Craft teacher promotes handmade soul birds as Father’s Day gifts

Craft teacher Terje Raudsepa says a handmade “soul bird” can make a heartfelt Father’s Day gift. She spoke about the idea on ERR’s morning programme Terevisioon.

Raudsepa said the bird reflects its maker’s feelings, thoughts and wishes. Making one for someone can be a way to put your feelings for that person into the gift.

One way to make a bird is to cut two identical shapes from felting fabric, place them on a soft surface such as a sponge, then lay thin strands of felting wool on top and work them in with a felting needle. A small ball of felting wool can be used for the eye. The materials are available from craft shops.

Alternatively, the two sides can be embroidered or sewn together and decorated. Raudsepa suggested using fabric scraps, lace and ribbons, perhaps to make a fluffy tail.

A finished soul bird can be carried in a schoolbag or pocket, she said, and its owner can talk to it.