How to Make a Wet Felted Pansy

Sally Gulbrandsen Feltmaker: Her tutorials and techniques are as individual as she is—unique, experimental and always interesting.

Easy Step by Step Felt Flower Tutorial

This step-by-step felting tutorial takes you through the steps of making a felt flower using silver beading wire to help support the petals and stems. This pretty flower can be used on its own in a bud vase or used on a garment or as decoration for a felted hat.

A sander can be utilized to aid the felting process. Alternatively, the project can be rolled as usual between a sheet or bubble wrap or between a bamboo mat. My preferred method is to use a bamboo mat.

Things Needed

• Paper pansy template
• Scissors
• Stirling silver beading wire fine grade silver wire (for large flowers use a slightly thicker wire)
• A soft felt tip pen
• Paper
• A small quantity wool roving in colours of your choice
• Washing up liquid or grated olive oil soap diluted in hot soapy water
• Bubble wrap
• A sheet of thick plastic if using a sander.
• A palm sander (optional) This may be substituted with a bamboo blind or bubble wrap.

Items You Will Require

Step 1: Find a Suitable Pansy Image

• Trace the image below.
• Enlarge the image if required by simply increasing the magnification of your computer screen.
• Use a soft tip felt pen to trace the image.
• Cut the petals out.
• The cut out template will give you a very good indication of the size of the wire frames which will be needed for each petal.

Step 2: Trace the Image

• Once traced, the template can be enlarged or made smaller using your printer.
• Most printers these days have this capability.
• Follow your individual printer manual Instructions to find out how to enlarge or reduce the size of the image or use the method described above to trace the image using a sheet of computer paper.

The Template

Step 3: Cut out the Petals

• Cut out the individual petals and enlarge those which are shown to be hiding one behind the another.
• Lengthen the short ones behind to make those the same size as the petals which are visible from the front.

Step 4: Prepare the 1st Petal

Lay the petal down onto a mat.

Step 5: Measure the Wire

• Trace the outline of the pansy using the soft wire.
• This should go right around the edges of the petals but leave a length on both sides which can be knotted as shown to form the stems of the flower.
• Please see the images below.

Get the Size of the Wire Frame Right

Step 6: Knot the Wire

Knot the wireas shown below.

Cut and Knot the Wire as Shown

Step 7: Make the Petal Frames

• Measure the length of the wire required to go around each petal.
• Add a couple of inches at the lower end to make the stem.
• Knot or twist the wire to form the shape of each petal.

Step 8: Cover the Petal Frames

• Cover the petal frames using wool roving.
• Pull thin long strands from the roving.
• Split the fibres if they are too thick.

Step 9: Choose Realistic Colours!

Choose colours which replicate those of real Pansies. Study some of the beautiful images found all over the Internet. Generally, the two top petals at the top of the Pansy are almost always plain in colour though even this is variable, some pansies have petals in one colour with just a touch of yellow at the throat.

Step 10: Create the Petals

Cover the wire frame using a fine layer of wool roving.

Use a Thin Layer of Wool Roving

Step 11: Add a Second Layer

• Cover the wire frame with a second layer of wool roving.
• This should be placed at 90 degrees to the 1st layer.

The 2nd Layer

Step 12: Getting the Shape Right

• If the wire is a little on the thin side, place a sliver of wool roving across the petal to help support the petal as is shown below.

Step 13: Wet the Center of the Petal

With the squeeze bottle filled with hot soapy water, drop some of the water into the center of the petal.

Step 14: Wet the Center of the Petals

• Wet the wool in the centre of the frame.
• It should be sufficient to wet all of the wool once the edges have been folded in.

Step 15: Turn the Dry Edges Over the Wire Frame

Use your fingers to fold in the dry edges to form a neat edge.

Step 16: Edges Turned In

Below the wool fibres can be seen to be neatly folded around the metal frame.

Step 17: Make 5 Petals

This image shows the five petals ready to have a decorative layer added to the surface of the wool.

Step 18: The Decorative Layer

• Add a decorative layer.
• The top two petals were left blank.
• This is typical of many of the varieties of pansies though there are very many variations on this theme.

Step 19: Make the Sepal

Use the silver wire to make the sepal in the same way as the petals were made.

Step 20: Make the Sepal

Place the wire frame on the opened out wool roving and wrap it around the top

Step 21: Wet the Sepal

Wet the Sepal and roll on the mat.

Step 22: Roll Well

Roll the wet wool until it felts hard up against the metal.

Step 23: Felting

Add a little hot and cold water so as to quicken the shrinking process.

Step 24: Felting the Petals

Assemble the pieces together on a sheet of bubble wrap.

Step 25: Cover with Plastic

• Cover the assembled pieces with a thick sheet of plastic or a piece of bubble wrap.
• Sand well with a palm sander using all the safety instructions associated with using a sander near water.
• Alternatively, put the assembled pieces between a bamboo blind and roll well in all directions or cover with bubble wrap and rub well in the usual way.

Step 26: Safety First!

Never allow the sander to come into contact with water and don't use a sander which has a dust bag.

Step 27: Plastic

Use a thick sheet of plastic or even a child's play mat will suffice.

