Fiber: Usually washed animal fibers such as alpaca or sheep wool. Alpaca typically has a smoother and softer feel than other fibers. And since we raise over sixty alpacas, we have a huge ego about the superb merits of alpaca fiber!

Felting Needle: Felting needles are VERY SHARP and directionally barbed on multiple sides. You may not see the barbs but you would feel them along the needle. When you pierce through a bit of raw fiber into a backing foam, the needle drives the loose fiber through the backing fabric into the foam. When you withdraw the needle, the fibers are left in place.

Foam: The foam is to receive the needle and prevent you from breaking needles on your work surface or needling into your lap. All needling is done from the top of the project with a quick jabbing action of the wrist.

Backing Fabric: For surface design, the loose fibers are attached to a base. There are many choices of fabrics or ready-made items that could be used as a base for exquisite, needle felted details.