ALPACA FIBER FELTING FUN

Did you know that alpaca fiber has scales? You can't see them with the naked eye. You would have to look through a microscope to observe them. Why would you care about these scales? Because they are what makes our favorite craft of felting possible.

The scales open up when you use hot soapy water. This allows the hairs to slide across one another and lock. When pressure is applied, the fibers tangle and end up as the material we know as felt.

There are several different methods of feltmaking that include plain old wet felting flat pieces of fleece, cobweb, nuno, and dry needle techniques.

You can use some of your lesser quality fleece depending on the project and the feel you want. That's whats so great making your own fabulous fuzzy material. You are in control of the look and feel of your final product.

You can make money at home with your projects. There are several ways to make money using alpaca fiber and simple craft skills. Find some money making projects on this page that interest you and add another dimension to your fleece business.

You can get books to quickly learn feltmaking skills. It is easy to master, is a very versatile craft, and requires very little supplies.

Now...hold on to your felt hat, 'cause you're in for some exciting ideas as you work your way down this page.

Qualities

Because the hair from a fuzzy camelid is partially hollow, your project will turn out lighter, warmer, softer, and have better insulating properties than sheeps wool. Even if you use your poorer quality fleece. Itchiness is less of a factor, too.

To make your project you must prepare your alpaca fiber by carding it into batts.

No need to wash it first if you are going to use the wet method as you use soap during the process. We do wash our fleece if it is destined for dry needling....sometimes. If it will be combined with the wet technique then sometimes we don't.

The twenty-two natural colors camelids grow are wonderful but there are no blue or green alpacas that we are aware of so we hand dye.

After the preparation is completed, you can choose either wet or dry feltmaking. Or you can combine the two techniques in a single project. We think you should check out our rose and give our free instructions a try. You'll create a beautiful flower that you can use to embellish other projects.

Wear glasses? Here's a complimentary craft project to make for yourself or to sell. An eyeglass case! This project is easy and quick to make. We show you how to monogram your finished case.

Go to our felting pattern page where we offer at no charge a drawstring purse tutorial.

Need a gift for a baby shower? Or how about something else to make to sell. Get our baby moccasin pattern and create soft booties for babys feet.

We want to share a little about our small home business which is very satisfying for us.

We have learned what it takes to run a home business. Follow these 5 steps and you can probably have a successful career with handmade crafts.

About half of our needle felted items are sold on ebay. We offer up our ebay selling tips to get your alpaca crafts turning into money.

Producing our characters for sale is not the only reason we like dry needling. It's just plain fun! This photo shows just some of the items we have created.

Watch the following video to see what supplies you need to start and some samples of what you can make once you learn the technique.

Check out this pillow using alpaca fiber. Wouldn't you like to design your own? It's so satisfying to create your special design. We have put together instructions on preparing your own pattern for a unique pillow front. Another possible business venture if you invent original cushions with excellent quality.

Your alpaca fibre creations are only limited by your imagination. If you can think it up, you can make it. Take a peek here for more information on needle felting.

Would you like to learn how to construct a simple head? Follow this tutorial and you will be able to make a special noggin for a character.

Don't for get the doll body to go with the head. You'll want to form a good figure so try the technique of wrapping a wire frame.

Try making an animal. We feature an alpaca ,of course.

Our cat Smokey was hamming it up with our furry creature for the photo.

Get the free Bear head, body instructions, and string jointing project for some more fun.

Visit our "More Felting" page for instruction on making a fawn if you would like to create another critter. Wings and another character are available, too.

We created a dragon and video taped the shaping of this cute guy. Visit our dragon page to get our DVD.

Now that you have seen some of the wonderful pieces you can create with this process you'll need supplies to get started. Paradise fibers carries supplies and books. Click on felting supplies on the menu.

Visit Paradise Fibers for superb supplies.

Alpaca fiber works fantastic for any type of project you choose. Try a couple of felting projects and HAVE FUN!