Supplies are items that I use up and replace when I run out. Here are the supplies in my stash.
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Basics supplies I use almost every day
22g Cloth Wrapped Wire – I’ve purchased this wire from Sarafina Fiber Art for years and never been disappointed. The wire they sell is good quality and reliable. It just works.
Wire Aluminum Dead Soft 14g – Flexible but strong wire that I use to make medium size animal armatures
Wire Aluminum Dead Soft 12g – Flexible but strong wire that I use to make large animal armatures
Craft Wire Zebra Copper 22g – nice round wire to use for fingers, toes and beaks
Craft Wire Zebra Copper 24g – thinner round wire to use for teeny, tiny fingers, toes and beaks
E6000 Glue – I prefer this over a SuperGlue because it does not dry instantly. It gives you some time to reposition and align elements before it dries. But when it dries, it’s strong and clear. It’s also easier to clean up or trim away if you make a mistake than SuperGlue.
Elmer’s Glue-All Multipurpose Glue – I use this water-based white glue (it dries clear) to attach wool to wire. I also dilute it with water and paint it on wool wrapped legs to help seal and stiffen them.
I do not recommend Elmer’s School Glue as I have read that it dries clear but yellows quickly.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue – Thicker than Elmer’s Glue, water based, and easy to find locally.
Disappearing Ink or Air erase Marker – One of my favorite supplies! I use this to temporarily mark eyes, noses, draw out sections of an animals coat, and anything else I need to mark without permanence
Optional supplies I use from time to time
Sharpie Fine Point Marker – I use this marker for a lot of tasks. It’s especially useful for marking points to bend on armature wires.
Specialty supplies for things like making claws, using wax, paint, etc.
Cosclay DOLL Faerie Light Medium-Firm – This is my clay of choice for making claws and beaks. I also use the Soft version but mostly for larger pieces. The soft can get very soft while working which makes it challenging to sculpt into tiny pieces.
Liquitex Basics Gloss Acrylic Varnish – I apply this varnish over my painted clay beaks or claws when I want a glossy finish. It seals the paint and protects the piece from scuffs or scratches. It also cleans up with soap and water so it doesn’t ruin my brushes.
Liquitex Matte Acrylic Varnish – I apply this varnish over my painted clay beaks, noses, or claws when I want a matte finish. It seals the paint and protects the piece from scuffs or scratches. It also cleans up with soap and water so it doesn’t ruin my brushes.
Sarafina Swax – This is made specifically for use with wool. It’s lovely for making beaks, noses, claws, and more. I’ve been using it for several years. It has held up beautifully in the sculptures I’ve included it in.
Powdered Pigments sold by Sarafina – I purchased the black and brown pigments sold by Sarafina Fiber Art to mix into Swax. These pigments are strong and stay suspended in the melted wax. They make it easy to tint the Swax for more realistic claws, beaks and noses.
Mungyo Gallery Soft / Chalk Pastel Set – I have the set of 30 colors. I use these to add subtle details to needle felted animals. It’s almost like applying powdered makeup to them but with better quality pigments.
Glass eyes – I purchase most of my glass eyes on wire from Glass Eyes Online. I like their assortment of colors, sizes, and the option to order a few pairs or a larger number. They have an Etsy shop or you can order from their website.
DMC Gold Metallic Embroidery Thread – I use this beautiful gold metallic thread as the hangers for my ornaments. You can also use a clear fishline or another color. But this gold thread is lovely for the holidays or when you just want to give your piece a little sparkle.
Unicorn Power Scour – There are a lot of opinions on what to use to wash raw wool, dyed wool, and locks. But I prefer to use something designed especially for deep cleaning wool and animal fibers. Power Scour is recommended by Mary Egbert in her book, Camaj Fiber Art’s Scouring and Fiber Prep Guide. She’s an expert and I trust her. Rather than risk damaging my fiber, I decided to do what Mary says. So I use this!