bottom of this page Make time: 20 minutes
1 Roll a small handful of core wool into a very rough ball and felt to hold in place. This will only take a minute as you need to keep it soft; this is what helps create the pumpkin shape.
2 Wrap a thin piece of carded batting around the core wool and felt at the base.
TOP TIP: Don’t cover up any patches as this will enhance the finished look once you add a second layer
3 Continue to felt the wool batting towards the centre and pull away any excess. Sit it ‘bottom’ down on your mat and check the shape.
4 Working from the top to the bottom, repeat the previous step with a different colour, making sure it is pulled thin enough for the base layer to show through.
CREATING SEGMENTS
5 Lay a very thin piece of wool top across the centre of your pumpkin and felt to secure. Wrap it quite tightly around your pumpkin and felt the two ends together at the base.
TOP TIP: The base won’t be visible so you can felt really firmly. Pulling it tightly around the pumpkin creates the ‘segments’.
6 Continue as in the previous step until you have eight distinct segments. Because the core was left really soft you now have a very obvious pumpkin shape.
7 Work gently around your pumpkin with your felting needle and tidy up any loose, untidy, or lumpy sections. It needs to look good from all sides, but don’t worry too much about the base as it won’t be seen.
8 Create a stem for your pumpkin
1 Blend a little wool together2 Roll firmly and felt into a rough stem shape, keeping the end loose3 Roll firmly in your hands to firm and shape4 Continue to felt, flatten the top, and narrow the base
9 Felt the loose wool (at the narrow base) into the centre of your pumpkin. feel free to add any embellishments. I have added a lovely crochet leaf which really finishes it off. You could also add curly locks and different fibres, or acorns.
I hope you really loved this tutorial. For more pumpkin tutorials click HERE If you want to felt alongside me, workshop style, just click on the video links below.
Learn how to needle felt a picture and create your own stunning 2D needle felted Cornish seascape, bursting with colour and character. Video tutorial links are at the bottom of this post and this beautiful project is suitable for beginners, and experienced needle felters, taking around eight hours to complete. I have carefully selected all the materials, wool, and fibres to give you the best possible outcome for your project, so if you are working from my Needle Felting Kit everything you need is already there. That also includes to linen, printed design and carbon paper to trace it onto your fabric, ready to start needle felting.
VIDEO TUTORIALS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST
If you haven’t tried needle felted pictures before, I know you are going to love this design. It was a joy to create and the bold colours, and design, really sing. Adding the cheeky three dimensional Seagulls really brings it to life, as do the rolling waves with the gorgeous silk strands. The result is a mix of Cornish impressionism meets Balamory, and my love of the sea.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED/CONTENTS
If you are working from the kit, everything you need is in your box. If you are working from the pattern, and your own supplies, you will need:
Approximately 40g of mixed wool colours. I have used approximately 18 different colours: a mix of carded wool, wool tops, silk blends, and silk throwsters waste.
Carbon paper for tracing the design but you can copy directly onto the fabric
Frame, driftwood, or similar to display. It can also be mounted onto card using double sided tape
HOW TO NEEDLE FELT: THE BASICS
Caution: This activity is for adults and older children – 12 years and older – and then only with strict adult guidance and supervision due to the very sharp needles. Do not allow children to attempt this project alone!
HOW TO USE YOUR FELTING NEEDLE?
Felt is made using the barbed needles and repeatedly and by carefully stabbing into the wool fleece. This will tangle the fibres together until the wool becomes firm, and, following the instructions, create your own needle felted project.
Before you start you project it is important to know a few basics about needle felting but equally important is that this is YOUR creation. You may decide to make changes. BRILLIANT! Make it your own. If you make a mistake, then remove it by gently tugging with a standard dress pin and try again. Most importantly, be patient and enjoy this gorgeous project. Take your time and remember “the devil is in the detail” so tempting though it is, don’t rush when you are getting near the end of your project. Sit back and decide on your finishing touches. Make it simple, quirky, or as detailed as you like…
You need to take extra precautions to watch your fingers because, as you hold and turn your project, there is a greater chance of poking through the wool right into your finger; use finger guards if this helps.
Use the foam pad wherever possible and remember to always poke your needle in a straight line, no matter the angle, so as not to break your needle.
The finished project will be unique to you so feel free to use your imagination. Be patient as these lovely creations deserve the time they take to make, and you will quickly get used to the needle felting process. Once you have finished this project there will be no stopping you!
Upon completion sit back, admire, and tell your friends and family “I did that!”
