Secrets to Sculpting a Stunning Wet-Felted Rose

Made with Merino Wool fibre, these Roses weigh almost nothing. This is sculpting and painting with wool. Now 90, Judith Shaw is a textile artist and felt maker who devised this unique way of making roses more than 35 years ago. The process is almost magical in that it requires you to suspend disbelief and just follow the instructions. Fortunately, Judith wrote some clear notes and has given me permission to share her invention with you. She only asks that they be called 'Judith's Roses'.
00:00 Introduction
00:21 What You Need: a plastic bag, a little detergent some wool top or wool roving, a metal tube
00:56 Prepare the Wool: for making your rose
01:26 Prepare the Resist: light weight plastic bag cut off
02:37 Laying Out the Rose: trust me it will work!
05:25 Felting the Rose: take your time..
07:26 The Slow reveal: Will this really be a rose
19:02 Finally, Adding a Little Stiffening to the Petals and Leaves
This video is not short. It is so important for you to see, step by step, how these Roses are made. Judith invented this way of making a rose out of necessity. She and her husband Don were travelling across Australia, through the desert and Judith was wanting to do some felt making as they drove along. Obviously, anything involving a lot of sloppiness and water was out of the question so Judith came up with the idea of using a simple plastic shopping bag and a metal tube which could fit into a jar that had a screw top lid. About twenty years ago, Judith showed me how to make these roses...just in case... So, I have made some before, but it was a long time ago. It was lovely to find her notes. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I hope you enjoy the video. These Roses are so light to wear. I am sure that you will be able to adapt the processes shown here for yourselves. I would love to hear about your adventures and your interpretations of Judith's Roses.
Music A Night Alone by Track Tribe Et Voila! by Chris Haugen
Instructions
Around 35 years ago, the talented textile and felt artist Judith developed her own distinctive method for crafting exquisite and delicate roses. Recently, Judith shared her notes with me. I'm now considering the possibility of using these instructions to create my own rose. Can I execute it correctly? Let's explore. For this project, gather a moderate amount of wool-sufficient for approximately five roses-along with a metal tube, a slender plastic shopping bag, scissors, rubber bands, a pointed skewer, a worn stocking's foot, dishwashing detergent, and a spacious shaker capable of accommodating the metal tube. A small amount of PVA glue is also needed.
To begin, the wool must be prepared by teasing it out for a light and airy texture. This can be done using a dog comb or even your fingers. This technique serves as the foundation for constructing the roses. Once the wool is ready, separate the plastic bag's bottom section, smooth it out, and measure a length equal to the metal tube's size. Cut only one side of the bag along the measured length. Fold the bag in half, smoothing it again with the metal tube. Trim a strip from the bag's bottom, matching the metal tube's height-approximately 15 centimeters by 98 centimeters.
Dampen the strip with a small amount of dishwashing liquid, ensuring it's evenly spread across one half of the plastic. Start creating the rose by laying down leaves about one hand span from the edge. The leaves are optional, but I personally like the green-red contrast. Progress by adding various colored wool layers, beginning with a white merino wool as a background and building up the desired hues for the petals.
As the layers unfold, the outermost petals are added next, gradually decreasing in height as they approach the center. The interior of the rose includes darker shades to create a shadow effect. Sprinkle water lightly over the wool to initiate moisture, then gently roll it around the skewer while ensuring a portion extends beyond the plastic edge. The exposed wool will form the petal connections.
Finger-dampening and massaging of the wool initiate felting. Place the wrapped wool into the stocking, secure it with rubber bands above where leaves and petals begin, and commence rolling, resting intermittently. This repeated motion, akin to smacking and tumbling, drives the felting process. The goal is partial felting, as these roses are meant to be delicate. Overnight resting is suggested.
For a quicker felting process, use a shaker to agitate the wool. Upon removing the rose from the stocking, you'll find that the base is well-felted, while the rest is suitably delicate. Gently rinse and shape the rose, refining its form. Polish it carefully to complete the felting process. Once dry, a water-soluble glue can be applied to reinforce the structure and preserve the shape.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey.

