Felt Alive Needle Felted Wool Sculptures

The Late, Great Freddie Mercury - in needle felted wool.

2011-11-08T08:25:00.000-09:00

Serendipity: While taking a Sunday drive we spotted a person in a furry costume with a sign that said Farm Open. We followed the sign to a Suri Alpaca Farm and decided to stop in to see if I could find some hair for the doll I'm working on - Freddie Mercury, the late, great singer from Queen. I found the perfect fiber and in chatting with the owner of the farm, it turns out he is old friends from college with Brian May, the guitarist from Queen. What are the chances of that?

The hairs on my arms were on end the whole way home but things like this have been happening since the day I first picked up a felting needle. Someday, I might need to write a book about it. But something made this story even more magical - before talking with the owner, I had a discussion with another fiber artist I met at the farm about how serendipity led us both to our crafts - I even mentioned that if you don't pay attention, you might not notice it's happening. So pay attention to the signs - especially if a furry creature is holding it!

Here is my Felt Alive tribute to Freddie Mercury - (5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991)

Besides his lovely hair and mustache (suri alpaca) he is 100% needle felted wool.

Part of what I love about needle felting great musicians is listening to their music while I'm working and watching their amazing performances on YouTube during my breaks. This video of Queen performing A Kind of Magic live at Wembley Stadium in 1986 inspired this Li'l Freddie Mercury doll.

My needle felted dolls on The Conan O'Brien Show

2011-10-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

My dolls raced into The Conan O'Brien Show just after the second commercial break at the 13:34 mark.

I have to say, it was fun to see them on the big screen!

Here is my original, full-length video; filmed, coincidentally, in O'Brien, Oregon. It's a fun adventure with li'l Conan tearing it up on a 4-wheeler with his buddy, Li'l Trump.

No Felt Alive Dolls (nor Spike the dog) were harmed during the filming of this video so stay tuned for more adventures with Li'l Conan.

A Special Place to Learn How to Needle Felt

2011-07-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

I am one happy felter! I finally have the online Needle Felting Workshop site of my dreams!

It is brand new but we already have a bustling community of needle felting enthusiasts from around the world discovering the magic of needle felting right along with me.

Members have my entire library of online needle felting workshops at their disposal along with support forums and discussion groups. I will be video blogging new workshops in segments as we film them and sharing new technique videos regularly as well. Members can follow along or bring their own projects. I'm there to guide them as they master their skills and bring their ideas to life.

The Needle Felters Workshop is perfect for people just getting started and for more experienced needle felters alike! There is something for everyone that loves sculptural needle felting. Learn more about the fun everyone is having at The Needle Felters Workshop or Join Now for only $79.95 per year!

Making Whoopi! A Needle Felted Doll

2011-07-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Meet Li'l Whoopi

I was so excited to be commissioned to bring Whoopi Goldberg to life in needle felted wool. I couldn't have thought of of a better subject myself! She is solid needle felted wool with flexible needle felted joints. She stands on her own and is about 12" tall. I wet felted her dreadlocks using Merino Roving and for her glasses I used Merino prefelt that I needle felted and then wet felted. She was quite a project and a fun collaboration with my client. My only problem is saying goodbye! I literally fall in love with my dolls as they come to life on my felting pad. I have only recently started doing custom dolls for others instead of dolls for me - it is getting easier to part with them but never easy!

If you would love to learn the magic of sculptural needle felting, I'd love to show you how! I have several fun and comprehensive video workshops along with all of the tools and supplies you need! www.needlefeltingsupplies.com

Li'l Bob Dylan - Needle Felted Wool Doll

2011-07-01T09:26:00.003-08:00

needle-felted-dylan-doll-bw11, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I just finished this cool cat - he was a custom commission and my second version of Dylan. For more photos - www.feltalive.com

X-treme Felt Alive Motor Sports with Li'l Conan & Li'l Trump

2011-06-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Li'l Conan & Li'l Donald Trump tearing it up on Li'l Conan's li'l ATV for a high-octane off-road adventure. And check out The Li'l Donald's comb-over!

My needle felted dolls are pretty tough - it's hard to believe that these two li'l buddies look no worse for the wear after their wild ride.

Features of Felt Alive Needle Felted Doll Video Workshop

2011-06-14T11:22:00.003-08:00

Would you like to learn how to make amazing art dolls without sewing even one stitch? Join me in this fun and comprehensive needle felting workshop and learn the fun and magic of making one of a kind needle felted dolls! These dolls are fun, flexible and oh so very lifelike. They have a natural range of motion with their amazing needle felted joints, they can stand on their own and their needle felted eyes sparkle with life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls Video Workshop
10 Hour Needle Felting Video Workshop - 4 disc DVD with a Deluxe Needle Felting Kit that includes Felt Alive Exclusive Super Duper color- coded felting needles to make following along even easier.


Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls 4 disc DVD Video Workshop with Needle Felting Kit -$99.95

Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls video workshop is the equivalent of an intensive 3-4 day live workshop except you work from comfort of your own home at your convenience and leisure. Not to mention the fact that you can pause and rewind me anytime! And you get a bird's eye view of my felting pad, no straining to see from across the room, no peeking over shoulders or feeling lost as the class moves along before you are ready.
available at needlefeltingsupplies.com

It's a Worm's Life - Felt Alive Needle Felted Worms

2011-05-22T18:26:00.002-08:00

I needle felted these silly little woolly worms today over wire. I rarely use wire but this was easy and fun! I wrapped core wool roving around cloth covered florist wire, needle felted it using Felt Alive Super Duper Double Felting needles and covered them with Norwegian C1 premium felting batt - available Felt Alive Needle Felting Supplies

New Release! Felt Alive Needle Felted DROITS Video Workshop

2011-05-14T15:47:00.002-08:00

Meet the Droits!

Now you can learn how to make fun little needle felted creatures that I call Droits in my new 5 hour video workshop available on DVD or watch online!

from the Pixie Patch

Felt Alive Droits came to be after I discovered adorable elfin creatures on Flickr made from polymer clay. I had one of those aha moments that only other needle felters understand "I have to needle felt that!" and stayed up all night and made this sweet little thing out of core wool batting. The overall effect is much different than the Pixies that inspired me mainly because of the lifelike qualities of the wool. This little fella felt almost like a little pet and I was in love and I had to make more - but in more colors! I envisioned these little characters in every color of the rainbow.