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE PROJECTS ARE COLLECTABLES, NOT TOYS! KEEP THEM AWAY FROM PETSAND SMALL CHILDREN!
3 Feel free to add your own details and use your own artistic license for the finishing touches.
4 ENJOY! If this is your first needle felting project allow yourself to be a beginner and build your creative confidence. It’s not a sprint to the finish and you are going to learn some fabulous new skills. Hopefully, this will be just the start of your needle felting journey.
5VIDEO TUTORIALS – You will find so many helpful tutorials on my YouTube channel, from nervous beginners to intermediate level. Have a look at the playlists and find what is most suitable for you on the: Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts YouTube channel
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Skill level: Beginners to confident needle felters
Make time: 6 to 8 hours
STYLE
Think Cornish coastline meets Balamory, which was actually set in Tobermory. Full of vibrant colours and details, I approached it like a paint by numbers, colour between the lines, sort of project. It is beautifully simple and, apart from the seagulls and some sea detail, this project is completely flat felted. It is not difficult and is soothingly repetitive. You can pick it up whenever you feel like it, have a break and do some more.
TECHNIQUE
As the technique for most of the project is the same, video tutorials and the pattern will guide you through the different sections, from tracing the picture, using the fabric, type of needles to use, laying down the fibres, outlining the details, and building up some of the areas to add dimension, detail, and contrast.
ADD YOUR OWN FLAIR
If you are a confident crafter, or this isn’t your first needle felting gig, feel free to blend your own colours, add fabric scraps, beads, and your own details.
IS IT YOUR FIRST TIME FELTING ON LINEN?
If so, it will feel quite strange for the first ten minutes, but you will quickly get used to the different work surface. This is also a popular choice for flat felted animal portraits.
WHY LINEN?
I love experimenting with different fabrics for flat needle felting and, there are several reasons why linen/Calico works really well for this project
It needs to be a close weave linen/Calico so that your needle doesn’t damage the fabric or create holes in the weave.
Perfect for tracing your image onto in detail, which you just can’t do with a wool felt base.
It is also a great base for this project as you want the fibres to lay as flat as possible, with no distortion, allowing for tiny details to be added without getting lost.
THE WOOL
If you are working from the kit you will find mostly carded wool and a few wool tops. In addition there are some beautiful silk fibres, and wool silk blends which add great contrast and interest to the finished piece.
USING YOUR OWN WOOL STASH
Almost any felting wool can be used with ease for this project. Just grab as many bright and bold colours you can from your wool stash.
WHAT FELTING NEEDLES DO I NEED?
The entire project can be completed with one needle. I found the 38 star needle to be my favourite for this project, and I also used the 7 needle punch tool but removed 2 of the needles as I found it penetrated the foam mat surface more easily.
You can also use a needle felting pen tool, or a wooden multi tool with 3 needles. All the needles and tools can be found in the tools section on the Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts website.
WHAT FELTING MAT SHOULD I USE?
I have used a large foam mat – 30cm x 30cm – with a wool felt topper to protect it. However, any felting mat will do, including a soft wool mat, or hessian mat.
ALWAYS USE A PROTECTIVE TOPPER!
Whatever surface you are working on, I always advise using a topper to protect your mat. Anything from a wool/cotton blend to 100% wool is suitable. It will stop your work from sticking to your felting mat and significantly extend its working life, saving you money and reducing landfill waste. Your wool topper can be sustainably and easily replaced.
LIFT YOUR WORK REGULARLY FROM THE FELTING MAT
This is especially important when flat needle felting. If you don’t lift your work regularly you will find it much harder to peel from your mat. It is normal for your work to stick but this is reduced if you keep moving it, especially when using a multi needle tool.
YOU WON’T GET IT WRONG
Because there is no right and wrong when it comes to this project, and adding your own preferences and details. It is more important that you work on your technique to give you the best possible result. Take your time and make sure to take regular breaks. I would recommend you complete this project in three or more sittings.
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIALS
I love questions so please feel free to message me at:
Ever wondered how to make an easy boho wall hanging, that doesn’t involve tricky knots? Sometimes you really need a simple craft project that doesn’t involve too much thinking, and definitely no tricky patterns. There’s something about no-fuss DIY crafts that are so satisfying. Maybe it’s because they’re usually quick and easy to put together, so you can see the finished result almost immediately. Or maybe it’s because they don’t require any fancy materials or complicated techniques, so anyone can do them. Whatever the reason, no-fuss crafts are the perfect way to spend a few creative hours.
