Okay, those with cookie cutters and felting needles poised! Here goes. TAKE CARE - ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN. THESE NEEDLES ARE EXTREMELY SHARP.

Recommendations are made to get your tetanus shots up to date when using needles and animal fiber. It really does sting if you accidentally stab yourself!!! The needles are also quite brittle so they will break fairly easily, especially if you jab them into the metal of the cookie cutter.

1) Place your cookie cutter on your foam (at least 3 inches thick and high density is better if you are going to keep on using it).

2) Stuff your cookie cutter with your fiber. Don't worry about the bits hanging over the edge, you will push these in as you go. Hold your felting needle between your thumb and index finger and stab into the fiber (not your fingers!!!). Your other hand will be pressing the cookie cutter down fairly firmly - so your fiber doesn't leak out underneath the cutter. The action is like a chook pecking at wheat. Do this all over the llama shape until the fiber packs down. You can add any colors.

3) Gently ease your fiber and cutter away from the foam and flip over. The fiber will attach to the foam so don't wait too long before turning. If the fiber comes away from the cutter don't worry, just push it back into the shape. Needle the other side.

4) Keep refilling with fiber, needling and flipping over until the llama is the thickness you want.

5) Take the llama out of the shape and there it is finished. Now you can decorate - add two little bits of fiber or yarn rolled into tiny balls for eyes or use the "goggle" eyes from craft stores. Halters can be made from pieces of coloured wool, gently needle felted on. hangers can be made the same way - from wool, needle felted into the neck/back section. Blankets can be made by needling colored fiber onto the saddle area. Do this with "shallow" stabs so as not to push the colour through to the other side.

Sequins or other "hard" trims will need to be glued. You may find it easier to rest your wrist on the foam as you are needling - less stress on the wrist. I noticed some of the ladies here were using large arm actions - this is not necessary - it is just a "pecking" motion and shouldn't hurt or tire your wrist.

AND I take NO responsibility for the housework which does not get done or the late dinners due to needle felting addiction!!! Happy Felting

Email Sue Curliss: Xanadu Llamas.
Copyright © 2003 Sue Curliss .
Xanadu Llamas (Australia) www.xanadu-llamas.com.au