The next Droit was red. This little guy has such a sweet, yet devilish personality - and the wool just did that, I didn't intentionally give him such a look - it just happened. Then very dark one appeared and next a Green one, then an old and Gray one.

A friend came over an took one look at this little family of characters and said one thing - He said "Droits" and the moniker stuck. They are Droits and they are fun to have around.

Each time my friend would visit he would sneak into my studio and gather the Droits and hide them around my house. They can hang from a lamp shade or a curtain rod, they can hide in a coffee cup in the kitchen cabinet and they love to hide in the bathroom too.

Kid's love 'em! My little niece, Chloe, made a Droit house!

And Droits simply love to play outside!

Needle Felted Droits are solid needle felted wool - they stand on their own and have a very natural range of motion without the use of wire armatures.

This fun workshop is 5 hours long and is a great way to learn needle felting!

available on DVD or watch online!

New Li'l Willie - Needle Felted Doll

2011-03-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Li'l Willie Nelson #2. Little Li'l Willie was one of my early caricatures. Big Li'l Willie is my first attempt to repeat a subject. They are two years apart.

Very Special Felt Alive Christmas Cheer

2010-12-24T16:43:00.000-09:00

Here is a special tribute in wool commissioned by my dear friend Patti for her husband John. (Patti left the wardrobe choices ENTIRELY up to me. She had no idea what to expect.)

May they bring many smiles for MANY Christmases to come!!

Patti and I first met online when she signed up for my online workshop that I offered when I first started teaching. Because we lived in neighboring towns in Alaska we were able to meet in person and became dear friends through our needle felting. As time progressed, Patti opened Dream Felt, an online needle felting supplies shop and began offering needle felting kits to accompany my new DVD workshops. And just recently this year we have teamed up to start offering a full range of supplies along with my workshops in our brand new shop - www.needlefeltingsupplies.com

But through all of this an unwelcome visitor came knocking on Patti's door - it was called rare cancer - no matter what the cancer, when they call it rare you have another set of challenges to face. I know this because I recently chased away that nasty visitor from my door and I knew the challenges Patti was facing and what she needed to do to chase it away. So not only are we dear friends, fellow Alaskans, felting fanatics and business partners, we are also rare cancer SURVIVOR sisters! We are following our hearts with our needle felting and doing what we love to do. Merry Christmas, Patti!! And John - Enjoy!!!!

Man Shops Globe finds incredible needle felted dogs

2010-11-10T08:44:00.003-09:00

I love seeing people's reaction when they are first introduced to amazing needle felted art. Domenica Moore Gordon's little dogs are delightful.

The Who

2010-10-26T08:48:00.003-08:00

How fun is this!!! This is John 'Rabbit' Bundrick - legendary keyboardist from The Who
www.rabbitwho.com
2, originally uploaded by jodyahern.

Needle Felting a Santa

2010-09-30T23:12:00.001-08:00

A new Felt Alive Video Workshop - just in time for the holidays!
Felt Alive Needle Felted Santa Workshop available at my new website at www.needlefeltingsupplies.com!
or watch online at www.learnneedlefelting.com

Felt Alive Witch

2010-09-27T01:07:00.004-08:00

Yes, Shakespeare said "wool of bat"!

She has so much attitude!

She stands on her own and is about 14" tall - no wire armature, just needle felted wool! And the good news is that all of the great supplies I made her with are available in my NEW needle felting shop. www.needlefeltingsupplies.com

Li'l Lyle Lovett - needle felted wool art doll

2010-06-27T11:55:00.004-08:00

Lyle Lovett has such an interesting face so I thought he would be the perfect subject for a recent workshop where I taught advanced needle felting techniques for working from photographs. It was the first time I've shared my techniques for bringing wool to life as an actual likeness.

And I must mention that I'm a huge fan of Lyle Lovett! I'm on a new mission to introduce Li'l Lyle to the real Lyle Lovett. I have a feeling he would get a big kick out of him and I would love nothing more than to get a picture of the two of them together.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T07:53:00.008-08:00

I can't pick up the phone to call my Dad but I can dedicate this post to my dear ol' Dad. Cancer took him from this world 5 years ago but I feel him with me every day. He passed away while I was going through my own cancer ordeal yet he still continued to look after his little girl. His life insurance afforded me the ability to seek out the best treatment in the world for my very rare form of salivary cancer. I felt him with me every step of the way. My doctors said I got through the grueling treatment better than any patient they had ever had.

My Dad had a great sense of humor - dry and witty - and he was the most intelligent man I have ever met. While I can't say I inherited his IQ, I can say I inherited his sense of humor. It got me through my illness and it drives my creativity. Dad never saw my needle felted dolls but I know he would have been my biggest fan. And it's not a coincidence that I see his eyes in nearly every doll I make. He is with me on this Father's Day and every day.

Dad's 70th birthday. That's him on the cake.

Dad loved to fish - especially for King Salmon!

We said goodbye to Dad in a fitting tribute.

His first born son and first born daughter (Mark and Keri) had the honor of filling his last request - that his ashes be set free in Quillian Bay in Alaska's Prince William Sound.

Here is his family as we watched his ashes swim free in the Sound he loved so much.

Quillian Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska.

And is it a coincidence that I am in Montana on Father's Day? Dad loved Montana - 4 out of his 5 kids were born here (including myself) while he worked for the US Customs Service as a border patrol agent. His work brought his family further north to Alaska when I was just small but being in Montana makes me realize why Dad loved it here.

So Dad, Happy Father's Day. Thanks for being the best Dad a girl could get. I love you!!

Felt Alive Needle Felting DVDs on Sale!

2010-06-19T11:57:00.002-08:00

We are all living in a tough economy and it can be hard to justify spending money on important things like learning a fun new craft. So! We slashed our prices for all Felt Alive DVD workshops and slashed them even more for Felt Alive Online Video Workshops.

Felt Alive ONLINE Video Workshops starting at only $14.95! Unlimited access for an unlimited amount of time. No waiting for the mail - Instant Online Access for Instant Needle Felting Fun!!

Felt Alive Workshops on DVD starting at only $19.95 with FREE Worldwide Shipping!

You can find all Felt Alive Workshops here on my blog (see links at the top of this page.)
In my Felt Alive Shop
Or on my New Website that hosts my online video workshops.

Felt Alive Giveaway Winners

2010-06-13T08:46:00.004-08:00

This was my first giveaway and I wanted to make sure the winners were drawn fairly - I used random.org and they randomly selected the winners - SO.....drum roll please....

