Get The TechniqueIn preparation for Halloween, I was given the task of developing costumes for Martha's gorgeous Frenchies, Sharkey and Francesca. What better way to show off the girls' fabulousness than with brand-new hairdos! Check out the gallery below for instructions on how you too can fashion wigs for your dogs using wool and a very simple felting technique. For full instructions and templates, click here.
1
2 The "hair" on these wigs is actually wool from Lincoln sheep. These beautifully dyed "Lincoln Locks" were obtained from Carol Farmer at Mountain Fiber Folk in Montgomery Center, Vermont.
3 The wool was then separated in to small tufts.
4 After measuring between Francesca's ears and sizing the template to fit her head, I cut a base for the wig from 100 percent wool felt.
5 To felt the wool fibers to the wig base, I used a felting tool (five felting needles were secured in the tool) and a felting brush.
6 Laying the base across the felting brush, I started by positioning a tuft of wool at the very edge.
7 I then felted the wool directly to the base using the felting tool.
8 I continued around the edge of the base, felting each tuft of wool as I went.
9 The felting needles grab the wool fibers and push them straight through the felt base, firmly securing the wool.
10 Here is the wig after one time around the base with the wool and the felting tool.
11 The wig base after two passes.
12 To felt around the ear holes, I positioned the wool facing into the hole, felted it to the base...
13 ...and then folded it back over itself to hide the felted edge.
14 Where the natural "part" in the wig would be, I positioned the wool with the fibers facing toward the center and, again, felted the wool to the base and folded it back over itself to hide the felted edge.
15 All felted!
16 On the underside of the base you can see the wool fibers sticking through. These provide not only a soft cushion but a bit of friction to keep the wig on the dog's head.
17 Straps were added to the bottom of the wig so it could be tied (or attached with Velcro) under the chin.
18 For an extra "Bride of Frankenstein" effect, I added a stripe of white wool on each side of the wig.
19 The completed wig!
20 This is a rainbow wig I also made for Sharkey.
21 A stuffed model of Francesca opts for a glamour shot!
22 Stuffed Sharkey showing off her rainbow locks.
23 Here's the real live Francesca showing off her Halloween hairdo.
24 Sharkey looks fabulous!
25 Just the girls, hanging out in Mommy's dressing room, waiting for the show to begin...
From: Your Pets » These Pets Are Scary Movie Heroes: In the LINK of an Eye!”/> | 10/29/10 at 1:20 pm
[...] There’s still time to make doggie wigs for Halloween! —The Crafts Dept. [...]
From: Bonnie Boots | 10/29/10 at 4:12 pm
I've ordered the wonderful artisan wools from Carol and the Mountain Fiber Folk http://www.mtfiberfolk.com/ for knitting and weaving but never imagined making a dog wig. Hmmm. Time to start thinking about a Santa wig and beard for my best friend!
From: Carol Farmer | 10/30/10 at 11:56 am
Thanks for using our wool! It was a wonderful project to work on.