As I work away in my studio, I see these incredible little birds flirting their way around my garden. Not to mention arguing with their reflections in sidemirrors on cars. One thing is for certain, they are splendid, in every way possible.
This project is simple but spectacular and even beginners will be able to achieve this little bird. Of course the colours can be switched for other breeds, so why not make a collection. They can be made for a mobile, look great in a pot plant or even as event decorations. I love to have some felted wrens on hand to give out as little gifts.
These spunky little Splendid Fairywrens are created using the art of needle felting. This is the method of creating felt without water. It works by simply stabbing a grooved needle, continuously into the wool in order to create a solid object. The wool becomes more compact with every stab. I call it “Acupuncture for the Soul” as it is a mindful distraction from stress, anxiety and depression. I mean it’s a whole load of stabbing after all!
This design is based on a ball of core, the most important shape to practice as a 3D sculptor. The wool goes in the direction you point that needle and a ball won’t be achieved unless the needle is taken to the centre every single time. This one exercise alone strengthens your felting muscles and hones technique and hand eye coordination.
So let’s start stabbing.
The materials you need for this project:
Light Romney or any other core wool*, less than 1 gram.
Royal Blue Merino top coat**, less than 1 gram
Pale Blue Merino top coat, less than 1 gram
Blueish Purple Merino top coat, less than 1 gram
Black Merino top coat, less than 1 gram
Foam felting mat (or something like a car sponge)
Size 38 felting needle
Strong black thread about 1 metre
Sewing needle
2 black beads
Green cloth covered florist wire, 30 gauge, 46 cm
Iron
* Core wool is a much coarser fibre that felts together firmly and quickly but also stays open enough to accept a finer top coat.
- ** Top coat is wool that is used to cover the core. It is much finer wool.
Course Curriculum
"I just would like to say what an inspirational woman Reena is. She strives to achieve the best results in everything she creates from her Tutorials and kits for beginner stabbers to the higher more experienced stabbers who just need more ideas. Her own works of soft sculptures I have had the please of seeing and touching myself are simply amazing. Reena is a true Artist who loves to share her knowledge which in my books makes her a very special person."
Kate Taylor