1st Judy
Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls
4 disc DVD Workshop -$74.95 value

2nd Joann Loos
Felt Alive Needle Felted Pups!
1 Disc DVD Workshop - $29.95 value

3rd Pixie
Felt Alive Needle Felting Funny Faces -
1 Disc DVD Workshop - $29.95 value

4th WhingingNinja
Felt Alive Super Duper Felting Needles
Set of 6 - $12.95 value

5th Melissa
Felt Alive Super Duper Felting Needles
Set of 6 - $12.95 value

6th BIKY
Felt Alive Super Duper Felting Needles
Set of 6 - $12.95 value

Congratulations lucky winners and thanks to EVERYONE who participated. This was so fun that I plan on offering more giveaways.

Lucky Winners - Please send me your mailing address to kaypetal@feltalive.com so I can mail the prizes out.

Thanks again for helping to promote my new website - learnneedlefelting.com

Needle Felting DVD Giveaway!!!

2010-06-02T13:06:00.009-08:00

To celebrate and promote the launch of my NEW WEBSITE dedicated to teaching others sculptural needle felting, I am giving away three free Felt Alive DVD Needle Felting Workshops!

To be eligible all you have to do is add the following link to your website or blog http://learnneedlefelting.com Then leave a comment on this post with a link to where you posted my link anytime between now and Saturday, June 12th and enter to win one of the following prizes -

Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls - 4 Disc DVD set (value $74.95)

Felt Alive Needle Felted PUPS! 1 Disc DVD set (value $29.95)

Felt Alive Needle Felted Funny Faces - 1 disc DVD (value $29.95)

Winners will be announced Sunday, June 13th, 2010.

Shipping is free (worldwide!) Entries from around the world are welcome. (And for those abroad who worry my DVDs might not play in your player, enter anyway! Part of the fun of my new website is that it hosts my DVD workshops for online viewing. Winners will have the option of receiving unlimited online access instead of a DVD.)

I hope you and your readers enjoy my new website! Thanks for participating and good luck.

UPDATE!!

My goal is to spread the word about my new site. I am requesting links because search engines love sites with lots of links pointing to them. If you don't have a website or a blog, a facebook post or a Twitter tweet with a link to my new site would be great.

UPDATE 2!!

I have added more prizes! 3 lucky winners will win a set of Felt Alive Super Duper Felting Needles (value $12.95)

GOOD LUCK and thanks for playing!

The Li'l Boss - Needle Felted Springsteen Doll

2010-06-01T06:37:00.004-08:00

The Li'l Boss!! Yes, I made a needle felted caricature of Bruce Springsteen.

I listened to his music while I was bringing him to life - it was a great trip down memory lane and very inspirational.

And Li'l Bono was happy to share the stage with The Li'l Boss!

Li'l Bono - A Needle Felted Wool Doll

2010-04-14T10:55:00.004-08:00

Since using U2's music in my video is a big no-no, I put a playlist here with my favorite U2 songs to play along with the video. Enjoy!

New Online Needle Felting Video Workshop

2010-04-02T14:33:00.005-08:00

FELT ALIVE NEEDLE FELTED PUPS
is finally LIVE for online viewing on my new website!

Felt Alive Pups are so fun and easy to create and no two are ever alike. Follow the same instructions 10 times and you will have 10 unique pups. These needle felted pups can flex and move much like a real dog.

They always spring back to the position they were created in, making them very fun to play with. And rather than breed specifics, we focus on fun!

I share simple tricks to bring out unique character and expressions and many of the same joint making techniques I use in all of my needle felted dolls.

It's a whole bunch of fun to Felt Alive and I hope to see these funny little PUPS coming to life in wool all over the world!

Visit my New Website to Learn More

Li'l Ellen DeGeneres

2010-03-08T15:35:00.007-09:00

Today I am so happy because I get to unveil a new Felt Alive Li'l Celebrity.

Ladies & Gentleman.......Li'l Ellen DeGeneres!!!

And it seems the rest of the Felt Alive stars were pretty excited about her arrival on the scene.

Li'l Spock likes these guys but disco dancing remains illogical.

After all - Ellen is the life of the party... She can even get Li'l Trump to lighten up and give new meaning to a Trump Tower.

I am scheming of ways to get Li'l Ellen in the hands of Big Ellen. I'm busy going through the Ellen Show website and did submit some photos. Maybe I need a Felting Friends campaign to Ellen's show. Any volunteers to suggest that her producers to take a look at her Ellen's Felt Alive Felt-Alike??
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10

The Universal Language of Felt

2010-02-25T18:46:00.004-09:00

I have video workshop customers all over the world but most of them speak English very well. I was so pleased to receive this email from a student in Hungary!

"Hi Kay,

I send to you photos of my first work. I have great pleasure from it.

Thank you very much for your school.

Eva

(Sorry my English, I do not speak english very well)"

My videos have no subtitles so it is very safe to say that Eva speaks the Universal Language of Felt!

Li'l Conan got TOTALLY Blogged

2010-02-03T15:56:00.004-09:00

I just love it when I discover my dolls making appearances in blogs - especially outside of the realm of felting and doll making. What a fun way to introduce needle felting to the world!

I Googled "Needle Felted" the other day for the fun of it and was very thrilled to stumble into a Geek and Gadget blog that had an amazing article about my dolls - in particular - My Li'l Conan.

I don't really know exactly what all the code for tweets shares and diggs mean, but I think it means that Li'l Conan is being passed around a bit in the blogosphere. Who knows, Li'l Conan may soon be discovered!

Sweet Station meets Needle Felting

2010-01-08T19:03:00.005-09:00

I was looking at my website stats and noticed a bunch of hits coming from a blog called Sweet Station. Then I remembered I had recently submitted a link to my website-They feature really sweet stuff, you can get lost for hours scrolling through the posts & I was delighted to find my Li'l Celebs featured.

Incredible emails

2010-01-06T23:03:00.021-09:00

An unexpected perk of my Felt Alive business is the amazing emails I get from people just discovering needle felting. I got a great one the other day that I am compelled to share.

Hi Kay!
My name is Michelle and I asked for your four disc workshop for Christmas and I got it! I am so happy to see how you do your stuff and make a fantastic Felt Alive doll.

I discovered needle felting just a few months ago. Vriad Lee was featured on an art site I look at. I was amazed that the animals were made out of wool and I had to find out how that was possible. I did a search on youtube and the first video I watched was called Needle Felting Basic Shapes Tutorial. It was really interesting to me and I thought it was something that I might want to try.

