Infinity Hearts Felt Ball Shaker/Maker Tools Plastic Blue 18x9x6cm - 1 set

Are you thinking about making your own felt balls but don't want to felt them by hand? Then this Infinity Hearts Felt Ball Shaker/Maker makes felt ball making a breeze!

All you need is 100% untreated wool and a little detergent/soap (you can use Euclan wool soap, for example).

Important tips!

If you want to make a lot of balls, you should prepare all piles of wool before you start. The reason is that once you start using the hot and cold water, you won't want to stop to prepare more wool. Get out two heat-resistant bowls and make sure the kettle and some ice cubes are ready.

How to make your own felt balls

Start by cutting a piece of carded wool, about twice the size you want the finished ball to be.

Separate the fibers (fluff them up as you work) and place them in small piles, first one way and then across the pile the other way.

Now place one of the piles in the shaker and close it.

Measure the dishwashing liquid with the teaspoon provided. Pour almost boiling water into one of the bowls along with the soap. Now stir the hot water with the wool-filled shaker. Then place it in the ice-cold water (preferably with some ice cubes). Now switch back and forth between the hot and cold water and shake the shaker hard until you see a ball start to form. Shake it vigorously to get a nice, compact ball. Do your own little shaker dance to make it extra fun!

Now take your ball out of the shaker and shape it by either rolling it between your hands or on a washboard-like surface. While the ball is still moist, you can make a hole in it, either by inserting a toothpick or thin awl through the center of the ball. You can then attach the ball to a thread later. Let it dry.

At this stage, you can shape your balls into different shapes, such as ovals or cubes. You can also make smaller balls and roll them together with the larger ones to make them dotted or striped. You can work with the wool in much the same way as with Cernit modeling clay.

You have now made your first ball! Keep doing this until you have all the balls you need. And don't forget to do a little extra dancing while you're at it.