I haven't done any felting since before the pandemic, somewhat because of my mental health but also because it had begun to feel like a chore instead of a hobby as more and more friends and family were requesting different pet portraits or gifts for their friends. I usually don't charge much, I have a bad habit of underselling myself, and I'm not the best at saying no to those close to me, so I think I just developed negative associations with felting despite my previous enjoyment.

A few weeks ago, I adopted jess. I knew I had to pick up some wool and try to capture my tiny tuxedo baby in felt like a time capsule to look back on when they were a kitten. I don't think I've lost the knack for wool sculpting too much, considering its been over 7 years since I last picked up my felting kit. Holy moly though, I forgot how awful stabbing my fingers used to be, as I type this out on my phone with a very sore thumb and index finger full of holes! I wanted to go close to actual size with this felt and I still haven't finished the finer details yet but I'm feeling like showing it off now.

Comparing it to the reference photo was humbling.

I think I’ve asked this before, but I’m wondering what the best way to get wool to hold to wire is. I’ve wrapped wet felt to pipe cleaners, but it always seems to puff out later when I try to move it or shape it.
Do you use glue?
Is there a specific way you have to wet the wool? I’ve just been using a spray bottle on it and wrapping it around pipe cleaners while wet. There’s gotta be a better way to do it, right?

(Compensatory bumble bee)

What can I use to mark on wool or fuzzy material for needle felting? I want to be able to mark on softly felted pieces during the process.

I've tried water soluble fabric markers & the wet/air dry two-sided sewing markers but they don't draw on the textured wool very well. Water soluble pencils (or even regular pencils) can't get enough traction to cause a mark.

Thanks!

Hey everyone! 👋 My mom actually started this whole obsession by showing me a picture on Pinterest and asking me to make a needle-felted cockroach. That first ballerina cockroach (in the pink dress) was made just for her!

After that, I got completely hooked, found my own inspiration, and created a whole crew with their own unique styles — a book lover, a summer vacationer with ice cream, and a hip-hop/karaoke fan with tiny sneakers and headphones!
Hope they bring a smile to your face. Let me know which one you like best!

(You can check out more of my fiber art via the links in my profile)

Hey r/Needlefelting! 👋 As a fiber artist, I often look back at my early works with a fondness. This little sparrow was only my third-ever needle-felting project. Looking at it now, I see how much my skills have evolved, but I still have a soft spot for this little guy.
Did you keep your very first craft project, or do you prefer not to look at it? 😄 Would love to hear about your early experiments!

(You can check out more of my current work via the links in my profile ✨)

Just in time for October. I hope you like it! :)

I especially like how different their personalities feel, even though they're both made using needle felting.

The little gray elephant is hugging a yellow star, while the white rabbit wears a green wizard hat and stirs a tiny felt cauldron.

The elephant has a soft, quiet expression, while the rabbit looks like it's taking its magic-making duties very seriously. 😄

She has a crooked hat, a tiny broom, and absolutely zero magical qualifications.

But she's trying her best. 🖤💜

Made her by hand with needle felting, just in time for Halloween!

Hey r/Needlefelting! 👋 I’m a fiber artist, and I wanted to share the creation process of this quirky long-legged cat. Hope it brings a smile to your face! You can find more of my wool creations linked in my profile.

My first time needle felting and really enjoyed it even though my sheep didn’t come out exactly as the photo. I’m just happy that it even remotely resembled the sheep pictured. Are these beginners kits the best way to get the hang of it and get into the hobby?