Monday 1 February 2010

Needle felting

I've been wanting to have a try at needle felting for some time now but rushed out and bought the needles when I saw this video clip by Rice. She makes it look so easy and it is. After contacting her I got some tips on how to shrink my jumper and it worked, usually I spend hours plunging woollens into boiling water then into freezing cold water and all I get is shriveled hands. 
It didn't take long to produce the piece in the image, I'm going to add beads and stitching to it.


I thought I would scan it into my computer rather than take a photo and the image above is the result, it looks like it has a filter applied to it. This gave me the idea to try some photoshop filters on it and the ones below are the result.


This has the posterize filter applied.


This is the watercolour filter


This is the fresco filter

I might have to print these out and use them in my journals.


To finish off here's a couple more shots in my studio.




This is one of the shelf units that houses some of my paints.






The fabrics in this photo are from very old Japanese work garments, there are about thirty square pieces, some already patched and stitched from all of their years of wear. I bought them in Japan around fifteen years ago. The lady in the shop asked what I was going to do with them and I said I would probably turn them into a quilt. She picked up a pile and stroked them gently, she said we just look at them. And guess what after all these years I just look at them too. I want to use them in something special but until I can create quilts like Jude I'll just look at them.


25 comments:

Beanie Mouse said...

Do you use/like African fabrics? I got some recently, and would be up to swap bits with you.... pics on my blog!!

studio pashnada said...

How fun! I LOVE needle felting!

I also found out you can do it with untwisted yarn - so much cheaper, so much more readily available. I even done it with the "weird" yarns for texture.

But boy do those needles HURT if you get distracted but keep punching!

DMG said...

For the past couple of weeksI've been felting sweaters and saving them for needlework. This gorgeous piece has inspired me to go ahead and give it a try! I really like the different effects with filters too; they would be great for journal pages.

Terri Kahrs said...

Better watch out, Ro - needle felting can become an addiction! LOL! LOVE your results, and it WOULD make a great journal page! Hugs, TErri xoxo

Heather said...

Super post Ro - I love your needle felted piece and the digital versions of it. They will be fantastic additions to your journals. The Japanese fabrics are very strokeable, I can understand why you haven't used them yet, but one day...........!

Chris said...

you are rocking the casbah with this, Ro. yummo.

JP said...

love the needle felting - so bright and cheerful
those old fabrics look gorgous

Ricë said...

yay! glad it worked--your results are FABULOUS!

femminismo said...

Wonderful post! I want to needle felt too, so guess I will watch the video for the how-tos. Lovely colors and fun scanning. Photoshop is really fun, isn't it?

Elizabeth said...

Oh Yes !!! You are hooked !!! Isn't it fun and so very instant!!These will make fabulous additions to your journals and I can't wait to see how it is transformed by beading and stitch!! It will be magical, a la Ro!!!

Jan said...

Love your needle felted piece, all the glorious color! I can relate to your words regarding the fabric that you just look at. That's okay! Other people have collections of things that they just look at, why not us? Some fabric is worth having just to look at, and if you find another use for it some day, even better.
If you have a chance to take a peek at my blog today, I just posted my first results of nuno felting. I love it! It may not be what nuno felting is supposed to be but I am thrilled at my first try and am making a second piece now.

Julie said...

Definitely print off the photoshopped pictures. Your needle felting is stunning, wonderful colours and great movement.

layers said...

your felt work has such vibrant rich colors. and I know how you feel about those Japanese fabrics-
I brought home a lot of old papers and fabrics and I spend more time looking at them-- almost with reverence-- hesitant to cut into them or use them-- waiting for the right time.

Chrisy said...

What an education that video is...I had no idea! And Rice is so easy to watch and listen to...thanks for sharing dear Ro. I'm very impressed with your first piece!

Jan said...

Hi Ro, I am commenting on the comment you left on my blog and yes, I did sandwich the fabric between the layers of roving. I didn't know any better. I will try it with roving on only one side next. Thanks for the tip.

michelle ward said...

Ro, Chris sent me over here to see your cool felting. Swoon! What a stunning piece. I'm a novice myself and find it a therapeutic to needle along. YOU look like a pro already!

Janette Kearns Wilson said...

Ro,
I'm glad you have picked up a new hobby!!!!!*#?!!!
Is it you or Steve who fixes the car!!??
You astonish me.
Janette

Jen Crossley said...

WOW Ro your felting girl
is just amazing. You are a women of many talents Ro

Jacky said...

Ro I love your needle felting...such beautiful, vibrant, Ro colours and style. Did you do it with a single needle or a clover tool? I bought the clover tool a couple of years ago and have had so much fun with it...very versatile. Hope we get to see your piece on Saturday.
Love, love, love those japanese fabrics...lucky you!
Now, you are a woman of many talents. I am keen to do some indigo dyeing, we might have to organise a get together and have a play!
See you soon,

Jacky xox

Unknown said...

always wonderful catching up with your colorful world!

I have wanted to try needle felting but have heard so many stories of bloody hands?? YOur piece is great

Beanie Mouse said...

BTW, if you want to check out the African fabric, it's on the beaniemouse.blogspot.com on the mystery trip post! Towards the bottom....!!

Still Waters Studio said...

I love the felted piece! The colors are so vibrant. Wool is addicting. I've been doing some felting myself. I'll post some soon.

rivergardenstudio said...

Your felting is gorgeous and I love how you played with the scan on photoshop. And your paints and inks... lovely. Thanks for your sweet comment, sending love... roxanne

ArtPropelled said...

Wow... colour bliss! I imagine you will wallow in this new medium Ro. Is there anything you can't do?

Anonymous said...

The needle felting is gorgeous, particularly with the digital effects. And those fabrics... I think I'd just look at them too.