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Archive: Felting
November 19, 2009
Moxie's Schmancy Exclusive
CRAFT pal Moxie has a series of needlefelted monsters exclusively at Schmancy in Seattle. They squeak when you squeeze them, and I want them all. More pictures on Moxie's Flickr.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Nov 19, 2009 04:00 PM
Arts & Design, Felting |
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October 29, 2009
Tanis Alexis' Urban Felt Rug
This is a lovely detail from a felted rug, handmade by Tanis Alexis. Tanis is a fiber artist, mom, contributor to Feltique, and a spectacular artist. She creates classic pieces of felt, but with a multimedia twist! Each rug is wet felted from 100% wool, and then the city scene is added with a limited edition cut stencil. Tanis will make this piece custom, in about 3-6 weeks.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 29, 2009 02:00 PM
Felting, Fiber Art, Home Decor |
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October 22, 2009
Colorbomb Fibers
At Maker Faire 2009 I had the pleasure of meeting Velma of COLORBOMB Creations. Velma is a colorful explosion of enthusiasm and fiber arts. She has a great etsy shop with amazing offerings, and yesterday on her blog VelmasWorld, she announced a new product, called SmorgasBombs. They will be launched at SOAR, the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat happening in Oregon next week. Not fair, cause I want to buy one right now!!!
Packaged in plastic bags re-claimed from the Sock Summit dumpster, each SmorgasBOMB contains 4 ounces/115 grams of animal fiber. This batch may contain any/all of the following breeds: Babydoll Southdown, Cheviot, Coopworth, Cormo, Corriedale, Cotswold, CVM, Dorset, Lincoln, Merino, Mohair, Rambouillet, Romney, Targhee, Wensleydale.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 22, 2009 02:00 PM
Felting, Fiber Art |
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October 17, 2009
Stunning Needle Felted Dragon
This needle felted dragon is awfully life-like for being a mythical beast! The work is quite impressive! From the artist, tallydragon, on deviantart.com:
He is made out of natural wools from the Iron Horse Farm, a local fiber farm, and the Flying Ewe, a fiber arts website. He has a wire understructure through most of his body that makes his wings, legs, and tail moderately poseable--the tail is extra long so that it can curl around the finger its sitting on. He's got glass eyes held in by glue and wires, and his horns are made out of wire covered in apoxie sculpt, topped with acrylic paint and matte varnish.
[Thanks, Eric Russell!]
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 17, 2009 06:00 PM
Felting, Fiber Art, Needle Felting |
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October 10, 2009
An Afternoon of Crafts and 'Staches in Petaluma
Today I've been at the Petaluma Whiskerino, an extraordinary contest of beards and mustaches. I made a few felt mustaches, and had to get my photo taken with the winner in the Full Beard category, Jack Passion. Jack is the author of the Facial Hair Handbook, and as his bear clearly shows, a true expert in the field. He is the first place national champion too! Besides growing beards and writing books, Jack has a website with everything facial hair, and some great silkscreened beard t-shirts.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 10, 2009 06:00 PM
Events, Felting |
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October 8, 2009
The Petaluma Whiskerino
I think it's fairly clear that the craft world is in the midst of a trend. A trend almost as big as bird silhouettes, almost as big as the skull and crossbones, almost as big as the octopus. It's the mustache, and it seems to be, ahem, growing on everyone. From 'Nifer's amazing pieces of nose decor, to the laser cut 'stache necklaces on etsy, nose neighbors and soup strainers are here to stay. And the Petaluma Whiskerino is celebrating with an old school exhibition. I will be at the event on Saturday, starting at 3pm at the Petaluma Farmers Market. I plan to be sporting my own colorful facial hair, and will have my felting supplies so that anyone who likes can join in the fun.
The Annual Bill Soberanes Memorial Whiskerino Contest has been around for longer than anyone I talked to could reckon. I got the details from Fred Abercrombie, who has been competing for the last 5 years. Last year Fred, his wife Melissa, and some of their neighbors created a campaign and took up the task of promotions. Their efforts included some clever material, including handlebar mustache stickers for the mirror, and a postcard that can transform anyone from clean shaven to hirsute in an instant. They've even made chocolate mustache lollipops! As a bonus, this year Fred created a time traveling video, of his face sprouting what I consider to be true art.
Time Lapse: My Hairy Commute from :: Fred Abercrombie on Vimeo.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 8, 2009 02:00 PM
Events, Felting, Video |
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October 2, 2009
How-To: Make a Dreadlock Wig for Halloween
Let's take a trip to way back in the day, October 2006. I had just begun experimenting with tutorials. I was making a Halloween costume for myself, and thought that I would just snap some quick pictures of the process and throw them up on Flickr. It was my first "self-published" project. The costume was a "Shadow Fairy" sort of thing. Meaning, dark green dreadlocks, a sparkly black dress, and some wings that I made out of coat hangers and black tights. I think most people thought I was a Rastafarian Tooth Fairy, but hey, I loved my outfit, and I took pride in knowing I made it all myself. For today's project, I am going to share my ultra simple tutorial in all it's blurry, old-school glory.
