I work in a technique called Needle Felting where I take un-spun wool roving and apply it onto a background fabric with a barbed needle. The felting process takes place as the wool is repeatedly punched down by the needle, causing the fibers to compact together. This method of felting requires no water, and is a twentieth century invention, a happy discovery after the advent of industrial felting machines.
The animals and birds that I coax out of the woolen “fluff” have a dimensional realism achieved through the sculptural qualities of my felting, and the complex blending of colors in the wool that I choose.
The decorative fabric backgrounds are equally key to the design, creating a mood which can be subtle or exuberant. Recently, I have been using antique american feed sacks and I am thrilled to have found a way to re-purpose fabrics that have their own story to tell. My felted animal imagery is both logical and surprising when placed on these old heartland graphics, and each complements the other in a serendipitous way.
Please enjoy browsing through my Portfolio. I have shown the most popular pieces, and although the majority have been sold, I am happy to reproduce as closely as I can. If you don't find what you are looking for in my shop, just ask me!