The Art of Feltmaking: Basic Techniques for Making Jewelry, Miniatures, Dolls, Buttons, Wearables, Puppets, Masks and Fine Art Pieces (Watson-Guptill Crafts) (Paperback)

~ Anne Vickrey (Author) "When most of us think of felt, we picture either the soft, thick fabric used for craft projects or the felt boards that are popular..." (more)
Key Phrases: kaleidoscope beads, second batt, first batt (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The essential materials of feltmaking are basic--wool, hot soapy water, a pair of scissors, and your hands--yet the results are anything but simple. This attractive book explains how to get started in the craft, then thoroughly explores making ropes, beads, and flat pieces of felt (the three basic feltmaking techniques). From there, the felt you create can become sculpted figures, flowers, butterflies, masks, vessels, puppets, buttons and other clothing embellishments, various wearables, and even a miniature scene with manipulatable figures. All of the techniques and projects are carefully explained in step-by-step detail and supported by clear color photos. Most of the items have a lovely folk-art quality, with vivid colors and handmade charm.

Product Description

Crafters and stitchers--especially parents, teachers, and child-care providers--will love this unusual, easy, and inexpensive craft. Projects include simple bracelets, hand puppets, stuffed hand puppets, and decorative art pieces for home and gift use. 200 color illustrations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823002624
• ISBN-13: 978-0823002627
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,269 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to know what's inside?? Here's a few more details..., July 8, 2002

By A Customer

Since my earlier review, we have used this book extensively - kids and mom included. All our children turned out some beautiful artwork, and had a great time in the process.

The layout of the book is well done, and the different methods are covered in a logical order. The pictures are so clear they both illustrate and motivate. It is a pleasure to turn the pages and gaze at the photographs and page designs.

Contents include: getting started-materials and tools,making felt ropes,making beads of many shapes and sizes,rope and bead figures, flat pieces of felt, felt balls, small felt projects such as buttons, flowers and butterflies, masks, felt vessels, seamless wearables, finger and hand puppets, making a felt scene with posable figures, patterns, a source directory (US only unfortunately) and an index. Once you master the basic techniques, it is up to your creativity to reign!

The directions are clear and step by step, making it very "do-able" as a family craft activity. I get the feeling the author must be used to teaching this craft to families and children, as she really spells out each step.

All in all, this was a purchase we are still really happy about - it is a very family-friendly book. It would be great to see further publications by this author showing more advanced techniques, and showcasing her designs.

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm hooked!, February 17, 1999

By A Customer

This is a beautifully illustrated, inspiring book. The basics are covered in wonderful detail, as well as more advanced projects,and they are things you really want to make! We found the instructions very clear, and many clever hints are given to make felting straightforward, and lots of fun. Having been a bit scared to try my hand at this craft, in the midst of experienced felters, this book helped me to jump in, and then get hooked! Fantastic!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better if you're curious about felt than if you are looking for something specific..., August 11, 2007

By	Jill - See all my reviews

This is a good book, wonderfully illustrated, with clear directions. It is definitely a good resource for the beginner. However, I was looking to do something specific (make dolls), so only a small portion of the book was pertinent to my task. I should have realized that from the title - it does say that there are lots of different projects to make. The other thing is that this book only covers a single method of felting - called 'wet felting'. There is also a method called 'needle felting', which is not covered in this book at all. I find needle felting easier, less messy, and more 'airy' looking... all of which I liked better for the project I was doing. That said, wet felting is definitely the way to go with kids. It takes a lot of elbow-grease, but is rewarding and fun. This book would be good for someone experimenting with different wet felting projects and those doing projects with kids.