Have you ever looked at those marvelous little hand felted creations out there and wondered how it happens? For you, loyal reader, I have undertaken the noble, hand numbing, finger bleeding quest into the heart of felting, both needle and wet. And these are my discoveries.

Felting is the process of turning wool into a matted mess, more or less. But a pretty mess! And if you are like me and you like to dye anything that is made of natural fibers, it is super easy to dye roving in a rainbow of colours to suit your project needs.  All you need is some roving and an idea (and a needle if you go that route!).

Wet felting involves using lots of roving (wool before it is spun, how clean, how processed depends on your choice and source), some hot water, soap and elbow grease.  I have found wet felting great for round objects (balls, eggs, felting soap...) but VERY hard on the carpal tunnel syndrome!   Basically you soap up and soak your project and squeeze, roll, bump and bang the wool into felt. Great stress relief!  As you work, the fibers mat together, condense and firm up.

I like this tutorial here for beginner wet felting (this one is for soap~ start with a big bar!).

Needle felting has the same goal as wet~ to make the fibers mat up into the desired shape.  With needle felting you use one (or more) barbed needles (SO sharp but thankfully a few good pokes and I have gotten much better at missing my fingers), some type of mat to absorb the 'punch' of the needle (foam is good, I like the padded cover of one of Rowan's books!) and roving. You choose your fiber and you start to poke it!
Really, that is all you do! Poke, punch, turn, shape.  The more you poke, the tighter your felt. Add colours as you need them.

I like this tutorial here for a general idea of needle felting.
And these kits from Wool Pets are a fabulous way to start! 

Different types of roving will give you different results.  Some are more slippery, some wiry, some harder to felt.  Experimentation seems to be the key, along with personal taste.

I have learned a fair bit in my explorations and attempts so far!
1) Felting is fun and addictive.
2) It is forgiving~ you can always add, reshape, change your mind (unlike paint and dye!)
3) A little bit of roving goes a long way!  When you see folks selling 1/2 oz. it really will do a fair bit of felting!
4) Not all sheep are created equal. There is amazing diversity in wool!
5) Did I mention the needles are SHARP?! Those cautionary labels on them are true!
6) Felting is portable ~ it is easy to take a bit of roving and a needle wherever you go.
Be prepared for questions!

This is a very basic introduction for those who, like me, just didn't know how it was done!
Check out some of these incredible artists for some idea of the scope of the art form.

Amelia Makes Art (Pet Sculptures, Felted Soap and more)
Haddy2Dogs (Pregnancy Sculpture, Toys, Waldorf traditional)
Juliepersons (Tapestries, bowls, hair jewelry, dolls)
The Polka Dot Dragon (Toys and playscapes)
Frogs & Fairies (Toys, tapestries)
Mary Jane's Attic (Supplies)
Whimzy Pinzy (supplies) 

You know you need another craft!
I have pictured some of my creations to entice you to the dark side!