DIY Needle Felting

From our last visit to Circle Craft Christmas Market (click here to be redirected for the posting on Circle Craft Christmas market 2014) - we had purchased 2 diy needle felting kits to try. We wanted to ensure this be a doable project, and Shima from Him Creations reassured us that even 7 year olds can complete this without any problem. 

Without further adieu, meet our outcomes! :-) 

Please read more for a review of our past 2 hours!

Him Creations' $20 diy kit came with: various coloured wool, sponge where you use as the platform, needle, and detailed instruction sheet. 

Initially, we struggled a little deciding how to start. It was not as clear that it did not matter to have uneven sides and ends that did not blend together - because it's the whole point of needling! One YouTube instructor explained to roll the sheet of wool as if you are rolling a sushi maki roll. 

Then you poke the wool as you want to shape it. Vivian excitedly poke the wool vigorously - then unfortunately one of her finger ended up bleeding a little bit. This would make a fun activity for kids as this is a fairly easy project (just need some patience) however may be slightly dangerous granting a needle to children. It almost feels rather cruel when you're needling their eyes on and poke right into them. 

Unlike my matryoshka doll, which is really an easy blob, Viv's fluffy teddy bear required far more detailing including separate limbs and facial features. It is even holding a pink heart! 

Getting there... In the midst of adding polka dots, and because that requires poking in the specific circle, the white body also hardened and got pushed in. I "discovered" this tactic of pulling it out using a tip of my needle. My tactic was working great - however it broke after several attempts and I probably pulled it harder one time. I ended up sharing Viv's needle until finishing the doll. 

For more information on Him Creation, please find this talented artist at www.himcreations.com! To read my second posting on DIY Needle Felting, please follow: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.ca/2014/12/diy-needle-felting-2.html 

Happy needle felting! :-)