Basic Steps:

1. Choose Your Wool: Start with wool roving in your desired color. Merino wool is a popular choice due to its softness and ease of felting.

2. Forming the Base Shape: Tear off a piece of wool roving. The amount depends on the size of the project. Roll it between your hands to form a loose ball or the basic shape of your project.

3. Start Needle Felting: Place the wool on the foam pad. Using your felting needle, start poking the wool. The barbs on the needle will begin to entangle the wool fibers, making them denser and firmer. Poke evenly all around the wool to maintain a uniform shape.

4. Shaping Your Project: As the wool becomes denser, start shaping it to your desired form. Be gentle and consistent with your poking to avoid uneven surfaces or holes.

5. Adding Details: For more complex projects, you can add different colors or pieces of wool. Attach them by poking at the junction where they meet the base shape, ensuring they are firmly attached.

6. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve achieved the desired shape and firmness, you can add finer details using smaller needles, which allow for more precision.

Tips for Successful Needle Felting:

• Patience is Key: Felting takes time, so be patient. The more you poke, the firmer and more defined your creation will become.
• Protect Your Fingers: Be careful with the sharp needles, especially when working on smaller pieces.
• Consistent Pressure: Apply consistent pressure and poke depth for an even texture.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and colors.