This past fall I started exploring the wonderful old craft of needlefelting or wool felting as many call it. In the beginning I created a simple pumpkin shape and then a more complicated raven, with wire feet and beaded eyes (which are hard to see in these photos) I have been searching for a fall raven buddy for some time now, and this media enabled me to create one which fulfilled my expectations. I went for a shaggy, friendly look. What do you think?
For a examples of incredibly adorable animals you can make with needle felting, check out the work of natasha fadiveeva and victor dubrovsky.
After seeing their work, I was inspired to make some gifts for family and friends. Enter the nesting hummingbird and the snowy white barn owl. I make some simple nests with eggs too, but, the little birdies were just too cute. The beaks are made with round toothpicks which I painted and glued in place.
Initially, when I decided to try felting, I went on line in search of supplies and found a woman in Pennsylvania that sells the wool from her White Romney ewe named Annie. What could be more personal and special than knowing the name of the sheep that your wool comes from. I even tried natural dying some of the wool with onion skins to add to my original pumpkin. The color came out a beautiful golden yellow, but, didn’t seem rich enough for my gourd, so I am saving it for something special. For now, I simply use Annie’s wool for creamy areas on my owls and also some organic shapes I’m playing with for use on a mobile. More on that later.
I’ve seen felting supplies at Micheal’s of all places, so I’m anticipating a surge in this artform. There are so many different applications that you can use this media for — purses, applique, miniatures, children’s toys and many others. If you want to explore, there are pin boards on pinterest or you could simply google “wool felting” or “needlefelting”. Marie Spaulding with LivingFelt has lots of videos on YouTube as well. I use their core wool for my pieces, and although I have to pick out some plant bits, I like the bulk that it has and felts very nicely for my birds.
I just added these rocks to my etsy shop today. Love the crocheted stones that some fiber people are making, but, since I don’t know how to crochet, this is the next best thing.
I also added a print and the original for this octopus piece to etsy. Most octopus always look so scared, but, this fellow is just relaxing and hangin’ out.
There will be lots more originals and prints of my art to be added soon.
My sister-in-law k, tells a story about when she was a girl and got her first pair of glasses. On the ride home in the car, she noticed, to her amazement and wonder, for the first time, birds flying in the air that she had never been able to see before. To this day, she is very fond of birds and keeps feeders and water in the yard so she can enjoy them up close on a regular basis. She is especially fond of hummingbirds, which only come to Colorado in the summer months. This little hummer is for k. Happy Birthday sister… a bit late. 
no. 97 | 4 x 6 inches | 140 lb. canson watercolor block cold press
Coming into the house, I almost stepped on this little gem of a twig with it’s dried berries and blossoms.
3.75 x 5 inches | watercolor on arches 300 lb. cold press
I’ve often admired images of octopus that aren’t too cute or too scary, so, I thought I might try one of my own. I think this fellow enjoys a gentle hug from time to time. He’s certainly equipped for it, isn’t he?
no. 99 | 3.5 x 4.75 inches | watercolor on 300 lb. arches hot press
no. 98 | 4 x 6 inches | watercolor on 140 lb. canson cold press watercolor
I’m looking for clarity.
With children, I have found that there is always a distraction — another something always there, making it hard to focus and stay the course to a neat and tidy end point. Welcome to 99 observations, a new series of small works which explore patterns… spacial relationships, and of course color. Meet No. 99 and 98.
While I was working on Eve’s Garden, this piece came about. I’ve always enjoyed creating fantastical shapes of plants, and I suppose this is another example of that.
An amaryllis seed pod.
I’m very happy to announce that I will be included in a group show at Gallery Godo in Glendale. Opening is tentatively scheduled for January 20th, 7 – 11. Come on by for lots of great art.
