The outbreak of Covid-19 is having an
enormous and diverse impact on people
globally. Many people feel isolated, frustrated,
and overwhelmed. To manage our well-being,
crisis support organizations emphasize a “calm
approach” that incorporates creative, mindful
practices in our daily routines. Creative activities
can help us to express our feelings and to
connect with family, friends, and communities.
Today, the connection between well-being and
engagement with “slow” approaches to making is
more meaningful than ever.
In this project, we show you how to create an
E-Felted Fantastical Mushroom — an e-textile
sculpture that involves needle-felting and
electronics. The project deliberately explores a
slow and contemplative approach to creating that
takes into account the life-cycle and sustainability
of materials. By felting soft wool to create a
fantastical form that lights up, we can calm the
mind, encourage mindfulness, and express
feelings of affection and connectivity with our
communities and the natural environment.
1. Separate the fibers
To divide a length of roving or sliver, hold your
hands apart about 6" (15cm) and gently pull.
The fibers will separate easily without breaking
(Figure
A
). If your hands are too close together
the fibers will not separate, and they are likely
to break.
2. Felt the mushroom cap
Place your sliver on the felting mat. Roll the sliver
AGNIESZKA GOLDA PH.D.
and JO LAW PH.D. combine their
expertise in textiles, design, visual
and media arts, and bring together
art, science, and technology
to develop creative strategies
for improving people’s and the
planet’s well-being. Their eco-
making workshops for the Global
Challenges: Future Makers Project
at University of Wollongong
explore how creativity and
science can contribute to building
environmentally sustainable and
healthy living futures.
TIME REQUIRED:
2 Hours
DIFFICULTY:
Easy
COST:
$40–$50: $25 and up for needle felting
kits, and $17 for electronic components
MATERIALS
With some eco-maker tips on getting them
sustainably:
» Wool roving or sliver, 12" (30cm) lengths, in
4 colors We’re using 100% pure New Zealand
Corriedale wool sliver; merino wool top is too fine
for this project. Try to source local, sustainably
produced, non-mulesed wool. You can dye your
own wool and felted objects using eco-friendly
natural dye processes.
» LED sequin
» Uncoated wire, bare silver or copper, 50cm
length, 32–30 gauge (0.2mm–0.25mm) You can
use copper wire stripped from an old audio cable.
» 3V battery We’re using a 3.7V lithium polymer
(LiPo) battery. You can use coin, AA, or AAA
batteries, but rechargeable is ideal.
» Matching battery holder with a switch
» Alligator clips (optional) to connect wires to
battery
TOOLS
» Felting foam or mat Use 100% wool felted mats
or plant-based (corn or soy) foams.
» Felting needle, 38 gauge, star or triangle shape
Both needles work well for bulk sculpting work and
finer detail.
» Sewing needle
» Scissors
» Single needle holder (optional) Try a holder made
from biodegradable and sustainably harvested
materials, such as wood.
» Finger cots/protectors (optional) You can make
your own finger cots by upcycling old rubber or
leather gloves.
Jo Law
83
A
makeprojects.com
M75_082-7_EfeltMushrooms_F1.indd 83M75_082-7_EfeltMushrooms_F1.indd 83 10/11/20 12:00 PM10/11/20 12:00 PM
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