The Woolsmith’s Handbook Blog

Welcome to the Heidifeathers Blog — your hub for needle felting tutorials, wet felting guides, felting wool types, felting needles, felting tools, and felting supplies for beginners and advanced makers. Explore core wool, tops, batts, armature techniques, colour blending, shaping methods, detail work, and finishing techniques designed to improve structure, texture, and precision in every needle felting and wet felting project. Each tutorial includes direct links to the exact felting materials, felting needles, wool fibres, and tools used, helping you learn, refine, and build confident, professional felting results.

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Glass eyes verses felted eyes on you needle felted Animal

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When deciding whether to add glass eyes or felted eyes to your felted animal creation, there are a few factors to consider:

 

1. Realism: Glass eyes often provide a more realistic and lifelike look due to their shine and depth. They can closely mimic the appearance of real animal eyes and may be the better choice if you aim for a very precise or detailed representation.

 felted tortoise

2. Character: Needle felted eyes, on the other hand, can add a unique and charming character to your piece. They can be created in various shapes and sizes and may give your creature a more whimsical or stylized look, which can be quite appealing in certain contexts.

felted fox

 

3. Durability: Glass eyes are generally more durable and less likely to be damaged or fall out over time, especially if they are securely attached. Felted eyes made of felting wool and can potentially become flattened or damaged if not handled with care.

 

4. Difficulty: Attaching glass eyes simply requires making a hole. Felted eyes are created directly on the felted wool animal or character and can be a lot tricker to get right if you are new to the craft.

2024-07-22 17.37.58

 

5. Safety: Glass eyes can be a choking hazard for small children and pets. If your felted animal will be handled by young kids or pets, you want to consider using felted eyes.

 

6. Time and cost: Felted eyes can be made using basic supplies and require no additional purchase. Glass eyes, however, need to be bought separately and can increase the cost of your project.

 eys 4mm eyes 3

7. Artistic vision: Ultimately, the choice between glass and felted eyes will depend on the style and vision you have for your felted animal. If you prefer a more rustic or handcrafted look, felted eyes might be the better choice. For a more refined and professional finish, glass eyes might be more suitable.