Salvaging crafting supplies

radiosupply

Hi folks,

I'm new to the boards and fairly new to the UK. One of our employees shared MoneySavingExpert with me, and it's already helped me on several occasions. Now that I'm here, I'm excited to start gleaning and sharing some serious cheapskating stories and tips!

As for crafting... I often wondered what to do with the little scraps of pure wool I was left with when I was finished with projects, until I saw how much needle felting has taken off. It's excellent if you're the eccentric home decor type, and if you don't mind stabbing yourself on occasion with a needle. But really, what crafter doesn't?

Start-up kits go very cheaply on eBay, and there are tons of tutorials and inspiration posts on Youtube and Craftster.org. Once I got the hang of it, I actually started forsaking my usual knitting pursuits just for the sheer pleasure of a new skill! High-quality needle felted goods will sell if you market them right, as well.

I'm also thinking about other cheap, cool craft solutions, especially with fabric. I like the idea of making yo yos, but producing them on the large scale would require stupid amounts of time and dedication in the long run. Anyone with any good tips?

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Kate

bizzylizzy

I have just looked up needle felting, after reading your post, and it looks really good! I have never heard of it before. Where do you get the special needle from, and the pad?

radiosupply

I just searched "needle felting kit" on eBay and managed to get a pretty good deal. Most places will send you a foam pad, needle holder and a small assortment of needles. It's best to figure out which gauge of needle works best for you... just the way I felt, I've discovered that the heavy gauge ones are not for me at all, but it may be different for you.

It took awhile to sort of get the hang of it, and it's easier to felt with wool roving than yarn, but I love wet felting and needle felting, so I just keep unplied wool yarn around for both purposes.

Mellika

Hi Kate, I'm a crafty foreigner too, although steer more towards papercrafting Never really thought of making money from these hobbies but I think you've got the right attitude. I'll try to come up with ideas when I'm not so knackered Welcome to MSE (warning: it's highly addictive)

radiosupply

Hi ladies,

If you wanted some inspiration in the needle felting department, I would suggest Etsy.com (it's addictive, though... just a warning!) and, if all else fails, just give it a shot. You never know when you're going to find a great new hobby, side-business or just something new to tinker with.

I'd warn everyone with children and pets, though, to keep your felting needles under wraps and don't do it when they're in the room. You know how kids like to grab and animals are similarly curious... and my left-hand index finger bears testimony to how much they hurt if improperly used!