USE UP THOSE SCRAPS OF FELTING WOOL, RIBBON, AND FIBRES
This project is a beautifully calming wall hanging, with a lovely beachy vibe, made from wool top, silk wool blends, yarn, re-cycled cotton rope and ribbons; feel free to add your own beads and embellishments.
MAKE TIME – 3 HOURS
All in all it took around me around three hours. This included gathering of materials plus an hour of faffing, pondering, and trimming time.
COLOURS ARE IMPORTANT
CHOOSING THE COLOUR PALETTE FOR YOUR BOHO WALL HANGING
A colour palette is important for most art and craft projects – it helps to set the mood and tone of your work, and can also be used to create a cohesive look. You can go wild and throw everything at it, but when choosing a colour palette for your boho wall hanging, it’s important to think about what mood you want to convey. Do you want your work to be calm and serene, or bold and vibrant?
Once you’ve decided on the overall feel of your project, you can start choosing specific colours. If you’re unsure where to start, a good place is with a limited palette of just a few colours. This will help you to focus on working with a specific range of hues, and also give your work a more unified look. As you become more comfortable with working with different colours, you can start experimenting with different palettes, adding in new shades and tones as you go. Ultimately, the best way to choose a colour palette is to follow your instincts and go with whatever feels right for you and your work.
GETTING STARTED
Please note: these are my suggestions and are there to act as a guide. Please feel free to add your own interpretation and just enjoy the process.
WALL HANGING KIT
If you want to replicate the colours in this DIY wall hanging then visit the WEBSITE or ETSY. It is a a beautifully simple, complete beginners, wall hanging kit packed with fabulous fibres and a driftwood mount. If you want to change the colours just message me at: info@lincolnshirefenncraft.com
CREATE THE BACKDROP
I have created a simple natural backdrop using re-cycled cotton rope (the type you see on macramé wall hangings), which is the perfect base for this project.
Cut equal-ish lengths (you will trim once your project is complete) and attach to your driftwood using a simple hitch knot (also called a larks head knot). It is the easiest of all knots and an easy way of creating a stylish backdrop to your project. I have kept mine very close together but needed to remove some as the project developed.
HOW TO CREATE A HITCH/LARKS HEAD KNOT
1 Cut to length and loop over your driftwood or pole; this will be the back of your project
2 Pull the tails through the loop and tighten. Continue along the length of wood and then turn it around so the front is now facing you.
Simple cotton rope backdrop mounted on a piece of driftwood
ADD YOUR WOOL, YARN AND RIBBON
Once you have your base material, simply start adding your materials. You can make whatever pattern you like, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. I have tied wool through some of the cotton loops, leaving some loose, others tied at various points, as well as plaiting which gives it a great look.
Add your ribbon and yarn to create more texture and contrast and any extra embellishments you may want to add. I found some old glass beads and jewellery that really complimented this project.
TOP TIP! Add more interest by cutting your wool, yarn and ribbon to different lengths.
LESS IS MORE…OR MAYBE NOT?
I have gone for the ‘less is more’ approach, as my temptation is to behave like a toddler decorating the Christmas tree. That said, if that’s your preference then you go for it! The key is to have fun and be creative. Just let your imagination run wild, and before you know it you will have created a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
TRIMMING
TOP TIP: Don’t rush this part and use sharp scissors
Trim your piece however you wish. I have gone with a gentle curve which is slightly longer at the centre, but you may want to go for a sharp V shape or a simple straight edge.
ET VOILA!
I hope you are thrilled with the finished result and now have a fabulous, no-stress wall hanging that makes you feel good every time I look at it. I also hope that it has inspired you make even more and keep crafting.
WANT MORE CREATIVITY? HOW ABOUT NEEDLE FELTING A BEACH SCENE?
Create your own stunning 2D needle felted Cornish seascape, bursting with colour and character. This beautiful NEEDLE FELTING KIT is suitable for beginners, and experienced needle felters, taking around eight hours to complete. I have carefully selected all the materials, wool, and fibres to give you the best possible outcome for your project.
Available on the WEBSITE and ETSY or download the pattern HERE and get started today!
If you haven’t tried needle felted pictures before, I know you are going to love this design. It was a joy to create and the bold colours, and design, really sing. The addition of the cheeky three dimensional Seagulls really bring it to life, as do the rolling waves with the gorgeous silk strands. The result is a mix of Cornish impressionism meets Balamory, and my love of the sea.
