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The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Felting
Felting, the process of matting and pressing wool fibers together to create a solid piece of fabric or a three-dimensional object, has been practiced for centuries and continues to be a popular craft today. Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby, unleash your creativity, or simply relax and unwind, felting offers a wide range of benefits for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
History & Background
The art of felting has a long history dating back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of felting dates back to around 6500 BC, where felt was used for clothing, tents, and other practical purposes. Over time, felting techniques evolved and spread across different cultures, leading to the diverse array of techniques we see today.
Benefits
Mental Benefits
- Boosts creativity and self-expression
- Improves focus and concentration
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Physical Benefits
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Enhances fine motor skills
- Encourages relaxation and mindfulness
Social Benefits
- Connects you with a community of fellow crafters
- Provides opportunities to share and learn from others
- Promotes a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie
Getting Started
Essential Equipment
Before you begin felting, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies:
- Wool roving or yarn
- Felting needles
- Foam pad or sponge
- Scissors
- Water and soap (for wet felting)
Skills and First Steps
To get started with felting, follow these simple steps:
- Choose your wool roving or yarn.
- Start by practicing basic needle felting techniques on a foam pad.
- Experiment with wet felting by layering wool roving and soap, then agitating the fibers with water.
- Create your first basic project, such as a felted flower or small animal.
Techniques & Tips
As you progress in your felting journey, consider experimenting with advanced techniques such as blending colors, adding embellishments, and creating intricate designs. Here are a few tips to help you improve your felting skills:
- Use a light touch when needle felting to avoid breaking needles.
- Keep your work surface clean and organized to prevent accidents.
- Try different types of wool to achieve different textures and results.
Best Resources
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of felting, here are some recommended resources:
- Online Courses: Check out platforms like Skillshare and Udemy for felting tutorials.
- Books: “The Complete Photo Guide to Felting” by Ruth Lane is a great introductory book for beginners.
- Communities: Join online forums and social media groups like The Felting Forum to connect with other felting enthusiasts.
Monetization Opportunities
If you’re passionate about felting, there are various ways to turn your hobby into a side hustle or even a full-time career. Consider selling your felted creations online, teaching felting workshops, or collaborating with local shops and galleries to showcase your work.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Did you know that the oldest known felt artifact is a pair of felt shoes found in a tomb in Russia dating back to 2400 BC? Felt has been used for thousands of years across different cultures for its durability and insulation properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any type of wool for felting?
A: Ideally, you should use wool that has not been treated with chemicals or superwash wool, as these may not felt well.
Q: Is felting suitable for children?
A: Needle felting should be supervised by an adult due to the sharp needles involved, while wet felting can be a fun and safe activity for children with proper supervision.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced crafter, felting offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Try your hand at felting today and discover the joy of working with wool to create beautiful, unique pieces of art.
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.