Friday, April 26, 2013

Needle Felting a Portrait of Ewe


Timmy, a sheep at A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm
This is Timmy, a needle felted portrait.  People who have seen my art on display often ask, how is that done?

Needle felting is actually quite easy.  It begins with a photograph.  I then transfer a line drawing onto a piece of commercial felt that is 100% wool (not easy to find here, so I order it from away by the bolt).  I use wool from our sheep that has been washed, carded, and hand dyed and in this casse I use wool locks (uncarded long curls of wool).  The tools needed include a firm sponge 10x10x2 inches and special felting needles.  The needles, available in various sizes and shapes, all have barbs and a sharp point.  The process involves placing the colors and wool pieces where you want them, a bit like coloring with wool.  You secure them in place by punching repeatedly with the needle until it looks and feels right. To do larger areas you may choose to use a handle that holds several needles.  Much faster!

If you would like to learn more, I will be demonstrating this at our booth on May 11 and 12 at New Hampshire Sheep and Wool festival.

 If you would like to try doing a sheep portrait something like this, register now for a class I will teach on Sunday, Mothers Day, May 12 at 9:30am at the NH Sheep and Wool festival.

To register contact us at info@awrinkleinthymefarm.com.

The class is $75, including the pattern and all the materials needed to complete the project.  You will need a sponge, $38 needles, and a multi needle holder (available for purchase if you don't have them).   This art is really easy and goes pretty fast....no counting, and using natural materials.  Try it...you will like it!