NO DRAWING SKILLS NECESSARY
I have made it really easy and done that bit for you. Your kit will include a printed copy of the picture (see photographs), with re-usable carbon paper, so you can quickly and easily trace the drawing onto your linen, which is the base for your project. Also, the slightly abstract nature of this project means that it is impossible to get wrong.
The full range of needle felting kits, and craft kits can be found HERE
Make this gorgeous DIY boho style wall hanging, and give your mental health a huge boost whilst doing it! Some days you feel a bit ‘meh’ but you know that making something will shake you out of it. However, you really need a simple craft project that doesn’t involve too much thinking, and definitely no tricky patterns. Feeling this way the other day I decided I wanted to make a wool wall hanging that I could put together in just a few hours but would still look amazing. So, I raided my wool stash and craft box and set to work.
JUST STARTED CRAFTING? CLICK BELOW FOR THE COMPLETE KIT!
Create beautiful, sustainable modern décor for the home!
There’s something about no-fuss DIY crafts that are so satisfying. Maybe it’s because they’re usually quick and easy to put together, so you can see the finished result almost immediately. Or maybe it’s because they don’t require any fancy materials or complicated techniques, so anyone can do them. Whatever the reason, no-fuss crafts are the perfect way to shake off a case of the “meh’s.”
What resulted was a beautifully calming wall hanging, with a lovely beachy vibe, made from bits of wool, old jewellery, beads and ribbons, and I wanted to share how easy it was to make and also let me take a break from myself for a few, no stress, hours.
This ridiculously simple craft project can be completed, and displayed on your wall, in less than 3 hours! How amazing is that!
CHOOSING YOUR COLOUR COMBINATIONS FOR WINNING RESULTS
A colour palette is important for most art and craft projects – it helps to set the mood and tone of your work, and can also be used to create a cohesive look. When you are choosing a colour palette, it’s important to think about what mood you want to convey. Do you want your work to be calm and serene, or bold and vibrant? Once you’ve decided on the overall feel of your project, you can start choosing specific colours. If you’re unsure where to start, a good place is with a limited palette of just a few colours. This will help you to focus on working with a specific range of hues, and also give your work a more unified look. As you become more comfortable with working with different colours, you can start experimenting with different palettes, adding in new shades and tones as you go. Ultimately, the best way to choose a colour palette is to follow your instincts and go with whatever feels right for you and your work.
For this no fuss, DIY boho wall hanging, I picked out lovely muted colours – wool, ribbon and beads – with a calming feel but soon realised that a pop of colour was needed to give the project a lift. A bright mustard colour turned out to be perfect for the job and really brings the piece to life! It’s amazing how such a small change can make such a big difference. If you’re ever feeling stuck with a project, add a pop of colour and see how it transforms your work!
GATHER YOUR WOOL AND FIBRE STASH TOGETHER
I have used a selection of wool tops, wool yarn, silk ribbon, beads, glass, cotton rope, and driftwood; although any old branch from the garden or walk will do.
SUSTAINABLE CRAFTS – REUSE AND RECYCLE
I love finding new ways to reuse and recycle materials that I already have on hand for my DIY craft projects. Not only is it budget friendly, but it also reduces the amount of waste I produce. For this wall hanging, I used wool tops and yarn that were left over from other projects, as well as beads and glass that I found in charity shops and my old costume jewellery that I used to wear a million years ago, well it seems that way… I love how this easy wall hanging came together with materials that might otherwise have been discarded. It’s a great reminder that even everyday items can be turned into something beautiful if we just use a little creativity.
Crafting outside is a surefire way to lift your mood and what could be better than crafting outdoors on a beautiful spring day? The sunshine and fresh air are sure to lift your mood, and the relaxed atmosphere will help you to get in touch with your creative side. So, as it was a sunny Spring day here in blighty I thought I would make the most of it and take the creativity into the garden. The craft project I was working on was a simple one, but it was so satisfying to be able to complete it while surrounded by nature. I felt so much happier and more relaxed after spending some time crafting outside, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a mood boost.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
GETTING STARTED IS OFTEN THE HARDEST PART
Starting your project is often the hardest part, and I spent quite a lot of time pondering about design when really I just needed to get stuck in! I decided to stop pontificating (I love that word!) and start with a simple base of cotton rope, the kind you would use in macramé. However, any yarn, or even fabric strips would look just as good. The trick is to just start. After that it is a breeze! Once you have your base material, simply start adding your materials. You can make whatever pattern you like, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. I went for the ‘less is more’ approach as my temptation is to behave like a toddler decorating the Christmas tree. That said, if that’s your preference then you go for it! The key is to have fun and be creative. Just let your imagination run wild, and before you know it you will have created a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Simple cotton rope backdrop mounted on a piece of driftwood
ET VOILA!
