Felting needles have notches that grab the top layer of fibers and tangle them inward as the needle enters the wool. Over time, this creates a near solid form. Magical. I used black bobby pins for the eyes, trimming them to fit her head, and sculpting the sockets.
After I finished shaping the face, I used soft pastels to tone her cheeks. All the individual pieces of hair have wire in them to give her more articulation.
To start the head, I used silicone putty to create a socket that allows the head to be popped on/ off and positioned without wobbling. I embedded wire mesh into the silicone for the wool to be felted onto.
When needle felting on top of an armature, I start by sewing felt over the whole piece. This gives the wool I’m adding something to grab onto. I’m using roving–wool that’s been cleaned, combed, and carded so that the fibers are loosely oriented in the same direction, making it easier to work with.
Detail pic of Peggy. I used soft pastels to add blush to her cheeks.
I just finished making this stop motion puppet for an upcoming short by Molly Coffee at Zombie Cat Studios, in conjunction with the Atlanta Film Society and Hartsfield Airport.
I needle felted on top of a readymade ball and socket armature, adding wire in the hair, hands, and skirt for more movement. Looking forward to seeing Peggy come to life in Passing 66!