Wet Felting Wool Balls

What you'll need

• Pastel wool roving (unspun wool) in a few colors
• A bowl of very warm (not hot) water
• A bar of olive oil or castile soap
• A small towel
• A shallow tray to work over
• Optional: a bamboo sushi mat for rolling

How to make it

1. 1

   Pull off a fluffy piece of wool roving about the size of your child's fist.

2. 2

   Roll it loosely into a ball shape. Wrap other colors of wool around the outside for a rainbow effect.

3. 3

   Rub the bar of soap between your palms until they're slippery.

4. 4

   Together, dip the wool ball into the warm water and squeeze gently so it soaks through.

5. 5

   Now the important part: place the wet ball between your child's cupped hands and show them how to roll it very gently in tiny circles.

6. 6

   Roll for a few minutes with gentle pressure, then a few more minutes with firmer pressure. The wool tightens and shrinks as the fibers hook together.

7. 7

   When the ball feels solid and small (about half the size it started), rinse it in cool water and squeeze out the extra water in the towel. Let it dry overnight.