I love the finished result which, combined with the driftwood and soft tropical colours, is giving me summer vibes; something we can only hope for here in blighty. All in all it took around three hours. This included gathering of materials plus an hour of faffing, pondering, and trimming time. I am thrilled with the finished result and I love the boho, chilled, beachy look. The cotton rope backdrop is perfect and plaiting some of the lovely wool tops adds more interest and texture. I hope you enjoyed reading about the process and it has inspired you to try this project for yourself. This project was so much fun to do and I love how it turned out. The contrast of the white cotton against the colorful wool tops is beautiful, and the texture of the rope adds an interesting dimension. It’s exactly the look I was going for and I can’t wait to hang this up in my home and enjoy the relaxed, beachy vibe it creates. SEE MORE TUTORIALS IN THE FELT HUB ON YOUTUBE!
NO MORE ‘MEH’
We all know how good it feels to escape into a creative project every now and again. It’s a wonderful way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax into a slower pace for a few hours. And, best of all, when you’re finished you have a beautiful piece to show for your efforts. The result was exactly what I hoped for: a beautiful, no-stress wall hanging that makes me feel good every time I look at it. If you’re feeling in need of a creative escape, why not give this project a try? You might just find that it’s exactly what you needed.
If you haven’t tried needle felting, you’re in for a treat! This amazing craft is perfect for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and I have been teaching this craft since 2014! Needle felting is extremely versatile – you can use it to create all sorts of stunning artwork, from animal sculptures, to jewellery, to home décor. No sewing or tricky patterns plus, needle felting is a great way to relax and de-stress. And there’s no need to worry about being short on ideas, either – this blog is jam-packed with needle felting tutorials, tips, and tricks. So what are you waiting for? Click HERE for the menus on this blog and get started on your needle felting journey today!
How amazing do these needle felted flowers look? Elegant felted Calla lilies or striking sunburst flowers; What a bloomin treat of a needle felting tutorial have I got for you! Two totally different flowers, two different techniques, but both results are easy to achieve and, quite simply, bloomin marvellous! Ok, no more flower puns…probably?
You have the divine, realistic, beautiful in it’s simplicity, Calla lily. Then, in complete contrast, the flamboyant, look at me style of this lush needle felted flower brooch which is part sunflower, part succulent, and part sea anemone. Best of all, you get to choose your own personal style with the easy techniques I am going to teach you.
HAVE YOU JUST STARTED NEEDLE FELTING?
It doesn’t matter if you are a needle felting beginner, or a seasoned needle felter, this is the perfect project for those crafty moments when you need to add some colour and style to your creative day. It is also a great way to learn new needle felting techniques and apply them to an endless number of felted projects.
EASY NEEDLE FELTING VIDEO TUTORIALS
You will find the video tutorials for both felting projects at the bottom of this page but you should definitely read my hints and tips before you start; especially if you are new to needle felting!
The key to the success of this felting project is getting perfectly shaped petals which can be easily done without the need for a cookie cutter, or template. Making them free hand allows you to create any shape or style you want and my super easy techniques will show you how to do just that, including the elegant Calla Lily stems.
IS NEEDLE FELTING HARD?
Nervous about starting? Then you are in exactly the right place! Needle felting isn’t hard, but getting the basics right (from the get go), is essential to helping you progress quickly and will make your needle felting journey a joy. If you have the enthusiasm then I promise you I will give you the confidence and techniques you need to make your needle felting projects successful. Always remember that any craft is a learning curve and any ‘mistakes’ you make are essential to the learning process. That said, the joy of working with wool, and needle felting in particular, allows much room for error. Even if the end result isn’t what you intended, rest assured you will end up with a beautiful ‘something’ at the end of it. One of my happiest ‘mistakes’ was a mouse that ended up as a cat. I was thrilled because cats are my needle felting nemesis. It was hugely popular and I have had many requests for a tutorial, which will probably never happen as I haven’t a clue how it ended up that way; aah, the joys of needle felting…
Join the VIP Felt Club! It’s free and you will receive a free needle felting pattern, lifetime discount code, exclusive early access to new product launches and promotions, as well as notification of new tutorials and live needle felting workshops.