It was the very next day that I was in a bookstore and looking at the magazines. There was one that caught my eye with a Halloween cat on the cover. So I picked it up and looked through it. That's when I found the article on needle felted dolls. There were all of these l'il celebrities featured by Kay Petal. They were amazing. I couldn't believe that someone could make those amazing dolls out of wool. I went home and googled Kay Petal and found a website and blog and some other things leading to Felt Alive creations. I was so amazed by what I found. It was then that I realized that it was you that I watched on youtube at the very beginning.

I showed your site to whoever would sit and listen to me go on and on about your dolls. It impressed everyone that I showed. I always saved George as the last doll I showed. I love George and that his dentures come out! HIs teeth come out! So for a few weeks I researched how to needle felt and what I would need to start. My husband works at a fabric and craft store and his store carried a few needle felting supplies which I got for my birthday. I was thrilled to try it out to see if I would like it or not. The first thing I did was a red ball. I was totally floored that I could take a blob of wool and shape it into a ball. Then I made a small penguin. He came out really cute. I was hooked at that point. I found it relaxing and fun to stab the wool.

I then wanted to try out a bigger project, something for my husband for Christmas. I started in October so I would have plenty of time to get the present complete by Christmas. It only took me a few days to complete my project and in the end I was really happy how it turned out. My husband really likes anything to do with Bigfoot, so I decided to take on the challenge of making him one. I ordered up some wool from the sites you recommended, I ordered the felting pad from the site you recommended and the super duper rubber coated needles from you. I love the wool from the New England Felting Supply website. The Norwegian C-1 is perfect! Here are a few pictures of him so you can see what you inspired.

When I started this project I went to a friend who is a professional illustrator. He helped me visualize Bigfoot with a concept sketch and I used this sketch as the basis of my "softie."

The fact that I am in any way involved in Michelle's discovery of needle felting is really wonderful. Her enthusiasm reminded me so much of my discovery of needle felting. I am looking forward to pictures of the project she creates with her Christmas present.

And here is Michelle's favorite Felt Alive Doll - George -

Thanks Michelle!

You're Felted!

2009-12-26T21:44:00.003-09:00

Li'l Donald Trump.

A Wonderful World

2009-12-25T08:38:00.000-09:00

Merry Christmas!!

Some Felt Alive Holiday Cheer!!!

2009-12-18T13:19:00.001-09:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Felt Alive 2010 Calendar is now available at Lulu.com

2009-12-14T18:33:00.016-09:00

I got a wild idea for a silly calendar last month and finally got it all put together. So, drum roll please....I am happy to present my new Felt Alive I Felt the Stars 2010 Wall Calendar !!! It's available for sale on Lulu.com. Lulu is the coolest site for publishing your own stuff.

Besides the calendar - I am very much enjoying my big adventure living and bumming in our RV. What a strange freedom with so many adjustments to make. Visit my travel blog to see where in the world I am hanging out. Where In the World is Felt Alive?

In spite of feeling like I'm always on vacation, I did manage to give my website some much needed updates and revisions. It feels kind of like a clean house. And if I do say so myself, I really love my new banner. When I am faced with designing things for my website, I easily get overwhelmed with indecision. What font looks better, what picture to use, blah, blah, blah...I'm finally starting to follow my gut and make quicker decisions and am pleased with my new banner that I put together in an afternoon.

My new 4 Disc DVD workshop for making needle felted dolls is proving to be a popular item in my Felt Alive Shop, especially, since I packaged them with Deluxe Kits from Patti, at DreamFelt.

Patti is catering to the needs of needle felters and carries fabulous needle felting kits and all of my favorite needle felting supplies. From core wool batting to foam felting pads, you can find it at DreamFelt! Patti carries the perfect un-dyed wool batting for the core of any needle felted sculpture - It felts fast and strong. I use this wool to sculpt the core of all of my dolls so I can save my money for the good stuff! Speaking of good stuff when you are DreamFelt you must look at the delicious colors she carries of Norwegian C1 Felting Batts!

I know I say it all the time, but Norwegian C1 is the ultimate wool for needle felting. That is my humble opinion of course. In my online quest for the ultimate needle felting wool, I discovered the most gorgeous one pound batts of the most interesting looking wool at New England Felting Supply. I read about it and discovered it was was widely used in the traditional feltmaking world for upholstery and rugs. It felts fast and is durable. It turns out those qualities make for the perfect Felt Alive dolls. I require fast felting wool (I'm very impatient) and the durability of the felted wool makes such strong joints. Plus it finishes nicely - I see a sheen in the flesh tones that gives my dolls an even more lifelike way about them. It's the wool, I tell you!!

I just stumbled across this funny picture that really illustrates the lifelike qualities of Norwegian C1 felting batts - this is one of my dolls, Cyrus, in the making, with an Alaskan mosquito trying to tap into some blood.

Weird, Huh? But why I brought this up and shared old photos is that the pictures really show the lifelike sheen I was talking about. And I think there is more to it than sheen; that mosquito hung in there for at least 10 minutes. It was a good thing that Cyrus was made from thousands of jabs with a sharp needle - he didn't even notice the mosquito. By the way, Cyrus' flesh is made from Beige-Peach Norwegian C1.

OK!! This was a long post to announce my new Calendar. I just added some amazing pictures to my travel blog of the Southern Oregon coast which is where our adventures currently have us roaming. Where in the World is Felt Alive?

Getting Ready for My Big Adventure

2009-10-04T10:40:00.006-08:00

We are packing up the dogs, some wool and felting needles and some other bare necessities into our new home on wheels. We have shed most of our worldly belongings and are leaving Alaska for destinations unknown in just a few days.

This picture is myself and Patti - a dear friend and one of my only felting connections here in Alaska. www.dreamfelt.com Patti embellished this photo (the rv doesn't really have my name plastered on the front but it looks funny!)

And here is the view from my seat! Pretty funny! The little dogs you see are minis of my poochies that are no longer with us. They were made for me by Gunilla
I started a brand new blog for my exciting big Felt Alive adventure - www.feltalive.blogspot.com so my friends can follow me on my felting journey.

Inspiration for Felt Makers

2009-09-19T10:15:00.004-08:00

They just make me smile!

My New DVD Video Workshop!

2009-08-22T09:46:00.013-08:00

I have to thank my amazing online students for giving me the idea and the courage to create this project. My students have expressed appreciation for my short, online videos that supplement the written instructions but have requested many times for the videos to be put on DVD for ease of viewing.

