Equipment for felt making: Raw (unwashed ) sheep fleece or Merino Wool Tops-commercially dyed (not synthetic), calico, hot  water, pure soap

1. Card or comb fleece or use wisps of Wool tops so that the fibres are lying in one direction.
2. Lay a thin layer of the fibres on a piece of calico.
3. Lay a second layer of fibres on top of the first layer making sure the fibres are running at right angles to the first layer.
4. Add a third layer (at right angles to the second layer) if the calico can still be seen through the first and second layers. Each layer of fibres can be of a different colour or multi coloured.
5. To decorate the top layer with the design of your choice, twist, plait, or felt wool tops separately to create interesting textures and shapes. Other fabrics can also be collaged amongst the wool fibres.
6. Fold the calico over the wool fibre ‘sandwich’.
7. Pour small amounts of hot water and gently rub with pure soap on to the top layer of calico. Allow the water to saturate the wool and calico. Do not allow it to get ‘sloppy’.
8. When the wool and calico are wet through, rub the back and front surfaces of the calico until the wool fibres start appearing through the fabric; use hands or rolling pins.
9. The wool is felted when the fibres are matted and do not come away from the felted surface when the calico is removed.
10. Place felted piece on a bamboo mat and roll up before squeezing all the moisture out. Roll the mat and felt to add more friction.
11. Rinse the felt alternatively in warm and cold washes until the soap is removed, continue to roll the felt between washes.
12. When dry add features eg. decorative stitches, Pom Poms, Feathers and Chenille Stems.
13. The dried felt may be soaked in a PVA and water mix, wrung out and draped over a mask. Manipulate the wet felt to add creases and facial markings and allow to dry.