Wool Felted Hummingbird

Materials:

photographs of hummingbirds (from bird guide books)
pair of wool combs
2 oz. of washed white Romney wool
small pinch of black wool for the beak
handful of iridescent Angelina fiber (sparkly fiber)
2 packages of green powdered drink mix
2 packages of red powdered drink mix
white vinegar
small foam pad
felting needle
skewer
2 black beads for eyes
black thread
black 1/8" ribbon
sewing needle
warm soapy water
2 saucepans
measuring spoons and cups
wooden spoons
towel
wood skewer

1. Comb the wool to eliminate any uneven or tangled parts using two wool combs (figure A).

2. Bring two cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add two packages of green powdered drink mix and one tablespoon of white vinegar.

3. Stir the green mixture and add a handful of white wool.

5. Rinse the colored wool in cold water.

6. Let dry. This may take a couple hours depending on the weather.

7. Repeat the dying process using red powdered drink mix and white wool (figure C).

8. While the tinted wool is drying, take a tiny bit of white wool and begin to from an oval shape for the body and head of the hummingbird. Use your hands, pinching and wrapping the wool around itself. The body, neck and head are all made as one piece. The body should measure approximately 2-1/2 inches long.