A gift you made yourself says something no shop can. And with wet felting you don’t need a sewing machine, a studio or years of practice: just soft wool, warm soapy water and your hands.

I’m Svetlana, and I teach felting at my studio in Briton Ferry, near Neath. Every December my students ask the same thing: what can I make for Christmas that looks lovely and won’t take forever? Here are my four favourite answers, from a quick stocking filler to a gift they’ll use every evening.

1. Felted mushrooms: tree decorations and stocking fillers

Felted golden chanterelles, a brown cap mushroom and a red fly agaric
Chanterelles, a brown cap and a fly agaric, all felted from merino wool.

Little felted mushrooms are pure joy. A spotty red fly agaric, golden chanterelles, a brown cap with a ribbon loop for the tree: they’re small, light and cheerful, which makes them perfect for stocking fillers, gift toppers and Christmas tree decorations.

You felt the cap and stem in one piece around a simple template, so once you’ve made one you can make a whole woodland in different colours and sizes. Fair warning: it’s very addictive.

Online course · Beginner Funky Fungi: Wet Felted Woodland Mushrooms A great first project: step-by-step video, beginner friendly. £15See the course

2. A felted lampshade: the showstopper

Teal, white and gold felted lampshade on a glass lamp base
Silk and wool glow beautifully once the lamp is switched on.

If you want one gift they’ll really remember, make a lampshade. You design a piece of felt from wool and silk in the colours of their home, then fit it to a ready-made drum lampshade kit. When the lamp is on, the silk glows and the fibres light up in a way no printed fabric can.

It’s a bigger project, so give yourself a weekend. No drawing skills are needed: the design is built up step by step.

Online course · Beginner Silk and Wool Glow - Lampshade Tutorial 6 video lessons, from choosing colours to fitting the shade. £60See the course

3. A felted picture to frame

Felting is often called “painting with wool”. Lay fine merino like brushstrokes, blend the edges and you get a soft, watercolour-like picture, ready to frame. A framed daisy or meadow picture makes a personal gift for a mum, a grandma or a new home.

Online course · Beginner Daisies Picture: Wet Felting Video Tutorial Learn the watercolour effect with wool, step by step. £30See the course

4. Delicate details for felt lovers

Already felting pictures? Add fine flowers like cow parsley to lift a landscape. It’s a small, focused technique that makes a big difference, and a lovely way to add something new to a gift you’re already making.

Online tutorial · Beginner Cow Parsley: Decoration part in Wet Felting (Mini-Tutorial) Mini tutorial on the decoration stage only. £6See the tutorial

What you’ll need for wet felting at home

Wet felting needs very little equipment, and most of it is already in your kitchen:

  • Merino wool tops in your colours (plus silk fibres for a lampshade)
  • Soap and warm water, and a bowl
  • A towel, bubble wrap or a mat to work on
  • A piece of synthetic net
  • Scissors, and a needle and thread for finishing touches

Each tutorial gives you a full list for its project.

When to start

Tip: start by early December. Felt needs time to dry before you wrap it, and anything you’re posting needs a few extra days. Mushrooms are quick, so they’re perfect if you’re short of time.

Not a maker? Give the experience instead

If the person you’re buying for loves making things, a felting day is a gift in itself. Our studio classes in Briton Ferry, near Neath, are small and friendly, with all materials included, and everyone takes home what they make. Get in touch if you’d like to book a place as a present.

Happy making, and happy Christmas!
Svetlana