While writing an article for FELT magazine about how silk carrier rods can be incorporated into felt making, I was inspired to try a few more things. In my previous post I showed how layers, wispy bits and the full carrier rod could be used in a variety of ways.
Thin layers of carrier rod become even more versatile when combined with wool to make pre-felt. They are laid adjacent to one another on a base of wool fibre and felted to form a firm pre-felt. Once the layers of carrier rod are well and truly integrated, it is best to let it dry. The surface is slightly rigid which allows cutting of complex shapes and more control over design elements as a result. Click on photos to see more detail.
The cut pre-felt shapes or pieces can then be felted into a project in the normal way. Why dry, these additions provide more texture and rigidity than using standard pre-felt. With gauze – cotton or silk – placed under the pre-felt shapes on top of a wool base, the added elements become more defined, creating a halo at the edges.
Illumination?
While I was at it, I put tea lights in my little vessels. There are some distinct possibilities here for lampshades or tea light holders. Light / natural wool works best. Adding the carrier rod pre-felt has great potential for adding texture and creating defined areas.
Silk carrier rods defy the adage that you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Turning something that is not particularly attractive in its raw state, to an appealing and interesting embellishment is rather satisfying.
The article appears in FELT issue #18 – Dec 2017 published by Artwear Publications, with 3 pages of photos and details about how to use Silk Carrier Rods. See more on Facebook Follow Felt magazine on facebook for more info about the great articles and projects for feltmakers.
I spent a very pleasant and creative weekend discovering the possibilities of creating felt jewellery and mini sculptural shapes. Martien van Zuilen’s ‘Sculpture and Jewellery on a Precious Scale’ workshop is full of ideas and techniques to make jewellery or components to add to other felting projects. 
Opening night