Just so you can see how much time and effort goes in to each handbag....

INTRODUCTION TO FELT - MAKE YOUR OWN GORGEOUS HANDMADE HANDBAG 

Each felt handbag is designed and made from scratch using combed Merino wool or Norwegian wool, depending on the effect I want. Below is my 'green handbag with flower brooch' which uses both kinds of wool.

1) I start with cutting a thick plastic template into the shape I require, always taking into account that the wool will shrink by around 20% during felting.

2) I lay a bamboo blind on the table, followed by a piece of bubble wrap (bubbles facing up) and a large piece of netting. The plastic template sits on top. I carefully cover the template with a layer of Norwegian wool, making sure to overlap the template by around an inch all over.

3) I cover the wool with another piece of netting, and sprinkle the wool all over with warm soapy water (made with pure soap flakes). I smooth along the top of the net with pure olive oil soap, then carefully turn the template and netting over.

4) I fold the wool onto the new side of the template, and cover it in a layer of fresh wool, again overlapping the template by one inch all around. Again the netting goes over the top, and warm soapy water is added.

5) This process is repeated until all 100g of Norwegian wool is used - I normally find there is enough for 3 layers on each side, with some extra wool placed in the centre so the wool will be of as constant a thickness as possible.

6) I then carefully lay some combed and textured merino wool over the top, wet it, turn it over and try to match the merino wool pattern the best I can on the opposite side.

7) I run the soap around the edges of the handbag, rubbing the edges carefully, then gently rub the rest of the template keeping the netting as flat as possible. The agitation caused by rubbing makes the scales on the fibres swell and entangle, starting the felting process. I remove the netting often to check the fibres, then turn the template over and do the same on the opposite side.

8) The more the fibres entangle, the more pressure can be used. After a while the fibres do not move or lift, and it is then safe to start rolling.

9) I remove the netting, lay the handbag directly between the bubble wrap (bubbles facing into the template), move this onto a bamboo mat and roll it as tightly as possible. I then roll 100 times, using even pressure. After this I open the mat, turn the bag 90 degrees, and re-roll another 100 times. Once I have rolled the bag in all four directions, I then turn it over and roll it 4 x 100 times on the opposite side.

10) I then remove the bubble wrap, and roll the handbag up in the bamboo mat again, this time rolling 50 times in each direction, turning it over and rolling another 4 x 50 times. (By this time I will have rolled 1200 times give or take the odd mis-count, and ! should have something that is starting to look like a handbag!)

11) I very carefully cut along the top of the handbag and remove the plastic template. I then run the soap along the opening and rub gently with my fingers until the opening is felted. I turn the bag inside out, re-wet the handbag, place it in the bubble wrap, roll it in the bamboo mat...and start rolling again! 4 x 50 times on one side, turn it over, then 4 x 50 times on the other. I remove it from the bubble wrap, re-roll directly in the mat 4 x 50 times, turn it over, then another 4 x 50 times.

12) It is then time to turn it 'outside-in', put my hand inside the bag, and start felting the bag into the desired shape. I do this using more warm soapy water, and lots of circular movements using some pressure.

13) When the handbag has taken its required shape, I put it in the sink and cover it in boiling hot water. I leave it for 5 minutes, and then cover it in cold water. This 'shocks' the handbag, making it felt further.

14) The rest of the boiling hot water is used to make a cup of tea to go with a well deserved choccie biscuit (or three!)

15) I squeeze out the excess water, re-shape my handbag and put it somewhere warm to start drying while I start with the handle, ball and catch.

16) The handle and catch are made using a length of combed wool. I hold them above the sink, gently cover them in warm soapy water and run my hands along them. I slowly add more water and pressure, then lay them on some bubble wrap and roll them by hand. After some time I squeeze out the excess water, and start rolling them on the bamboo mat. I do this until they are firm, trimming off the ends as required.

17) These are rinsed in boiling hot then cold water and re-rolled. I carefully pierce the handbag and add the handle and catch where required.

18) The felt ball is made using a small amount of merino wool, rolled into a ball and needle felted. I then wet it with warm soapy water, and roll it on the bubble wrap and finally the bamboo mat. Again this is rinsed with hot and cold water, and sew onto the felt handbag when dry.

19) The final step is to choose one of my hand felted brooches to add to the handbag, which can be changed or removed depending on what the client wishes.

The process of felting a handbag normally takes around 3-4 hours, (not including the time it takes to make the felt flower brooch!).

Good luck and stay felty!