[@ninon2055]

Большое спасибо Джудит за оригинальное решение при творении Розы Юдифи! И особая благодарность Вам за то, что Вы поделились этим искусством! Творческих успехов Вам!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thankyou so much for your kind comment. I hope to share a lot more of her ideas for wonderful felt making.

[@ninon2055]

😽🌹🌹🌹Please accept my spring greetings on your first autumn day! And congratulations on the upcoming International Women's Day on March 8th!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much. Enjoy the lovely spring. Our autumn is very gentle and a relief after the hot weather.

[@user-rv7zz3dh3t]

Спасибо большое делаю с детками за 45 минут. Все быстро и нежно. Детям очень нравиться.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Yes I agree with you completely. Feltmaking works really well with children. Thankyou very much for watching. It was lovely to hear from you today. Today is mother's day in Australia.

[@provoilok]

Какое интересное техническое решение! Роза прекрасная!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. So glad that you liked the video.

[@camilagonzal2003]

Excelent .

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much for commenting. And... very glad you liked it.

[@camilagonzal2003]

👌 Bello 💐 🇵🇪 Desde Perú.

[@TheJudeP]

Amazing how much thought went into this process. Thank you for sharing about Judith’s work.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

You are so welcome! Thank you very much for commenting. I will be slowly producing more videos about Judith's work. She has been very innovative and adventurous . Its great that through KZbin her work can find an audience .

[@juliesludds2840]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful craft 💗✨I love it

[@TheWeekendArtist]

My pleasure 😊Thank you very much for your lovely comment. Made my day.

[@janelleshaw1143]

How wonderful to share Judith's story and techniques. The rose you demonstrated looks very beautiful and although quite a long process a very satisfying and lovely rose to treasure at the end. Thank you for a well presented video which leaves you feeling like you have to make one yourself! Janelle

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much Janelle for the lovely comment. Judith was pretty chuffed when she saw the video for the first time. Many clear memories and pretty impressed that her notes are so clear, precise and easy to follow. Yes it is very long as a video! Are you going to make a rose?

[@janelleshaw1143]

@@TheWeekendArtist A very good reaction from Judith. You are very clever to interpret and demonstrate how to make this video and yes, I will try to make a rose some time! Janelle

[@lidiacristinacobos1472]

Preciosa quedo !!! Sabor a nostalgia 🎉 Gracias por tu entrega exquisita !!!😊🎉

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so very much for yourlovely comment. and Thank you so much for watching!

[@TheJudeP]

Love the use of the container as the tube!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you! Cheers! You can also experiment with lots of different sized containers.

[@IrinaIrina51]

Спасибо!!!! Это так красиво и нежно!!!!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Я так рада, что тебе нравится. Спасибо за просмотр, и я очень ценю, что вы нашли время, чтобы оставить комментарий. Сделал мой день!

[@user-rp9fk8bu5p]

А мне понравилось,роза получилась очень нежной, спасибо за мк

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Привет Большое спасибо за то, что дали мне знать. Мне так приятно, что вы довольны своей розой. Это легкость и прозрачность, которые делают его таким правдоподобным. Я уверен, что вы улучшите мой метод. С наилучшими пожеланиями, Кристина Is that your rose? it looks very beautiful

[@LolitaTretjakov]

😘какая красота! Вы настоящий творец! Благодарю вас и Джудит за такой оригинальный способ создания «Розы Юдифи».

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Жылуу билдирүүңүз үчүн чоң рахмат. Мен аны абдан баалайм. 90 жаштагы Жудит да сизге эң жакшы каалоолорун жолдойт.

[@muffsmerino]

What an interesting way to do this!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Yes it's pretty unique. Invented by my mother who has just turned 90!

[@Moonlight-kp7lu]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing!👌👌👌❤️❤️❤️

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you too

[@JC-xx6rr]

I really enjoyed this and will watch your other videos too. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much watching and for your lovely comment. It is a real boost to me. I really appreciate it. Christine

[@ateliermerlijnlia4662]

Love it

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much for letting me know. I really appreciate that. All my best wishes to you, Christine

[@natashacalifornia6982]

So beautiful!!!!!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so very much. Made my day.

