We are making toucans!

Your class project is to make your own felt toucan with a custom tie-dyed beak. You'll choose the colors and create a dye pattern that will make your toucan one-of-a-kind.

What can you look forward to in this class?

In the first lesson, we will talk about the tools and materials you’ll need for your project. I’ll help you choose the right needle and threads, and talk about the kinds of felt fabric you’ll need for bird and beak. I’ll give you alternate materials you can use for many of the steps, so you can use what you have in your stash, too.
Next we will get crazy with color! I’ll show you two different ways to dye felt fabric using instant drink mix or food coloring to make rainbow colored felt for the toucan beaks. We’ll talk through all of the simple and safe kitchen chemistry to make the colors vivid and colorfast.
While your dyes dry, we’ll talk embroidery basics. I’ll show you my favorite tip for threading your needle with ease and preparing your fabric and threads to stitch.
We’ll spend a lesson printing patterns and cutting out your felt shapes. I will give you lots of tips for getting accurate cut lines and a variety of tools that can help you.
Finally we’ll assemble our toucans! You’ll learn 4 different embroidery stitches, how to attach sequins and how to assemble all of the layers together. I’ll share lots of tips for making your stitches look clean and finished from every angle.
In the last lesson, we’ll talk about all the different ways you can finish your toucan: make a holiday ornament, add a magnet, or sew a pin. You can even make them double sided and create a hanging mobile for a kids room!

For this class you will need:

an embroidery or chenille needle
embroidery thread in black, white and yellow
wool-blend felt fabric in black, white and small scraps of green and brown
a small piece of stiffened felt, heavy interfacing or recycled plastic
small sharp scissors
glue stick
3 flat sequins, small buttons or beads in assorted colors
freezer paper, applique paper, or plain paper to print pattern pieces
water, white vinegar, instant drink mix, microwave, small recycled container

We’ll talk about all of these materials in more detail in the lessons. Be sure to check the class resources for the Class Handout for places to get materials and more specifics about all of the materials.

We want to see your tie dyed toucan!

Finally, don't forget to upload a photo of your finished toucan in the Class Projects below! We all can't wait to see how your tie dyed felt turned out. Be sure to share the "dye" colors you chose to make your custom felt. Which was your favorite?

Becka Rahn

Artist & teacher, paper & fiber art

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