I am a wildlife artist and instructor specializing in realistic animal sculpture and wool painting. My work begins with structure and anatomy, but it is color, layering, and thoughtful design that give each piece its character. I help needle felters move beyond “almost there” and create wildlife art they are proud to display, gift, or sell.
How did I get started? Well, I’ve always made things. One day I was poking around Twitch and came across Gilbertamie streaming needle felting. I had never heard of it. Her enthusiasm for needle felting made me want to try it. I purchased the Dimensions Fox Kit, made the fox in October of 2017, and I was hooked.
Since there were no classes in my area, I decided to spend a year learning how to needle felt by building a list of needle felting tutorials to complete. That turned into two years, then three, then four. I couldn’t stop adding to the list! As long as I keep learning from them, I’ll continue doing tutorials.
I still do tutorials but my main focus is designing my own projects! My favorite subjects are realistic wild and storybook-style animals. I love researching the animal as I make it. I seem to always learn something fascinating, inspiring or touching. I’m currently working on video courses for release this year. Sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to stay in the loop!
Note: My definition of a “wild animal” includes livestock (sheep, horses, pigs, chickens, donkeys, etc.). Temple Grandin wrote that livestock are not domesticated. We have not tamed them. They have been habituated to humans. I had not thought of it that way until I read her books “Animals In Translation” and “Animals Make Us Human”. I agree with her 100%.
Along this needle felting journey, I became interested in using different types of wool especially fleece from rare or heritage breed sheep. I’ve started exploring how I might incorporate those and other mixed media. I have a feeling this will lead to some experiments with dye and other materials. I have a spreadsheet of all the things I want to try!
I share my process, free tutorials, experiments and tips on YouTube. I write fiber related articles and share work (that doesn’t make it into a video) right here on my website. You can also find lists of my favorite needle felting tools, supplies, felting related books, fiber suppliers and answers to frequently asked questions.
Check out my Etsy shop for finished needle felted wool animal sculptures, portraits, PDF tutorials, supplies, kits, totes, project bags, gifts and more.
I do not take commissions at this time. Maybe I will in the future, but not until I finish the long list of animals I dream of making!
I have a Fourthwall shop if you’re interested in motivational or just plain fun t-shirts I’ve designed for needle felters, fiber artists, crafters and anyone who loves to make things. The tees are also available from most of my YouTube videos.
If you would like to get in touch, send me a message!
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I have included Amazon affiliate links for some of the items above. This means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you in advance if you decide to support my work using these links. Doing so helps me continue to create content for you!