I have created a Facebook group that will inspire and develop your needle felting confidence (whatever level you are at), and encourage others to get involved, in a more private space. You will also be able to comment and share your WIP creations during and after the live workshops and ask for help and support from myself or other members. It’s a lovely community where you can grab some crafty respite.
MAKE GORGEOUS NEEDLE FELTED FLOWERS!
Display the striking Calla lilies in a vase, create your own DIY wedding bouquet or button holes, have them as a beautiful centrepiece or just as a calming moment in any room.
The ‘Sun Burst’ flower brooch is a total contrast to the lily, in its flamboyant and colourful presence. Us a bright and bold wool that demands the viewers attention and add a simple or exotic centre. Beautiful worn as a brooch, a scarf pin, displayed as a single flower with an added stem, added too an Alice band, or part of a bigger display. I love a colourful headband and am itching to make something Frida Kahlo style so watch this space?
However you wear or display yours, just enjoy the fabulously meditative and creative process and needle felt away the detritus of the day.
For the Cala Lily I have used natural white Perendale carded batting sheet, carded green lengths for the stem, and a creamy yellow wool top/roving for the stamen. Perendale batt is my favourite as its natural colour is much whiter than most other batting, making it perfect for projects where you want the whitest top coat or finish; I also use it for Daphne Chicken. It felts easily with a really smooth finish, and is super clean with little to no grassy bits to pull out.
For the sunburst flower petals I have used a vibrant blended carded wool, with added carded zingy yellow. For the centre of the flower I have created two completely different looks; the first using yellow and white wool tops, the second using wool yarn in bright complimentary colours.
KEY POINTS
Calla Lily
Use equal amounts of wool for each petal.
Make sure it’s firm.
No thicker than 1-2mm.
Leave the end of each petal loose for easy attachment. 4 Use your first petal as a size and shape guide.
Sunburst flower brooch
Use equal amounts of wool for each petal.
Make sure it’s firm.
No thicker than 1-2mm.
Leave the end of each petal loose for easy attachment.
Use your first petal as a size and shape guide.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Now that I have built up the creative excitement it’s time to get stuck into this gorgeous needle felting project. Grab your wool, needles, or felting kit and fill your crafty boots with the video tutorials below.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to get your creative juices flowing. And what better way to do that than by learning a new crafting skill? I have for you, 5 easy needle felting projects for spring and Easter, perfect for beginners or just some relaxing creative down time. So whether you’re looking to learn how to bunny or bumble bee brooch or a springtime wreath or garland, I’ve got you covered. So get ready to let your imagination run wild and have some fun with these easy needle felting video tutorials!
Short on time? Well, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced needle felter, there’s something here for everyone. Grab your wool and felting needles and felt along with me. These step by step video tutorials make it easy peasy and you can adapt each project for fabulous spring and Easter décor or lovely gifts for your favourite people. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
VIDEO TUTORIALS
NEEDLE FELTED BUMBLE BEE BROOCH – MAKE TIME ONE HOUR
NEEDLE FELTED BUNNY BROOCH – MAKE TIME ONE HOUR
EASY NEEDLE FELTED MUSHROOMS – MAKE TIME 30 MINUTES
YUMMY NEEDLE FELTED MACARONS – MAKE TIME 15 MINUTES
Hedgehogs are a much rarer sight in our gardens than they used to be and I remember my dad getting my 11 year old self, and younger brother out of bed at midnight to see a visiting hedgehog in our garden. What a treat and such cherished memories! Whilst you may not see the real thing very often, at least you can have your own handmade hoglet to keep you company all year round. So, I present my needle felted version of our beloved hedgehog and how using a reverse felting needle creates fabulous spikey details.
Did You Know?
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant so bread and milk is not good for them! Find out what they really love to eat on The Woodland Trust blog at the bottom of this post.
MAKE YOUR OWN NEEDLE FELTED HEDGEHOG
Skill level: Complete beginners and beyond Make time: 1 hour
Time to settle down with creativity, a cuppa, maybe a slice of cake, and join me for a full tutorial teaching you new needle felting tips, tricks and techniques.
VIDEO TUTORIAL AND MATERIALS LIST
You will need:
Grey wool top for body
Brown carded batting for top layer
Light brown wool top or carded for face
Darker wool for nose
Brown wool top for spikey halo
Standard/medium felting needle – I use a 38 star
Reverse felting needle for spikes – I use a 32 reverse
If you want to encourage hedgehogs in your own garden here are a few guidelines from James Martin, content editor of the WOODLAND TRUST
What do hedgehogs eat, and how to feed them?