Step 28: Sand, Rub or Roll on Both Sides

• Sand, rub or roll the items on both sides.
• Start by vibrating the petals for about three minutes on each side.
• Keep on changing the direction in which you roll the woollen fibres if using a bamboo mat or bubble wrap.

Step 29: Turn Over

Sand, rub or roll on both sides.

Step 30: Shrink

Dip the petals in hot and then cold water and add a little white vinegar to the final rinse water.

Step 31: Pat Dry

• Pat the petals dry and then assemble the pieces.
• Twist the wires together and if desired cover the stems with thin layer green wool roving.
• Rub and roll the stems until they shrink back against the wire.
• Assemble the petals with the sepal in the middle.

Some Interesting Facts About Pansies

• Pansies are edible and fragrant.
• They are part of the Viola family which includes pansies and violas of which there are over 500 varieties
• Pansies are single with five rounded petals.
• Blue and yellow pansies have the strongest perfume or scent.
• The wonderful scent of pansies does appear to be stronger early in the morning or later in the evening
• They are easy to grow from seed
• They are pretty much disease free
• Some varieties grow in Winter and others grow in Spring and Summer
• The flowers and the leaves are edible and are high in Vitamin A and C. They have a strong flavor and can be used to make syrup. They are used in salads and can flavor honey.
• The flowers can be used as a dye
• The Greeks are known to use Pansies in herbal medicine
• William Shakespeare was inspired to write about Pansies
• Pansies prefer to grow in full or partial sun
• Pansies are seldom bothered by pests

Making a 3D Wet Felted Flower With an Electric Sander

For more 3D Wet Felted Tutorial in this series please follow the link below:-

• How to make a 3d Felt Flower using Wet Felting Techniques - A Video Tutorial
  This short video will explain how to make a 3-D Felt Flower using the Wet Felting Technique along with a clear explanation of how the whole process works from beginning to end

© 2014 Sally Gulbrandsen

Comments

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on August 13, 2015:

Kylyssa

If there is one hobby you should try it is wet felting! It can be quite addictive:) I really appreciate the visit and hope that you will return to explore a little more. I really can recommend that your try the little coin purses made in a tumble dryer.

Kylyssa Shay from Overlooking a meadow near Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA on August 13, 2015:

I've avoided looking at your other craft tutorials because I really, really don't need another hobby but the finished product looks so cool I had to come and take a look at this one. What an easy-to-follow set of step-by-step instructions for making felted pansies! The finished product is so cute.

Richard Parr from Australia on March 26, 2014:

Congratulations on your hubpot win, well deserved. This article reminds me of the format used on the Instructables web site. Beautifully presented. voted up and awesome.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 26, 2014:

PegCole17

So pleased that you enjoyed my tutorial.

Thank you very much.

Sally

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 26, 2014:

Glimmer Twin Fan

Start at the beginning with a very small project. I am about to publish a beginners Tutorial on how to make a rose. It is so very easy and the results are really lovely. I should post it later tonight.

I am always happy to help if you have any questions.

Best wishes

Sally

Claudia Mitchell on March 26, 2014:

So beautiful Sally. I love pansies and this is just lovely. I really really need to try felting some time. Just not sure how to get started.

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on March 26, 2014:

Amazing detail on the instructions with great photos to go along with the directions. Beautiful and creative.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 26, 2014:

Vellur

I am delighted to have won with this Hub as I very much enjoyed creating the pansy. Thank you so much.

Sally

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on March 26, 2014:

An awesome creative hub!! The pansies are beautiful! Congratulations on the win!

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 26, 2014:

Mark Ewbie

I imagine it is not but I am still delighted to have you grace my pages. Time for Mr Stickman or Mrs Stickman to do some wet felting. I imagine Mrs Stickman needs a new frock or a flower in her hair.

Thanks for stopping by Mark

Sally

Mark Ewbie from UK on March 26, 2014:

Oh wow - amazing. Not really my thing, making flowers, but the work you put in and the pictures. That's really something else. Poor old Stickman is going to need a makeover with a steam iron.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 25, 2014:

oceansunsets

It is my pleasure to share the very enjoyable craft of Wet Felting with visitors to these pages. Thank you very much for your comment.

Sally

Paula from The Midwest, USA on March 25, 2014:

Hi Sallybea, what an interesting hub! I love pansies, and love crafts, but never would have thought to create something like this! Thanks for sharing it, it is really unique.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 25, 2014:

R Talloni

How nice is that! I did not realize I had won until you told me! Thank you very much for your comment too.

Sally

RTalloni on March 25, 2014:

Congrats, congrats on the win! Such a neat project with detailed instructions and neat info!

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 24, 2014:

Prosperity66

Thanks for the visit and the comment, glad I was able to teach you a little about felting.

Sally

Prosperity66 on March 24, 2014:

I've always wondered how to assemble felted wool, now I know...

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on March 22, 2014:

You too Sally. I suspect felting is one of those hobbies I will do later, like when the kids grow up. I really love your tutorials - keep up the good work!