[@DillyWillow]

Beautiful 😍

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Hi . I am so glad you liked it. hope you get to make one for yourself. Thank you very much for getting in touch

[@patriciacelisvenegas9550]

Muy bonita!!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you so much Patricia and thank you for watching. All my best wishes , Christine

[@opahoppenstedt2530]

beautiful work. Thank you for the interesting video

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you for watching. It is an interesting method isnt it? Also thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@pippidimerlo6751]

What a beautiful delicate rose! Thank you so much for sharing. I actually just finished making my very first rose using Judith’s method and with your explanations. It turned out lovely. I was unsure of the amount of soap on the plastic, I used a paintbrush to spread it evenly, that made me realize I needed more. I started around 10 this morning and, with 2 breaks, I rinsed it by 3.30 pm. I did not do as good of a job as yours cutting the petals, but stretching them and rolling them helped. I’m grateful for you expertise and generosity.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Hi Pippi. I am thrilled that you have made your first rose. Good innovation on your part too. I think everyone who makes one will make their own adjustments and improvements in the method. Your timing would match mine pretty accurately. I never used to cut them at all . I think some people are so brilliant that they can plan ahead and work out the petals to come out exactly where needed. Thank you so much for letting me know. about your adventures. So lovely of you.

[@helenamucha2517]

Beautiful 🌹

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you very much . I really appreciate you taking time to comment.

[@ElizabettLATT-tl9tn]

THANK YOU!!!AMAZING!!!🌹🌹🌹

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you very much Elizabeth. I am so glad that you liked it. I really appreciate that you commented. Made my day

[@ElizabettLATT-tl9tn]

@@TheWeekendArtist THANK YOU, THANKS TO YOU WE CAN CREATE BEAUTY IN THIS WORLD, WONDERFUL BEAUTY, I LIVE IN LITHUANIA AT THE MOMENT, IT'S SO FUN THAT SUCH DISTANCE DOESN'T HINDER US TO LEARN GOOD, GOD BLESS YOU🥰

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Yes, I absolutely love this part of KZbin that we can share and connect with so many countries. Thankyou so much for commenting.

[@inesemelnstrazde9978]

Genious idea!

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you ! and Thank you so much for watching.😀

[@inesemelnstrazde9978]

@@TheWeekendArtist I am now making a rose according to your video. When I finish I want to show you the result and the process of work. Where can I write to you? Rose leaves I laid from the layers: viscose - wetted with water - merino wool - wetted with water and pressed tightly with a mosquito net - viscose layer - wetted with soapy water - pressed tightly through the mosquito net, massaged the surface so that all layers became soapy and bonded together. And then everything is again like in your video.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

I would love to see your work! You can reach me at: [e-mail]

[@mandypaul7263]

Talk about an idea if a rose ,a 3D version of a blurry picture of a rose

[@TheWeekendArtist]

thank you what a lovely comment!

[@janetmorton7213]

Thank you this was really interesting to watch. The roses are beautiful. The background music was just too loud compared to your voice for me to enjoy the process fully.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you very much Janet for your comment I really appreciate it I am so sorry about the music I can only suggest you turn it down as I cannot change the music without losing the whole video but I will certainly take on board your advice and make the music quieter in my next videos that was really useful feedback thank you so much

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Dear Janet Thanks again for your feedback. You inspired me to rework this video entirely. I have replaced this video with four others. You can hear the voice loud and clear now . I really appreciated your feedback.

