It seems improbable that one can create an extraordinary doll with nothing more than loose fiber and a needle. Or, for that matter, that one can master the craft in about a day. It may explain why this relatively new craft of felt doll making has become so popular.
One of the best-known artists and instructors in the craft is Sharon Costello. Her work has appeared in many magazines, and she teaches felting in schools throughout North America. Sharon has studied doll making with Wendy Froud who is best known for creating "Yoda" for the Star Wars series. Though she is an expert in the craft, she was once a novice, and showed us how easy it was to begin sculpting with felt. "Needle (or punch) felting was originally developed for industrial use, where steel needles moved in and out of loose fiber to create felt," explains Sharon. In felt sculpting, you are simply using one needle (figure A), or a small cluster of needles, to create three-dimensional shapes." Sharon advises to begin with washed and carded wool, and then roll it into the basic form you wish to create. For example, make a ball out of the wool for the head of a doll, then begin to needle felt until it holds together like a sponge (figure B). "You start with fairly deep jabs to make sure you are entangling the inner fibers. If you jab at an angle, the fibers will go sideways. The fibers go exactly where you put them," Sharon explains. There are highly detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create an entire doll on Sharon's website (see Resources, below). "It really is satisfying to see people pick up a needle and create something wonderful in their first attempt. This is such an easy craft to learn, and such a rewarding pastime, that I hope everyone will give it a try."
RESOURCES :
Sharon Costello's Website (DIY People)
Click here to visit Sharon's website.
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