So, I took it a step further and made an entire workshop for a needle felted doll on DVD. The 4 Disk set contains 10 hours of needle felting fun. I create a cute and lively character from start to finish, explaining in great detail every step along the way.

And here is a little sneak peek that we put together. I think the close-ups really make it easy to see exactly how the wool reacts to the needles.

The DVD set is available on my website www.feltalive.com

Spock - Needle Felted

2009-07-29T16:41:00.004-08:00

Admiral Spock - Needle Felted, originally uploaded by feltalive.

He was quite fun! Those eyebrows and hair were fun but it was the mouth that was so crucial to get right. I'm in love with my Li'l Spock!

Daisy - A Felt Alive Needle Felted Doll

2009-07-17T17:45:00.003-08:00

Daisy - A Felt Alive Needle Felted Doll, originally uploaded by feltalive.

Those of you familiar with my work know that I rarely offer my dolls for sale. As living conditions for my collection get more and more crowded, I am faced with the reality that I must learn to say goodbye. So!!

Little Daisy is available for sale on eBay

Daisy stands about 7" tall and is solid needle felted wool.

Will Ferrell - ELF!

2009-07-06T13:12:00.002-08:00

Will Ferrell - ELF!, originally uploaded by feltalive.

My husband requested a Will Ferrell caricature, my nephew suggested the Elf costume - I think it all worked out although I must admit, this li'l dude sort of gives me the creeps. He looks like he is up to no good if you ask me.

I Pity the Fool! Mr. T - needle felted

2009-07-01T14:32:00.002-08:00

I Pity the Fool! Mr. T - needle felted, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I captured my Li'l T is the outfit that BA wore in the opening sequence of The "A" Team.

Li'l Travolta Sightseeing in Alaska

2009-06-30T00:03:00.002-08:00

Li'l Travolta Sightseeing in Alaska, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I had to make a Li'l Travolta Saturday Night Fever style! Boy does that take me back. I have to find a place with a disco ball for his official photo shoot but in the meantime we took him out sightseeing here in Alaska. When we stopped in at McHugh Creek along Turnagain Arm he learned an awful lot about the Dall Sheep we spotted in the moutains...Hmm....I wonder why he was so fascinated????

I have never needle felted will Dall Sheep wool. Sounds interesting, though.

Bald Eagle Hunting the Shoreline

2009-06-03T11:41:00.003-08:00

An overhead shadow got my attention when this amazing bird swooped in and landed in a tree in my front yard along the lakeshore.

He sat in the tree for about 1o minutes, keeping a close eye on the shoreline.

And then he flew away!

The Man in Black needle felted wool

2009-06-03T11:39:00.003-08:00

The Man in Black needle felted wool, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I must say, I'm pretty smitten with my Li'l Cash - he looked like Sean Connery for so long and while I am a fan - Li'l Sean was NOT who this guy was supposed to be. So, like I usually do at that one special moment where my character comes to life - I shouted out with glee "I DID IT!!!!!!" It really is a fun moment...really fun.

Li'l Cash stands about 12" tall and is 100% needle felted wool. He is fully jointed with needle felted joints and stands on his own without the use of wire armatures.

For his core, I used my favorite wool batting from www.zwool.com. For his flesh layer, I used my all time favorite needle felting wool - Norwegian C1 Felting Batts (beige peach for Johnny's flesh) from New England Felting Supply - For his suit, I used Merino Prefelt, also from New England Felting Supply. His hair is Merino roving. And like always, I used my Felt Alive Super-Duper, Color-Coded, Rubber-Coated Felting Needles.

Li'l Cash - An original Felt Alive Wool Sculpture by Kay Petal

Clementine

2009-05-16T12:55:00.001-08:00

Clementine, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I made Clementine for a VERY special project. She made a long trip to China to a doll manufacturer to study her for possible mass production of my designs. Well, it was no big surprise to learn that they can not be easily reproduced - the style does not lend itself to the assembly line. I was glad to get her safely back home!

I Felt The Stars

2009-03-17T09:05:00.001-08:00

Group Shot, originally uploaded by feltalive.

Eleven Li'l felted celebrities all in a row! Pretty funny - The Li'l Beatles were the first - their scale is a bit smaller than the others but I love them just they way they are.

front row - l-r Li'l Bob Dylan, Li'l Marilyn, Li'l John Lennon, Li'l Ringo Starr, Li'l George Harrison, Li'l Paul McCartney, Li'l Elvis, Li'l Janice Joplin.

back row l-r Li'l Elton John, Li'l Willie Nelson, Li'l Conan O'Brien

Li'l Elvis in needle felted wool

2009-03-13T08:52:00.001-08:00

Li'l Elvis in needle felted wool, originally uploaded by feltalive.

The wool practically sculpted itself - Li'l Elvis really wanted to come to life. This creation was a lot of fun - right down to the Elvis snarl.

Lil Marylin Monroe in needle felted wool

2009-03-13T08:51:00.001-08:00

Lil Marylin Monroe in needle felted wool, originally uploaded by feltalive.

She looks tragic to me - I find it strange that most of my characters have a spark of joyfulness to me, but not so with Li'l Marilyn. This one was a real challenge - I don't think Marilyn wanted to come to life in wool. But my li'l Marilyn is very balanced - she stands all by herself on her little red shoes

Li'l Bob Dylan in needle felted wool

2009-02-26T09:26:00.002-09:00

Li'l Bob Dylan in needle felted wool, originally uploaded by feltalive.

I am really happy to introduce my newest li'l Felt Alive celebrity - Li'l Bob Dylan! I just love how the wool can take on the look of a rugged face and a steely-eyed expression. And curly sheep's locks seemed like the perfect choice for Dylan hair.

Li'l Conan's Alaskan Ice Fishing Adventures

2009-02-18T05:46:00.003-09:00

OK - I needle felted the doll and the bear - my nephews, Nick and Ben made the video. I love seeing my creations come to life with stop-motion animation.

Featured on www.conanvsbear.com

Is it ok to brag?

2009-02-04T14:03:00.003-09:00

Thanks! I hoped so.... My dolls were featured in Art Doll Quarterly, Spring 2009. What an honor!

A beautiful magazine and my dolls look bigger than life in the pages.

Felt Alive Heads Rolling

2009-02-01T12:35:00.002-09:00

My nephews (Nick and Ben) got a hold of some of my unfinished heads and put together this funny little video.

