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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Isle of WightI'm trying to make a bear with a more natural face. He's dark brown and I planned to needlefelt his muzzle in a paler colour. What I'm wondering is how much fur I should remove from the muzzle? Should I leave a few millimetres of fur or strip it right down to the backing fabric? This is the most scary stage for me so far! 
desertmountainbearI take it down to the backing. I felt back far into the face, but I do not take that fur off till I get there. Then I only take it little by little as I need too.
Joanne
GJOYful BearsI have not completed this kind of bear but I would recommend plucking the mohair from the backing with tweezers before felting 
Tweezer are great for plucking mohair!
Isle of WightThank you both very much, Joanne & Gabriele. I thought a completely bare surface was probably best but once I got to that point I began to doubt my own judgement. I don't think I have ever put so much thought & planning into any one craft project - I'm generally a 'do it now, think later' kind of crafter. I drew my own pattern for this bear and now that he's assembled I can see things that I would change next time. I think this one will be a cross between a real bear and a teddy - unless I mess up his face and then he might be a 'bin bear' ! And now to PLUCK........!!!
desertmountainbearFrancesAnn and Gabriele, you do not have to pluck honestly, just cut down to the fabric. I have done this for so long and I have never plucked a face before felting. You can if you want but it would just be extra work.
Joanne
I look forward to seeing your new bear.
Isle of WightI'll confess now that I did just shave the muzzle eventually. I guess I got a bit impatient at the thought of all that plucking!! It's going well so far (much better than I expected) and he now has NF muzzle, jowls and chin. I think I may have overdone the jowls a bit but it's still an interesting face. I really like the way a face 'evolves' by doing it this way. Now for the next scary bit - a nose!
Joanne, I discovered your wonderful Needle Felted Face Tutorial and it has been so-ooooo helpful. A picture can make up for a thousand words so thank you so much for sharing your amazing skills with us.
