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The Art of Needle Felting
Needle felting is a process wherein unwoven wool is transformed into sturdy fabrics which usually have figures, 3d or otherwise. The process can be carried out by literally poking the lumps of wool to a shape desired by the sculptor. As the sculptor thrusts the needles, the strands of the wool tangle into position.
Wools come from animal skins. Coverings of sheep, llamas, and other animals are sheared off and washed to eliminate unnecessary remains. After cleansing the wool, it would be dried and dyed to gain color, which would be useful when sculptors want to create a multi-colored felt.
Needles are the primary tools used in needle felting. Using these utensils can cause accidents and abrasions, which is why extensive caution should be observed. Three-dimensional figures are more likely to take time than flat ones. Even professional sculptors take days, weeks, or sometimes even months when doing 3D felts.
By using devices like navajo looms, for instance, needle felting would definitely be faster and easier. Some people find needle felting very relaxing. These people treat the process as a hobby or pastime. Some make a career out of it, while some see it as an art. In fact, some artists focus on needle felting alone when they express their ideas.
In order to fully enjoy needle felting, one must have a complete set of needle felting supplies starting from the needles, variety of wools, up to the patterns one would be basing his or her sculpture on. Other tools for the procedure include a foam pad, bristle pad, and barbed needles of different length and sizes. There are needles which have handles, and there are some which have multiple needles for easier stabbing. Carder, on the other hand, is another needle felting tool which can be essential for color blending.
Professional sculptors are not the only ones who can mix up colors which would compose a felt. Even children do needle felting nowadays. Some even conduct tutorials for this fiber art. What makes needle felting fun, however, is not the end product, but the hard work one exerted just to complete a sculpture, which is worthwhile.
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Needle Sized Sculptures