Crafting: May 2011 Archives
These "Coordinates" Buttons by La Mode have endless possibilities. They are stackable, fashionable and fun! With prints and textures, I thought these buttons would make great hair clips. I mixed and matched from several different sets, and left one button all by itself. These flat bobby pins come in 2 lengths and are perfect to use because of the 3/16'' wide top, so the buttons have a good surface to grasp hold to.
My first step was to stitch the top button. Stitching the entire stack together doesn't work because the thread loops on the bottom button create an uneven surface to adhere to the bobby pin. Because you're not stitching the button TO anything, I took my needle through the thread knot, creating some leverage for sewing through the holes. Then I glued the top button to the lower button and let it sit for about 2 hours. The glue is key in this project. I used the E6000 Multi Purpose Adhesive, which is amazing!! Using a tooth pick to dip into the tube to grab some glue, place a small amount on each surface. Let dry for 1-2 minutes and then stick them together. There is minimal oozing- but what is great about this glue- considering how much you have left over oozing out of your project, you can pull the excess right off. After about 12 hours (overnight), it becomes this stretchy clear goo that can easily be pulled off without harming your project.
After letting the glued button stacks sit for about 1 hour, I glued them to the bobby pin surface. I didn't want any chance of the bobby pin gluing itself shut, so I slid the bobby pins on the card the buttons came on, so the bottom part of the bobby pin would not have to be involved. Letting each glued surface dry separately for a minute or two really helps minimize ooze and stability of placing the buttons to the pin. After about 45 minutes, I slid the bobby pin half way off the card so there would be no chance of the card being glued to my project! Let them sit that way for 24- 72 hours to cure and voila!
Never have I felt an adrenaline rush from crafting before but there is something about vigorously stabbing felt with a needle over and over that gives a rush that no other craft can. Needle felting is good therapy for moms, young ladies planning wedding or teens with angst (or just people in general but it is more fun to name off random identifiers). I never would have pegged myself as an enjoyer of needle felt because I love ready-made felt so much. Just as I have no desire to spin yarn but I do love yarn, I never desired to make the felt that I loved so much. However, when I stumbled across Felt works Learn Needle Felting Kit, I thought "Why not. It's for the blog."
Well, it was fun! And worth the effort (effort it is too). Needle felting is very easy to pick up, especially if you watch one of the Clover videos (We carry all the Clover tools you will need). The kit comes with all you need to make the project pictured but if you are really into it buy the supplies separate (Needle mat, needle felting tool). Not that the supplies that come with the kit aren't great but you only get 2 needles (fine for small project like this one but not for bigger) and the foam supplied isn't going to last more than 2 projects. Mine was sort of malformed and lumpy when I got done with my appliqué. But you can use the needles on other projects and you get PLENTY of wool roving.
This flower project is very simple and I caught on thanks to the Clover videos. I started with tiny bit but then learned how to judge how much roving I needed and where. Sometimes it helped to roll the roving up into a log or a ball to get into tight areas. Also, you initially hold down the roving but only 1-2 jabs with the needle will hold it in place so you don't have to constantly worry about stabbing yourself (NOT good therapy). In all it took about 30-45 min to finish this project but I felt so relaxed and myself afterward. I have since found other applications for needle felting: on crocheted eggs, over at Craftzine, and Betz White. I hope you enjoy needle felting as much as I do and don't forget to share your project on our Facebook Wall or on twitter.
P.S. The Feltworks kit suggests using your flower as a pocket or an appliqué. I opted for the appliqué and crafted up a wand with fabric scraps instead of ribbons. It is adorable!