Li'l Elton John Needle Felted Wool Doll

2009-01-29T18:15:00.000-09:00

My Li'l Elton John was SO FUN to bring to life. Even his li'l glasses are made of wool - I didn't even have to use wire. My proudest accomplishment is the lenses - they are wool, they are felted and you can see his eyes through them. I just love his flashy, flamboyant li'l personality.

Felt Alive Music Video

2009-01-11T14:57:00.000-09:00

My husband had been making training videos for his work; he brought his new found skills home and made this silly video for me. I'm much more comfortable behind the camera filming my little characters but here I am - stepping out of my little box!

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

2009-01-04T18:58:00.000-09:00

My Little Willie Nelson!

Willie is about 12" tall and is 100% Needle Felted Wool. His hair is a blend of Alpaca and Icelandic Wool. Like all my characters, I start with a basic body structure using what I call "core wool" which is basically wool batting that has not been dyed. The outer layers of the skin and clothing are made with Norwegian C1 Felting Batts. Willie was a wonderful, fun challenge for me - and he stands on his own!

Here is Willie with his buddy, Conan O'Brien!

And here is a video so you can see how lifelike he is!

Willie Nelson coming to life in Needle Felted Wool

2009-01-03T10:39:00.000-09:00

What fun I am having!! Willie will look much more like Willie when he gets a neck - I am learning that our necks really define what we look like! I will post again when Willie is complete but I love this stage and had to share!

Happy Felting in 2009!!

2009-01-01T14:45:00.000-09:00

Conan O'Brien - Needle Felted Wool

2009-01-01T14:38:00.002-09:00

I think I have found my calling! Celebrity Felt Alive - Hmm...

This is so new for me - I am in my mid forties and never realized I had any kind of artistic abilities - that is until I discovered needle felting - two years ago! I am having so much fun with it - My new Li'l Conan is really a Felt Alive star. Somehow I captured Conan in wool - from his piercing look in his eyes, right down to his swagger, this truly is Mini Conan.

Li'l Conan is a HUGE FAn of the real Conan O'Brien and he plays in front of the tv every time Conan is on - it's hilarious. He dreams of being Conan's little desk buddy on his new Tonight Show....a li'l fella can dream...

Here is a little video so you can see how lifelike Li'l Conan is!

ladies and gentlemen...The Beatles

2008-12-21T18:08:00.000-09:00

New Felt Alive Needle Felting Class!

2008-11-18T07:15:00.000-09:00

Yesterday was the official launch of my new online needle felting class. It's called The Magic of Faces - Unleashing the secrets of needle felting expressive faces!

Create a unique and expressive face that is full of character and charm. These simple techniques can be repeated over and over, never making the same face twice. You will learn about basic facial anatomy and how to construct and connect the various parts of a face.

The Possibilities are Endless!

Since I came out with my original Felt Alive class, I have gotten many requests for a class specifically on faces. So, I decided to elaborate on the lesson from my Felt Alive class - The Magic of Faces - and offer it as a stand alone class.

I'm certain my new class will be of value to skilled needle felt artists that may simply want to learn a few new tricks! And it has already proven itself to be appropriate for beginning needle felters; as so many of my Felt Alive students had never needle felted before enrolling in my class. Their creations, especially the faces are amazing! So I think it's a great introductory to soft-sculptural needle felting as well.

I think all students will learn many of the basic principles of soft-sculptural needle felting techniques. I also think it's a great way to test the waters for those who haven't decided if a complicated online class project is right for them. And for those that just can't get enough and must go on to create a lifelike body, I will offer a discounted upgrade deal for the entire Felt Alive class to my Magic of Faces Students.

And I have tons of videos in this class! You can see the details here - http://www.feltalive.com/magicfacesclass.htm

Photographing My Work

2008-11-04T22:43:00.000-09:00

I have been up against a challenge ever since I started needle felting of learning how to capture my work in the best light. I am finding that nearly as much as I love creating needle felted characters, I love taking pictures of them. My favorite lighting is natural lighting and my favorite backdrop is my gorgeous Alaskan scenery but I feel it is important to get several excellent, high-res shots of each piece in a controlled studio setting. But how?? So, like most things I'm curious about, I turned to the internet. After much research, I finally have a solution. It is called a light box or a light tent.

My nephew made mine out of PVC conduit and unions. It comes apart for easy storage. I just have a plain white sheet to drape over the top - this filters the light - and I purchased a Flotone photographic backdrop that graduates from black to white. I use this as a sweep and stand my work right on the backdrop - this gives a seamless, wrinkle-free background. I think it gives professional look to my photos. Beside that - I have two 300 watt clamp lights to shine light in from either side to control or even eliminate shadows.

Here is a photo of one of my dolls, Evelyn making her debut in the light box.

And in this photo - I didn't even need to turn on my lighting - I have a nice, bright studio and this was taken on a lovely, sunny day.

Sarah Palin Returns to Wasilla, Alaska

2008-10-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I grew up here in Wasilla Alaska with Sarah Palin, I thought I had to jump in and have some fun too. Sarah and I graduated together in 1982. She first caught my attention after high school by winning the title of Miss Wasilla in 1984 and then was a runner up in the Miss Alaska pageant.

My creation is in homage to my childhood friend Sarah in her Miss Wasilla swimsuit outfit.

My New Felt Alive Studio

2008-10-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

I finally have a special space to call my own, just for felting. It took some elbow grease and a whole lot of paint, but a much neglected space in my house is now my studio. I went for bright bold colors because Alaskan winters can be so long and dark - Old Man Winter won't be able to get me here!

Here is a quick video tour of my shiny new Felt Alive Studio!

Exciting News!

2008-10-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to announce that I am the new owner/admin for The Felting & Needle Felting Forum. It is an amazing group of felting enthusiasts from all around the world. The Forum was founded by Marie Spaulding of Living Felt and I am proud to take the reins! Come by and visit, there is so much fun happening there!

The Felt Alive Hilda Challenge

2008-09-09T12:26:00.001-08:00

I invited some of my Felt Alive online students to join me in a challenge to capture the essence of Hilda - A vintage plus-sized pinup caricature by artist, Duane Bryers.

Starting at the BOTTOM row- it's FeltingFever!

Then in the middle we have Germa's Felting

Then on the top row we have me - feltalive

What a fun bunch of Hildas!!

Felt Alive at the Alaska State Fair 2008

2008-08-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

I entered several of my characters into the Alaska State Fair - I was thrilled with how well they were received by the judges and it is very exciting to have them on display for Alaskans to see, adorned with all of their pretty ribbons.

