Learning to Flock!

I decided to revamp my cute little red celluloid bunny baby. Especially since he has some areas or spots that need filling in...

 As you can see from these earlier photos, the yellow spots, are where he is missing fibers. Here is what these fibers are called, just in case you didn't know?

Courtesy of "Just Flock It" website:
Just what is flocking?

Flocking is the application of millions of tiny fibers onto an adhesive coated surface to create a velvet-like texture. Think of the fuzzy feel on the inside of a jewelry box or automobile glove compartment - that’s flocking! Flocking has many decorative and functional applications.

Also the back side of my poor little one...

Yup, so I decided to try my hand at "flocking".  I read up on the general instructions via the website, and then, made the purchase of similar colors, recommended glue, and applicator bottles.

I chose to use "Soft Flock", a rayon fiber material generally used on this type of doll.

 First, we need to take the soft flock in the baggie and put it into the applicator. Note: A bag of 3 oz. of flock, can be used over about 3 sq. ft. area. So, from my calculations, even for small areas missing flock, this bag will last for many projects. Yay! At 1/2 oz. a bag, for only $2.60. It's worth it!

Besides the items above, you will also need a flat plastic lid to place glue on, wax paper, and a paint brush. Don't worry, the glue is water base, so you can wash it off and it won't ruin your paint brush, unless you leave the glue and let it dry overnight... You've been warned. LOL

Step 1: Open the baggie and cut a small portion of the wax paper to make a small funnel, in order to sift and pour in the soft rayon fibers into the applicator. Just fill the bottle about 3/4 the way. Take the lid and snip off the tip of the applicator, put the lid back onto the bottle, and its ready to use.

Step 2: Take a sheet of wax paper and set it down in an area to work on like a desk etc. Don't be in front of a fan or a/c, the fibers will blow away! Since I work in an a/c room, I took a small tri-fold poster board and used it to cover the flow of air from my work area. Take the object you are going to flock and place it on top of the wax paper.

Step 3: Snip the top of the tip on the adhesive bottle, and squeeze it onto a plate or plastic lid. About a dime size. Take your paint brush and dab it onto the glue. Once you have enough glue adhesive on the brush, start brushing the glue onto the areas you want to re-flock. In my case, just the empty spots. I add glue to 2 or 3 areas, set my brush down and then take the applicator with the same or similar color soft flock and apply. By pushing on the bottle, the soft flock will come out sometimes in clumps and cover over the area you placed adhesive glue onto. Overlap if you have too. Place the cover back onto the applicator, so it doesn't spill or fall since it's so light weight.

Wait, about 5 minutes, and take a wider brush with soft bristles and gently, brush away the excess. Though, it says not to do that, but allow to dry over night. I'm kind of impatient. So I lightly brush off the excess and allow it to fall onto the wax paper. This is so you can use the left over flock and put it back into the bottle. Depending on how well you re-use the flock, determines how much you will have to use for later. So don't waste it.

Step 4: After you've cleaned up the excess flock and put it back into the applicator... wash and clean your brush. Allow the object to dry at least for an hour. Overnight is best for better results. You're done.

 Here is my little guy, all done. I covered most of the areas that were missing flock. Then, I went back and added flock to areas that were thin.

 He's like new!

 Thank you so much for reading! ~ ggsdolls