This is the first in a series of how-to's for DIY holiday gifts! With the holidays fast approaching many of us are feeling the strain of the economy and trying to figure out more economical alternatives to gift giving. These options will not only allow you to save money but also give someone a personal gift that you will be proud to say you did on your own. So without further ado our first DIY project is Felted Soap!
This idea was given to me by Family Fun Magazine. Materials you will need for this project:
This idea was given to me by Family Fun Magazine. Materials you will need for this project:
- Wool batting or roving
- Round or oval bar of soap
- Pantyhose
How to's:
- Pull, don't cut, tufts of wool fiber from your batting or roving. Spread them out in several thin, crisscrossing layers about twice as large as your bar of soap. (Oval or round soaps work best.)
- Wrap the bar with the wool layers so that it's entirely covered. Add a stripe in a contrasting color, if desired.
- To keep the wool in place, put the wrapped bar in the toe of a pair of pantyhose.
- Dip the wrapped bar into a bowl of hot water.
- Gently pat the wool all over the bar. When suds start appearing, remove the bar from the hose.
- Continue to gently pat and squeeze the wool over the bar. Dip it in the hot water when it gets too sudsy.
- To see if the wool is completely felted, try the pinch test: if the fibers easily separate from the bar of soap, it's not done. When the felt feels solid, rinse the bar in cold water, squeeze it in a towel, and set it aside. The wool will shrink up a bit more as it dries.
Now if you aren't adventurous enough to try this project or you just like to buy from some fabulous artisans than may we suggest a few of our favorite etsians!
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