Field Trip to the Mountains

2008-08-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Ethan and I loaded up our three boys (Homer, Lucky and Spike) and the entire Felt Alive family and headed up to Hatcher Pass; a magical place that happens to be right about in our back yard. A short drive from home and we find ourselves in the middle of an alpine paradise in the Talkeetna Mountains. Alaska is some kind of beautiful!!!

In the Talkeetna Mountains with My Felt Alive Crew.

Chieder the Mountaineer

Climb little Droits! You can make it!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

A great day was had by all!

Cyrus

2008-07-20T00:32:00.000-08:00

Cyrus is the largest Felt Alive character to date! He stands about 23 inches tall and is a pretty hefty guy. He is solid needle felted wool and is fully jointed with seamless needle felted joints. No sewing, no stuffing, just felted wool!

My Great-Niece Chloe with her new friend, Cyrus!

Tree Droits

2008-07-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

Escape to the Mountains

2008-07-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

My nephew Nick and his girlfriend, Mindy, stole away to the mountains the other day with several of my characters in tow. They returned with the most fabulous photos!

There's more pictures - Here is a slideshow of their day!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I caught some Droits!

2008-07-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

I can only seem to catch these little critters if I stay up very late at night. I've been told they are called Droits!

Doc Treeboat

2008-06-09T00:17:00.000-08:00

This guy was so fun to create! I blended 4 colors of wool batting together to give him this wonderful skin tone. My little niece named him Doc Treeboat. She is my official character namer.

Latest Addition to my Felt Alive Family

2008-05-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Meet Mindy!

Mindy loves to play outside in the yard! She is an adventurous little thing; climbing trees and dreaming of sailing away to explore far away lands!

I'm in USA Today!!!

2008-05-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

I was mentioned in a recent article in USA Today. The article is about Flickr (the coolest photo sharing website going) and I was mentioned in the article! How exciting. I responded to a Flickr Forum post from the writer at USA today looking for input from Flickr users. I wound up getting interviewed over the phone and that evening, I made the paper!! Pretty crazy!!

Felt Alive Online Class with Needle Felting Kit

2008-05-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

This is the kit I put together for students of my Felt Alive online class. I have stuffed it full of my favorite materials for making my Felt Alive characters. It is the kit I wish I would have had when I first got started. I am having so much fun teaching my techniques - It makes me so happy to see my students projects come to life! I always feel like a proud auntie.

My online class is fun and innovative. I wrote an 8 chapter tutorial/ebook loaded with pictures and step by step instructions and to supplement this, I have created an extensive video library demonstrating the various techniques. My students start when they want and work at their own pace, all while getting personal instruction from me. We are having a lot of fun!! Click Here for more info!

Rufus - My first soft-sculpted canine!

2008-05-19T09:10:00.001-08:00

This is little Rufus - He sits about 6 inches tall. He is soft and flexible and such a good boy!!

This is my first soft-scultped dogs. I made the little guys in my sled dog team but they are sculpted quite hard and are not as lifelike as Rufus.

Little Gladys - Needle Felted Art Doll

2008-05-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

This is little Gladys! She is such a silly little thing!

A Dude Named Alice!

2008-05-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

This is Alice - Don't ask why - he's just Alice! He looks like a laid back old surfer dude to me. I just love him! What a character!

And I'm pretty sure Alice is Crackers' Bro' I caught them down at the lake shore soaking up the Alaskan springtime sun! They are a couple of Laid Back Dudes!

He's Totally Crackers!

2008-05-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

This is Crackers! He is a fun lovin' needle felted guy just enjoying a cold one on the shores of an Alaskan Lake.

"Mac" Extreme Needle Felting

2008-04-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Meet Mac! He is my crazy little Scotsman with a penchant for Irish Whiskey. I planned on making a grumpy little old man in a wool suit. When I was ready to get Mac dressed, I decided to let him pick out his own outfit. So - it's not my fault!

It's a full Scottish Moon!
It's censored for the blog.
Here's a link to see the the Real Mac

Party's Over!!

As you can probably guess, I had a blast creating Mac. In my online classes, I stress the importance of relaxing and having fun! I certainly practiced what I preach when it came to my little Mac. He is about 8 inches tall and solid needle felted wool.

Needle Felted Moon Men!!

2008-03-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

These were SO FUN to create. They are each roughly 8 inches tall and are 100% wool. They are both rather soft and flexible.

Felt Alive in the News

2008-03-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

I've been recently blogged in a couple of really great blogsites. Check out these awesome articles!

Kay Petal's Felt Alive
This is at craftgossip.com - and I am honored to have been featured here.

That Felt...Uncomfortable
A funny and insightful look into the way I express my art through my videos of my art! I love the article! Scroll down the page to find it!

Please feel free to leave comments - lots of comments encourages editors to write more and more about needle felting! You know - Spreading the Love!!

Jammie Kids!

2008-02-22T20:29:00.001-09:00

Here are a couple of my latest creations! I have several more in the works! These are so fun to make - I made these using the same soft sculptural techniques that I teach in my online class. It's fun and easy to learn! No patterns, no sewing, stuffing and no seams - just solid needle felted wool!

Jammie Kids!

2008-02-22T20:29:00.000-09:00

Here are a couple of my latest creations! I have several more in the works!

Online Class Sneak Peek!

2008-01-25T00:52:00.001-09:00

Online Class available now at www.howtofelt.com

New!! Online Classes

2008-01-21T07:30:00.000-09:00

Join me online &

Felt Alive with Kay Petal

Soft Sculpting Lifelike Characters with the Felting Needle

Now Available at www.howtofelt.com

I am thrilled to announce that I am teaching online - taking students on an adventure into soft sculptural needle felting.

This is an online class that I am teaching at Felting Forum. This forum is a wonderful community of felting enthusiasts from around the world sharing ideas. The most recent addition to this forum is online classes taught by a variety of artists sharing a variety of felting methods. Instructions are delivered to registered students via downloads and the instructors moderate their private class forums answering questions and offering special instructions. It is a great concept and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Classes are available on an ongoing basis throughout 2008 and I will be available regularly to offer individual instruction. It's going to be fun!

Happy New Year from the Whole Gang!

2007-12-31T00:17:00.000-09:00

Well, another year down - and what a great year it was! I can't wait to see what roads my needle felting will take me down in 2008.

In my first year needle felting, I have only been able to part with two characters - sob, sob. The remaining cast members decided to all get together for a group shot to wish all you happy needlers out there a very Wonderful and Healthy New Year.