UPDATE:
This post has triggered negative feelings in people, and I want to apologize. I created this dreadlock wig in 2006 as hair for a type of gothic, dark, forest fairy. I realize that by not sharing the costume in it's entirety, I left it open for interpretation. And the way that it was interpreted was as an insensitive and racially charged project. I want it to be clear to everyone that I had no intention of mocking anyone, no intention of cruelty, and no intention of representing any group of people. It also very important for everyone to know that I do not condone using this project as a tool for perpetuating stereotypes.
Read full story
Posted by Brookelynn |
Oct 2, 2009 11:30 AM
CRAFT Projects, Felting, Halloween |
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September 24, 2009
Felt Mustaches at the Handcar Regatta
The 2nd Annual Great West End & Railroad Square Hand Car Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders is happing this weekend in Santa Rosa, Calif. Known to those in the know as the Handcar Regatta, the eclectic steampunk-styled event is centered around a wild race down the train tracks. Teams with hand built cars will push their limits competing for the prize and all the glory. The MAKE fire truck will be there, not in case of fire, but to entertain and educate the public. I, your dedicated blogger and author of Feltique, will be on hand, along with the editors of MAKE magazine and Craftzine, to help you create your very own custom felt mustache! Don't Goli and I look dapper in our photo from last year?
For more details and inspiration, check out the Regatta photo and video gallery, and my flickr set of mustaches from the Oakland Fire Arts Festival. Can't wait to see you Sunday!
Posted by Brookelynn |
Sep 24, 2009 02:00 PM
Announcements, Felting |
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September 14, 2009
Easy House Slippers
Easy House Slippers
Do as the Norwegians do and make these super-simple slippers.
By Liecel Tverli Scully
There's a saying where I am from: "Don't just sit there with your hands in your lap — knit something!" I grew up in the far north of Norway, above the Arctic Circle in Saltdal, a small town on the edge of a fjord. Knitting was the perfect way to pass the time during the dark, cold winters. At school, knitting class was a requirement; when I was in the 5th grade, we had to make a pair of socks using five needles. It was a complicated project and I remember having a really hard time with it. But my poor friend Roger was so frustrated he threw his half-done sock into the fireplace at home, needles and all. That's right — at my elementary school the boys had to learn to knit as well!
This is a pattern that is really popular in my valley right now. It's an easy project that makes a fun, cozy slipper. If you know basic knitting, you'll knit these in no time.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Sep 14, 2009 01:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Projects, Felting, Knitting, Patterns |
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September 13, 2009
Moxie's "Specimen 2"
Moxie's been feltin' up some new work! This "Specimen 2" from her Apoca-Galápagos Series is going to the Plush You! show at Schmancy in Seattle in October.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Sep 13, 2009 05:00 AM
Arts & Design, Felting, Fiber Art |
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September 12, 2009
Moxie's Re-Imagined Boutonnieres
Moxie recently posted some of her new work for the Plush You show in October. Her art is created with needle felting, and her technique is unparalleled. This plug is a boutonniere, part of her series on the subject. It's a great take on the traditional red rose! Her Apoca-Galapagos series of creatures having evolved or sought shelter in the discards of society is even more irreverent. I love Plush You, and this is a great contribution.
Posted by Brookelynn |
Sep 12, 2009 06:00 PM
Felting, Fiber Art |
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September 11, 2009
How-To: Knit and Felt a Skinny Ruffle Scarf
A long skinny ruffle felt scarf? What could be more in fashion right now? The concept for this scarf came from my love of felting, and my love of making the best of my mistakes. I knit a ton of scarves in the garter stitch on my circular needles. It's the fastest method I know. But the first time I tried the technique, I accidentally cast on too loose and then cast off too tightly. This created uneven tension, and gave the scarf a neat ruffle. When you purposefully try it, the ruffle is even more exaggerated.
Add the amazing Landscapes yarn to the mix. Landscapes is a very cool blend of 50% pure wool and 50% acrylic. When you knit it, and then felt it, the wool felts, but the acrylic does not. That leaves these very interesting spots of color embedded in the felt. I am a very basic knitter, with only knit and perl in my repertoire. When I use a yarn like Landscapes, even with my simple stitches, I get beautiful and interesting effects.
Oh, and if you are interested, please check out my book, Feltique, for more fun felting projects!
Read full story
Posted by Brookelynn |
Sep 11, 2009 01:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, Felting, Knitting |
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September 8, 2009
Newsboy Cap and Mittens Set
Simple Up felted an old cable-knit sweater and turn it into this cute newsboy cap and mittens set. She includes the instructions on pattern pieces so you can make this stylish set yourself! [ via Elemental Stitches ]
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Sep 8, 2009 08:00 AM
Fashion, Felting, Refashion, Sewing |
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September 7, 2009
Refresh Wool Roving with a Flick Card
I am in love with a new tool. It's a simple Ashford Flick Card. I have had my eye on a pair of $60 hand carders for a while, but this flick card was less than $20, so I went for it. The card is basically a brush with thin, sharp, bent teeth. Interestingly enough, I found the tool at my local feed store, not the craft store.