Evidence suggests this decline is most severe in rural areas and hedgehogs are actually faring better in our towns and villages than the countryside. This means gardens can be an important refuge for the species. One way you can help any visiting hogs is to provide some food. But what do hedgehogs eat and what should you feed them?
FOOD FIT FOR A HEDGEHOG
Insects and other invertebrates are the hedgehog’s main natural food source. A typical diet includes:
Beetles
Earwigs
Caterpillars
Earthworms
Millipedes
Fly larvae
What to feed hedgehogs?
As opportunistic eaters, hedgehogs will readily consume food left out in your garden. The best foods to provide are:
Meat-based cat or dog food
Specially-made hedgehog food
Cat biscuits
As well as providing food, you can put out a shallow dish of water to ensure any visiting hogs stay hydrated.
What not to feed hedgehogs
The following foods should be avoided when feeding hedgehogs:
Bread and milk (hogs are lactose intolerant so milk can make them ill. Bread has little nutritional value)
Mealworms (thought to cause health problems when eaten in large quantities)
Join me for this easy needle felted gnome craft project. Felt alongside me and create this beautiful gnome in a hoop, which is so much fun to make and beyond cute. It is such a simple needle felting project, made easy by my step by step needle felting tips and techniques. I will also show you how to make the easiest needle felted hearts, without a cookie cutter! You can adapt it to your own style, using whatever felting wool you have to hand, keeping it simple or embellish the heck out of it. Materials list and video tutorial is below and it only takes around 90 minutes from start to finish, and imagine this as a beautiful homemade Valentine’s gift… 💜
This gorgeous project could just as easily be made on a piece of felt (just as in the tutorial) and popped in a lovely frame. It would look so lovely as a cushion design, or sew the finished project onto a jacket or bag. The options are endless so don’t be afraid to experiment, and swap the colours to suit.
So don’t be nervous. Starting a new craft can be exciting but also a little confusing. Needle felting is no different and the array of wool, tools and accessories can send you into a confusing tailspin.
The truth is, you don’t need a lot to get started with needle felting, and it is also a budget friendly hobby. That is until you become addicted, which you will, and then no amount of felting wool will ever be enough!
That’s why I always recommend a needle felting starter kit to get you going, so you can test the needle felting waters. They are inexpensive and have absolutely everything you need to complete each project from start to finish. It avoids you feeling overwhelmed and helps to build your creative confidence. All you have to do is open the box and add enthusiasm.
MY TOP 5 FELTING KIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are my top 5 recommendations for beginners kits. They all come beautifully boxed and are perfect for storing your supplies! No sewing, no tricky patterns and they take just a few hours of your time! They also use our gorgeous British wool, carefully selected for its excellent needle felting properties.
Complete stunner and he knows it! This, along with the Herdwick Sheep, is the most popular beginners kit. It is such fun to make and you can follow the instructions to the letter, or add your own touches. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along on YOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.
My favourite sheep from the Lake District is an ever popular needle felting kit. Great for building your needle felting confidence, this super kit will soon have you warmed up and ready for your next project. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along on YOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.
A gorgeous little project that has enough wool to make two of our favourite UK garden birds. A perfect project to create with your bestie or, one for you and one to give away. There is also a great video tutorial HERE showing you how easy it is to create a perfect wing shape without the need for a cookie cutter.
What’s not to love with this design? Even better, you can change the markings to represent your own four legged friend. As well as detailed instructions you can felt along onYOUTUBE by following the beginners playlist.
If you are looking for a home for the wee little fairies and forest dwellers, then this is right up your street. Lot’s of different techniques and a great needle felting kit for beginners. Any self respecting gnome or fairy would be thrilled to have the keys to this house! As well as detailed instructions you can felt along to the video tutorial HERE
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NEEDLE FELTING?
Join the THE FELT HUB with Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts
It’s completely free and when you join the needle felting and free workshops group you will benefit from exclusive access to my free live workshops, all in one place, including all previous workshops. I hope this group will inspire and develop your needle felting confidence (whatever level you are at) and encourage others to get involved, in a more private space. You will also be able to comment and share your WIP creations during and after the live workshops and ask for help and support from myself or other members.
Join The Needle Felting Group And Watch Free Live Workshops
Plus so much more! Whilst the group will be primarily for live workshops events and updates, I will also be dropping in with some impromptu live sessions sharing needle felting techniques, quick wins and ideas. You can also drop into the group anytime to access all the tutorials in one place as each will be available to view after the event. It’s pretty busy in there some come meet the flock and put the next live workshop date in your diary.