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 22, 2014:

Suzanne Day

Rome was not built in one day! It takes time and patience to learn new skills and like you, I am still learning all the time. My problem is that I want to learn it all in one day. I look at wet felting as an evolving art form and I am always thinking of new ways to push myself a little further. Thanks for the pin and the vote up, I so appreciate your feedback.

Enjoy you week-end

Sally

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on March 22, 2014:

Absolutely stunning and while I can't wait to make one - I am still not the best felter around! Voted awesome, up and pinned!

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 22, 2014:

heidithorne

I am glad you were able to stop by and discover how to make a wet felted pansy with me. Careful though! This craft is addictive - once you start you won't be able to stop.

Enjoy your week-end

Sally

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on March 22, 2014:

I always wondered how this felting stuff was done. Now I know! Gorgeous project and hub!

FlourishAnyway from USA on March 21, 2014:

How beautiful, Sally! I can imagine using this on a pin either alone or as part of a mini bouquet. You are definitely the diva of wet felting.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 21, 2014:

raymondphilippe

The pleasure is all mine. I am delighted you were able to visit and comment on my Wet Felting Pansy Tutorial. Thank you so much.

Sally

Raymond Philippe from The Netherlands on March 21, 2014:

Wow. You delivered one beautiful hub. I am not a handyman myself, but I loved seeing what can be done. Excellent!

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

Jodah

Thank you so much for the compliment and the vote up. I appreciate your taking the time to comment on this wet felting Tutorial.

Best wishes

Sally

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on March 20, 2014:

Sally, what a great looking wet-felted pansy. Almost looks like the real thing. This was a great hub, full of detail and step by step pics making it easy to follow. Well done. Voted up.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

teaches12345

Wet Felting is a wonderful medium to work with. I do believe that it is craft which still evolving as we discover more ways to improve on the skills which have stood the test of time.

Thank you for your continued support. It is much appreciated.

Sally

Dianna Mendez on March 20, 2014:

The pansy looks so real. Great detailed instruction on how to make these beautiful flowers. This is such a creative art form.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

Eiddwen

Thank you for the lovely comment, the vote up and your best wishes for a wonderful day. I hope you enjoy this project with the children. Don't forget to try my edible bread frog project with them too. I guarantee they will be a real hit with the children.

Sally

Eiddwen from Wales on March 20, 2014:

What a wonderful hub sallybea and I am saving for a great project to enjoy not only with my grandkids but also on my own. Voted up and wishing you a wonderful day.

Eddy.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

purl3agony

I don't think you should feel any concern about the use of a sander especially if follow safe practices. Don't use one which has a dust bag. Place a thick plastic mat on top of the project and no water will come anywhere near the sander.

The flower is a very small project, the perfect one for a first time project. The conventional way of felting will work just as well with a little elbow grease will work just as well.

I very much appreciate your visit, the vote, the pin and your continued support.

Thank you

Sally

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

DDE

Happy that you found the Hub - wet felting a pansy useful and interesting. Thanks you for the vote up, I so appreciate your continued support.

Best wishes

Sally

Donna Herron from USA on March 20, 2014:

Such a pretty project and your directions are wonderful! I'd be a little nervous using a sander (this is the kind of thing that always goes wrong when I try it), but it seems to work really well for felting - just amazing! Great hub. Voted up and pinned!!

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on March 20, 2014:

Beautiful Pansies with wire frame sounds a wonderful idea. Your creative mind keeps on surprising me. You summed it all so thoroughly. Informative and most useful indeed. Voted up, useful and interesting.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

MsDora

I am so pleased you enjoyed my wet felted Tutorial on how to make a pansy on a wire frame. I appreciate your visit as always.

Have a great day

Sally

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on March 20, 2014:

Your pansy looks so real. You are pro, Sally. Thank you for sharing your creativity and being so patient in outlining the steps in such detail.

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

Faith Reaper

I love pansies and they are in full swing in the UK. How beautiful they are with their delicate faces which peer up at you. It does seem that the bees very much approve too. I watch them flitting in and out of the flowers and I wonder if they too enjoy the sweet taste as much as they I do their delicate little faces.

Thank you for the pin and more. Pinterest is a great resource and it is Pins like yours which introduce others to hobbies like these.

Thank you too for your constant support.

Have a wonderful day.

Sally

Sally Gulbrandsen (author) from Norfolk on March 20, 2014:

billybuc

I am delighted that you approve Billy. I do agree with you. I enjoy knowing that my traffic continues to grow along with my now increasing Hubs on Wet Felting.

It is very nice to be able to share with people who love doing what I enjoy doing. I think it is a win, win situation.

Thanks for your constant support. I very much appreciate every visit.

Have a great day.

Sally.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on March 19, 2014:

Oh, how beautiful and creative is this pansy project here! I love pansies, with their delicate beauty and variety of stunning colors. You have outdone yourself with this hub once again. Great instructions and fabulous photos.

Up and more, tweeting and pinning

Have a lovely evening,

Faith Reaper

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 19, 2014:

Wonderful job, Sally! This is the kind of niche writing I have been preaching for a long time on HP. It may not be a large percentage of the population that you are writing for, but those who do this type of craft work will find your articles every time they do an online search for felt crafts. Nice job!

bill