I frequently travel all around with tons of wool roving. This year alone I've done almost 10 events to promote Feltique, taking all my supplies and letting people learn about felt. And while wool roving is relatively inexpensive and easy to store, some wool in my collection has been toted around with me for literally 3 years. The wool begins to naturally felt to itself, pick up lint and bits of debris, and in general become messy looking. And no one wants to make art with a cruddy looking tangled lock of fleece. That's where the flick card comes in.
While watching a movie last night, I sat on the couch and pawed thru my pile of roving, matching up colors and combing them out. I didn't really have a technique, I just stuck the locks onto the teeth of the comb, and brushed them. I picked the wool off, then brushed it again, repeating until all the tangles had been pulled out. The result is as if I went shopping and bought all new supplies. Having fresh fluffy piles of color is really inspiring. I can't believe I waited so long to get one of these tools!
Posted by Brookelynn |
Sep 7, 2009 06:00 PM
Felting, Fiber Art, Tools |
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August 16, 2009
Tiny Felt Sculptures
I want to cuddle all the pieces in this felt sculpture by artist Esty Gertzman (pipapiep on Flickr) which includes needlefelted and sewn felt. You can see the entire photo set of sculptures and drawings, as well as more artwork on the web at ZooArt Esty Gerztman. You can also browse the small felt wares for sale in the pipapiep Etsy shop.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 16, 2009 06:00 PM
Arts & Design, Felting |
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July 27, 2009
Penta-Coasters Knitting Pattern
Lee Meredith at Leethal has a knitting pattern to make these cool-looking penta-coasters that you can felt afterwards if you want.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 27, 2009 08:00 AM
Felting, Knitting, Patterns |
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July 24, 2009
CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Crochet Headband with Needlefelted Butterfly
Today's CRAFT Pattern Podcast features this crochet headband with needlefelted butterfly by Sylive Damey of Chez Plum. This is a super quick project you can make in about 2 hours from start to finish (including the needlefelting)! You will need leftovers of Malabrigo Merino Worsted, and a 5 mm hook.
Check out the rest of Sylive's fantastic knitting and crochet patterns and follow her crafting adventures on her blog.
Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 24, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Podcast, Crochet, Felting, Kids |
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July 17, 2009
Isla Corbett's Felt Designs at Renegade Craft Fair in SF
One of the exciting things about being involved with Craft and Make is getting to go to all the fun events. Meeting artists, crafters and makers in their own community is the very best part. Currently the team here is involved in some "Mini-Maker Faires." It was at the first Mini Maker Faire that I met Isla Corbett. She will be at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, selling her handmade products.
Isla (eye-la), is a very talented fiber arts designer, who works in my favorite media: 100% wool felt. Isla couldn't be a more lovely person. She is creative, seems grounded, and her personal style is very much a mirror of her art. Everything about her was very crisp and modern, but also warm. To be more clear: she was sweet, sincere and engaging.
Her art and crafts are just beautiful. The work she does falls into three categories: accessories, purses and cases, and pillows. Her hair accessories are all hand needle felted, and they are classic barrettes with felted flowers. The colors and forms are fuzzy, yet they don't look unfinished. Her technique allows for the clear shape of the flower to dominate, but the texture of the wool isn't overworked.
Her bags carry over the natural motif of plants and flowers. They are very streamlined, curvilinear, and the wool they are constructed from has a smooth texture. Isla incorporates needle felted details that make each design pop. Her pillows are also made with 100% wool felt, but she distinguishes them from the bags and barrettes with leaves and blossom details that are minimalist in style.
Isla's crafty business is just beginning to take off. I like that she has all the bases covered- her accessories are in local fiber shops, her work is featured on a very pretty website, she has a solid Etsy, and will be at the Renegade. And additionally, her prices are just right- the hair pieces go for less than $10 and you can get a great purse for about $40. It's a very well rounded business plan and I just know she will find success. All of it rests on a foundation of the quality of her work, and the authentic kindness you feel when you meet her. Please visit her, and all the other talented and motivated crafters if you are in San Francisco this weekend!
Posted by Brookelynn |
Jul 17, 2009 11:00 AM
Craft Business, Events, Felting |
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July 11, 2009
Victor Dubrovsky's Felt Animals
Happy Caturday crafters, here's some super cute felt work by Victor Dubrovsky. (Thanks, Marc!)
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jul 11, 2009 12:15 PM
Felting, Fiber Art, Plush |
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July 8, 2009
In the Maker Shed: KnitFelt Animals
Marc @ the Maker Shed writes:Looking for a fun craft to make on one of those rainy summer days? Check out the KnitFelt Animal kits by Crafty Alien. Just pick out your favorite little critter and get felting. If you make one of these kits, don't forget to post it in the CRAFT Flickr pool.
More:
Build: Crafty Alien Knitted Felted Raccoon
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jul 8, 2009 09:00 AM
Felting, Knitting |
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