(Almost) Free Christmas Gifts

(Page 2 of 2)

December/January 1994
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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3. Keep pulling off three-inch strands from the top until you have about 20 of them. Pull off some strands from the other colors as well.

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4. Dip the Styrofoam ball in the hot, soapy water and then wrap one of your wool strands around it, smoothing the fibers. Hint: If you have some strands that are messier or thicker than the others, use those strands first.

5. Continue placing strands on the ball, dipping them in soapy water and smoothing the fibers. The more you smooth, the rounder the shape. You may want to wear surgical gloves if you have very sensitive skin. Also, try not to be put off by the smell, which, unfortunately, stinks like a wet dog.

6. Once all of your first-color layers are on, start adding on layers in the other colors. You can use as many or few as you want. Be creative with your designs.

7. When all of your layers are on and you're pleased with the design, start rubbing the top layer of wool gently with your fingers and the palm of your hand. Make sure you do this over a bowl or plate since soapy water will be pouring and dripping out. When the wool fibers are on so firmly that you can't pinch them from the ball, start rubbing more and more firmly. It should take approximately 15 minutes from start to finish until the fibers are perfectly molded onto the ball.

8. To rinse off soap from your ornament, hold it under clear sink water. Then dip it in a solution of three tablespoons of vinegar per one quart of water; rinse off again in clear water.

9. Roll the ball over a towel and let air dry for a couple of days. Wool is one of those tricky materials that can feel dry on the surface but be really wet underneath.

10. Thread a piece of metallic thread through a needle and knot at the end. At the top of your ornament, stick the needle in and sew yourself a big loop for hanging it on the tree.

Anne and her partner Joanne Georgeown the Felt Foundry in Boulder, CO. Theymake and sell hats, vests, and other productsusing colored felt.

—MOTHER

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