[@sharonwilbourne7256]

This rose is quite beautiful. Thanks for sharing the technique, along with the bits about your friend. I appreciate how you aren't afraid to say "oops," I messed up, and here is how I fixed it. Good job. I think that technique helps those of us who are working through their own projects, to understand that things can go wrong, don't panic, and then think about how to fix it. That helps students gain confidence in their artistry as they think through issues and then fix them. I agree with the comments about the loud background music. I tried to follow using the closed caption feature, but that didn't work out so well because the captions were centered over the handwork you were doing. Have you ever tried to create other types of flowers? I can think of a few flowers whose forms might shape well with this process. I would be interested in seeing your results. Camillas, Callas, humm... If I make any wool flowers, and if I can remember that long, I will share them with you. Once again, thanks for sharing your creativity with all of us. I appreciate it.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Hi Sharon, Thank you for watching and for your comment... What you say is at the heart of what I am trying to do as a weekend artist. Judith is actually my dear mum who is now 90. I am so glad that she kept such good notes about her feltmaking . Wishing you a lovely Christmans

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Dear Sharon, I was just looking again at your comment... I really appreciated you taking time to write. I just discovered for the first time that on youtube, the viewer can move the subtitles to wherever they want on the screen. And.... if you ever want to watch this video again... I have made other versions with no or very low music. This was the first one I had ever done. Thankyou for helping me so much. Wishing you a wonderful 2024.

[@pattiefrey2555]

Great video I have one question how do you get all the soap out of the flower?

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Hi Pattie... great question . You made me realise that this is something I forgot to say. One way is to rinse the whole parcel very thoroughly before you undo it. This would mean rinsing until no soapiness is evident in the rinse water. I would get a container like a drink shaker that is the size to hold the parcel vertically and then keep pouring in fresh water. Since I made this video , I have experimented with some different ways of working such as continuing to felt the petals very gently by hand and this has meant adding soap again to felt the wool some more. So... then I have to just put the whole rose in the water and rinse it out and squeeze out all the excess water. It was scary at first as I thought I would totally lose the shape , But , I didnt and each time , I was able to just gently massage the petals back where they started. The same applies to if the rose gets squished or looks a bit tired after 10 years...you can just dunk it into some soapy water and rinse it out. It will come back to life beautifully. Thank you so much for watching and thankyou especially for this important question . Best Wishes, Christine.

[@LeetaNocha]

Thank you! I will give this technique a try . I would suggest omitting the music, it was hard to hear your voice, which i would rather hear.

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Hi Marjorie and thank you so much for watching. I made another version of this video with no music and better sound...Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2eqY3iIi81-j5I best wishes Christine

[@brendabennett4299]

Can u use power wax to finish the petals instead of watered glue

[@TheWeekendArtist]

thank you for watching Brenda. I have to admit I have never used this product but it looks very interesting. If you make a rose and use the wax, I would love to hear what you discovered. Ready to learn from you!

[@ATVTAN]

Очень интересный способ изготовления розы, но я не пойму почему так плохо сваляламь шерсть

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Спасибо. Отличный вопрос ... Причина, по которой я говорю, что не хочу, чтобы роза была войлочной, заключается в том, что я не хочу, чтобы роза была густой или твердой. Я стараюсь сделать розу прозрачной и очень легкой. Это большая разница ... Я нарушаю некоторые правила изготовления войлока, и это не проблема при изготовлении розы. Я не кладу несколько слоев в разные стороны, как мы обычно делаем, когда делаем войлок. Интересно посмотреть, как роза действительно хорошо себя чувствует к концу, даже если шерсть укладывается очень тонко. Я действительно хочу, чтобы основа была хорошо на ощупь, и это делается очень легко, потому что все лепестки вместе в основе. Thank you. Great question...The reason I say that I dont want the rose to felt is that I dont want the rose to be thick or hard. I am trying to make the rose transparent and very light. This is a big point of difference...I am breaking some felt making rules and it is not a problem when making a rose. I am not laying down multiple layers in different directions as we usually do when making felt. It is interesting to see how the rose does felt quite well by the end even though the wool is being laid down very thinly. I do want the base to felt well and it does very easily because all the petals are together in the base .

[@ATVTAN]

@@TheWeekendArtist спасибо, я поняла вашу задумку, обязательно попробую ваш способ, он очень интересен

[@niezapominajka4540]

😝

[@aysungokbulut7884]

8

[@TheWeekendArtist]

Thank you very much for commenting and thank you especially for watching this video. Merry Christmas!