P.S Click below to join. It’s completely free and a great way to enjoy some creative community in a more private space! Let’s start 2022 as we mean to go on? Creatively! 💗
Apart from being the most joyful craft ever invented, needle felting is utterly versatile and allows you to create the most simple or complex sculptures with handful of loose wool and a barbed* needle. This is simply done by stabbing the wool repeatedly with the felting needle, shaping until it meshes the wool fibers together creating a firm object.
*They actually have notches but most sites describe them as barbed so that is what I will refer to them as… I will discuss needle sizes and their uses on another page.
CREATE PERFECT PETALS AND EASY NEEDLE FELTED FLOWERS IN NO TIME AT ALL!
The Origin of Needle Felting: Felt is strong and its origins go back to the 1950’s when industrial size felting machines were invented to produce on a much larger scale for many items such as: car and instrument dampers, piano keys, insulation, polishers etc. However, needle felting as a craft is hugely popular and the craft world has been taken by storm by this addictive way to express ourselves creatively.
IS NEEDLE FELTING FOR ME?
Do you want to try a wonderfully addictive craft that has no limits, perfect for absolute beginners and beyond? Are you a first time crafter who’s really nervous of trying something new, but yearning to unlock your creativity and be inspired?
Do you enjoy a laid-back approach to crafts and are you looking for an affordable, no fuss, no sew craft or, craving creative ‘me’ time away from the noise and stresses of daily life?
If your answer was yes to any of the above then needle felting is for you. All you really need is enthusiasm!
DON’T FORGET TO JOIN THE FELT HUB ON FACEBOOK
Become part of the creative community and enjoy free live needle felting workshops!
Well what a blast this live workshop was, recorded in all it’s festive glory for you to enjoy. From his pointy ears to his massive snozzle, every part of this project is an absolute seasonal delight.
Believe it or not this gorgeous pointy eared gnome is a perfect project for everyone, even complete beginners. Learn how to needle felt a quirky gnome, using all my needle felting tips and quick wins. You will be able to create a project that looks like it was made by an expert needle felter, and in less than 90 minutes! How amazing is that?
Scroll down for video tutorial, or take your time and enjoy my creative suggestions.
I have added some sparkly fairy lights to my dome.
WHY NOT ADAPT THIS NEEDLE FELTING PROJECT TO SUIT YOUR FESTIVE THEME?
It is small enough to pop in a dome, hang from your tree, or create a festive gnome garland. I have just received a photo on my Facebook page where they have even been made as little place settings for the dinner table; how Christmas cool is that? However you display yours, you will have so much fun creating them so, time to grab your wool and needles and get making.
With his festive hat askew, funny ears and big nose, it is obvious he is just waiting for mischief around every corner , even the Grinch couldn’t resist him!
I have split it into sections so you can skip the intro and cut straight to the felting, but please take time to appreciate my fabulously festive background 😉 🎄
Happy Festive Felting!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART?
I can’t decide whether it is the jauntily angled crooked hat, his pointy ears, or his giant nose. Let me know in the comments and share your photos with me.
P.S.Want more creativity?Subscribe below for creative updates!
DON’T HAVE FACEBOOK? No problem as I will pop them on YouTube after the event.
TOMORROW NIGHT – CHRISTMAS WREATH AND GARLAND
Make Christmas handmade and create this impressively stylish and seasonal Christmas wreath or garland, with realistic needle felted dried orange and lemon slices, chillies, and finished off with a beautiful lush red wool bow! You can even add your own pom poms to the garland as an extra special touch. New to needle felting? Don’t worry because I’m going to walk you through it all as we go. After this workshop you’ll be ready for any holiday crafting projects! Bring your own wool stash, or order the wool bundles and kits over on the WEBSITE
FRIDAY NIGHT – CUTE AND QUIRKY POINTY EARED GNOME
A fabulously quirky and unique Christmas decoration for you to make. These are great for decorating your home during the holidays or as gifts. You’ll learn basic needle felting techniques plus my quick wins for making your finished gnome look like it came from a cute craft shop, but for a fraction of the price. Join me live and have fun crafting your own handmade decoration that is eco-friendly and will have pride of place year after year. It also looks great in a dome with fairy lights. Bring your own wool stash, or order the wool bundles and kits over on the WEBSITE
P.S.VISIT MY FACEBOOK EVENTS PAGE FOR YOUR MATERIALS LIST OR THE WEBSITE FOR YOUR WORKSHOPS PACK
