Cutting and using foam in felt pieces.

Foam rubber also called upholstery foam, is a great medium for soft sculpture and toy making. It can usually be  found at craft, upholstery and hardware stores.  When making something that really needs structure foam can be a life saver.  Foam based items retain their shape far better than stuffed pieces.

Toys that will receive heavy use like blocks or play cakes are perfect candidates for felt.

On the downside  it can be costly and foam can be cumbersome to cut or make the project look too structured.

Foam is sold in various heights but if you can’t find the size you want you can glue to foam rubber pieces together. This can be a little tricky to accomplish so glue pieces first and then cut into shape not the other way around. All that you need for this is spray glue made for use with foam. This is usually sold in the same places foam is sold.

To cut foam you can usually use scissors on foam under 1 inch. But BE CAREFUL!

Foam larger than 1″ will require the use of an  electric carving knife also called a turkey carving knife.

Selection of foam rounds from American Felt and Craft.

From cookies, pies, pizza, and cakes I have cut more foam into rounds than I care to talk about I now use the pre-cut rounds and wedges we have cut just for us and sell at A.F.C

How to cut a foam round here’s how to do it:

You will need:

A tape measure

Template of the diameter round you are making

A permanent marker

Scissors

An electric or turkey knife

Foam

Safety goggles (because tiny foam pieces hurt your eyes)

Goggles on let’s go!

Secure the template  into place with a few straight pins into the foam to keep it from shifting.

 Trace the shape onto the felt with your marker. Mark out a square around your template.

Using a  turkey or electric knife carefully cut out the square.

Using a turkey knife cut in as close as possible to your markings.

Finish by making your piece as smooth as possible with the scissors.

When working  with felt your cuts do not have to be completely perfect. As they say “Felt hides a multitude of sins.”

OK only I say that… doesn’t mean it’s not true!

Colored Hook and Loop! (non-velcro brand fastener) Now available!

We just unloaded our stock of colored hook and loop! Sew matching hook and loop to felt food for fruits, veggies, and desserts that “chop” apart easily with a plastic play knife.

What more could your budding foodie ask for?

P.S Check back later this coming week for the totally free felt carrot tutorial!