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When I was younger I spent a lot of time crafting. I tried everything- sewing, needlepoint, knitting and more. I really fell in love with counted cross stitch, but gave it up due to carpal tunnel problems from being a groomer. Even though it has settled down, I just haven’t been able to get into it again. So I was on the hunt for a new craft to get into.
I first looked at stained glass. I really like the look and the process so I took a class. Then I realized I wouldn’t be able to do it around my pets because of the small pieces of glass flying around. Back to the hunt.
My next try out was polymer clay. I loved the different techniques people used and the variety of items you can make. But polymer clay can give off a gas when baked at high temperatures. While it is baked at low temps for crafting, I didn’t want to take any risks, especially with my birds.
So that left me completely craftless. What can I do?
Somewhere in my journey around the Internet, I came across needle felting and I loved what I saw. It intrigued me so I delved deeper into it.
Needle felting uses wool and a needle that has grooves cut into it. Those grooves catch the wool strands, pulling them against other wool strands and cause the wool to felt as you stab the needle into it. It allows you to “sculpt” the wool to form the shape you want to make a 3-D object or to “paint” using the wool to make a 2-D image.
Animals are a very popular subject for needle felting which is probably a big reason I was attracted to it. The people are so talented. Just look at some of these completed works that are available on Etsy.
Needle felted Maine Coon Cat made by LilyNeedleFelting
Needle Felted Yorkshire Terrier made by RunoArtPets
Needle Felted Guinea Pig made by Willane
Needle Felted Lovebird made by HandmadeByNovember
Needle Felted Dog Portrait made by Apulina
Inspiring, aren’t they?
As cool as needle felting is, it’s hard to find classes for it because it just isn’t as popular as other crafts. So I decided to buy a kit off Etsy and try it on my own. My first needle felting project was this handsome bear.
I followed him with some cat toys and a bunny modeled after my own bunny, Glee.
My latest project was a little bluebird. I find needle felting to be relaxing. I kind of go into a zone when I’m working.
When you see the amazing work done by fiber artists, it’s easy to be intimidated by how detailed and life-like their wor is. I belong to several needle feting Facebook groups and just stare in awe at the pieces that come through my feed. But everyone started in the same place and it was only by doing that they become so good. I’m actually inspired by the work and hope to be as good someday.
If you’d like to give needle felting a try, I recommend buying a kit. Kits are great because they contain most of what you need to make an item along with detailed instructions. There are quite a few pet needle felting kits that you can start with.
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