I’ve just made an experimental piece as I wanted to answer a friend’s question which was “will PVA stiffen felt”? I created a very quick wet felted bowl using a single layer of grey Norwegian wool which was lightly felted and then soaked in a 50/50 solution of PVA and water. It was placed over an upturned glass bowl until it dried out. It isn’t rock hard but certainly stiff enough to give it some body. I can’t say that I particularly like it as a finished piece, so it will probably get washed out and recycled, but the PVA did its job so my friend got their answer and I’ve learnt something for future use.

Wet felted Norwegian wool bowl
Its a beautiful piece Karen. I have used PVA in the past and found it yellows over time. Also recently found out that if the item gets wet it can go tacky. I need to do a piece that will live in a tree outside – I’m thinking of using acrylic medium as I believe (I shall see) that this will not reabsorb water once fully dry.
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You should be fine with acrylic medium Tracy, I’m sure I’ve read that it’s waterproof once it’s dry. Let me know how it goes.
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There’s a product named paverpol that makes fabric stiff letting you make outdoor statues or whatever you want.. I haven’t tried it yet, but there’s a handful of different formulas used for different textiles.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/paverpol-textile-hardener/
Blick carries it and seems to have the clear and colored kinds. Aparently one kind lets you make birdbaths and such that will hold water.
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Thanks for the recommendation Rebecca. I hadn’t heard of Paverpol but having googled it sounds like it could be useful for all sorts of projects.
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I like it. It looks delicate, yet strong. I wonder if the PVA will wash out. I tried an acrylic medium on a silk paper bowl which I didn’t like, but even after soaking for days and washing I couldn’t get it out. Let us know if you do decide to wash it out what happens. Thanks for sharing.
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I will let you know Marilyn. It might become a useful item to restyle for the 2nd quarter challenge on the felting and fibre Studio!
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Something to file away for future use. I wonder if the felt was slightly thicker would it work but then you wouldn’t get the same effect.
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What I love about the Norwegian wool is the lace effect you can get when using it in thin layers, I think your right Sheila, it wouldn’t look quite the same if it were thicker.
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I love the organic movement. Beautiful display with the other items.
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Thanks Sharon, it’s starting to grow on me!
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