After the group shot - they persuaded me to video them - it's posted on the home page of my website too. Not only do you get to meet my characters, you get up and close and personal with my knick knacks and family photos they share my shelves with - I'm just glad the camera didn't pick up the dust!

My New Website

2007-12-16T01:31:00.000-09:00

I have been working hard designing my new website and have recently published it to the world wide web! I am very excited to have a venue to not only showcase my art but to promote sculptural needle felting. I hope that my website will become a learning resource for people who are ready to try out this very unique craft. Please check it out! My address is www.feltalive.com

It's Santa!

2007-12-02T20:13:00.000-09:00

This is Santa during his off time. He is wearing his red Union Suit and wool socks. He is about 20 inches tall and is very soft and huggable. I think I captured the twinkle in his eye!!

Little Girl

2007-12-02T20:10:00.001-09:00

I think her name is Hazel. She just jumped off my felting pad today. She is really difficult to photograph and is SO much cuter in person. She is another example of a wool soft sculpture - she is so soft and huggable. In her seated position she is about 8 " tall. Make sure to watch the little video of Hazel. The background music is "Way Long Timey Ago" by The Red Clay Ramblers

Chieder The Elf

2007-11-26T22:23:00.000-09:00

Here is my latest character to leap off my felting pad. His name is Cheider and he is the largest I have made so far. He stands about 20" tall to the tip of his hat. He is made of 100% wool with no wire armature. I wet felted his hat and it is removable. Make sure to watch the video to see him in action.

Superman Underoos??

2007-11-25T11:09:00.000-09:00

I just can't help it - these two crazy kids just showed up on my felting pad. I do find it unusual how this old man bears an uncanny resemblance to my late father. I didn't mean for there to be any resemblance but it is striking. My four year old niece who only remembers him from pictures took one look at this guy and said - "Oh - that's my Grandpa Vern" I know it would just crack my dad up so the name stuck!

Dad had a great sense of humor and would love the fact that he gets to wear Superman Underoos.

I don't know, however, if he would appreciate the fact that his girlfriend resembles his late mother (again - not my fault!)

I really don't have any plans when I start needle felting a doll. Funny things always happen which might explain my addiction to this craft.

I made a little video show of Grandpa Vern and his gal enjoying a little music. (Music is "Boogie" by John Hartford)

Grandpa Vern

2007-11-24T12:44:00.000-09:00

I find it unusual how this old man has an uncanny resemblance to my late father. I didn't mean for there to be any resemblance but it is striking. Dad had a great sense of humor and would love the fact that I put him in Superman underoos. My four year old niece who only remembers him from pictures took one look at this guy and said - "Oh - that's my Grandpa Vern" I know it would just crack my dad up so the name stuck! Like my Dad, this guy is a little bit naughty so please enjoy the video of Grandpa Vern in action!

Needle Felted Zaftig Doll

2007-11-21T20:22:00.000-09:00

This is Cookie! She knows that a curve is the sexiest distance between two points and she is proud of her voluptuous figure. From a Yiddish word meaning ripe and juicy, Zaftig has come to be understood as pleasantly plump.

Cookie is needle felted out of 100% wool. She is very soft and is fun to pose. Her gorgeous red hair is from dyed curly wool.

Cookie dropped something!!

I created Cookie using soft sculpture techniques that I learned from Birgitte Krag Hansen. She is not totally complete yet as I have to do much needling to create a less fuzzy skin. I just had to share her because she makes me laugh! When I get her done I will post a video of Cookie in motion!

Workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen

2007-11-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'd like to share my fantastic experience that I recently had. In late August, I learned that my needle felting idol, Birgitte Krag Hansen would be in Alaska in early September putting on needle felting workshops. I was so lucky to be able to take not one but TWO workshops with her. The first workshop was a one day event titled "Funny Theatre Figures. This class was in the tiny, remote community of Kenny Lake; I had to drive 4 hours in each direction to take this one day workshop. It was so worth it! Our class was in a little library with only 9 people in the class.

Birgitte is on the porch and that's Penny Wakefield, her host from the Fairbanks Spinners and Weavers Guild.

There wasn't even running water - we had to use the outhouse out back!

We had so much fun learning how to make these funny little theatre figures! The little guy I made is in the video below. His name is Kleebus. He only has one hand (and that is at the end of his neck/body) but really, he needs no more! He is fun to play with and kids absolutely love him. Birgitte taught us how to work the wool so that the characters come to life. I hope you enjoy the video of Kleebus as he hams it up for the camera! Sorry about the backgroud noise - its one of my big dogs having a big drink of water!

This is Hailey! (My 4 year old niece is in charge of naming my creations)

I made her in the 3 day workshop I took in Fairbanks with Birgitte. This was so intense and I learned so much. Luckily, I took a flight up there because the 6 hour drive each way would have kicked my butt.

The workshop was called "Figures in Motion" and I had the idea that mine would be sunbathing. The end result was more like she was flying!

The last pictures were taken during the workshops - Birgitte's Workstation is quite interesting. I love the one of the family of characters that were made in the class. There were some fun and talented people there!

Alaska State Fair

2007-08-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

I entered some of my felted creatures into the Alaska State Fair and was pleasantly surprised at how well they did.

My little Einstein seemed to be a real favorite. He took first place in the category of Fiber Arts - Needled Felted - Three Dimensional. He also won Division Champion in the Needle Felted Division and the real kicker was that he took Best in Show in the entire Fiber Arts department. There were so many beautiful works of art in this department and here is little Einstein just dripping with ribbons!

My dog sled team took a first place ribbon in the category of Fiber Arts - Needle Felted - Other. It also won a special recognition from a sponsor - which I believe means a cash prize - not sure yet though!

The final prize winner was Skye. I decided to enter Skye outside of the Fiber Arts Department and let her compete in the Arts & Crafts Department in the Dollmaking Division. She won a first place ribbon in the Soft Sculpture Category and also won Judges Choice in the Arts and Crafts Department. Pretty Cool!!

I entered a few other pieces but they were eliminated from prize contention as I can only be judged for one piece in each category. All in all - I was thrilled.

I got a lot of attention from the local fiber fanatics - my head swelled a little, I think! I was invited to join the local fiber arts guild which I had been meaning to do, but just never got around to it. I was asked to do a needle felting demonstration at the fair- I did that yesterday afternoon and that went very well -I had fun - people seem to be quite intrigued with this craft. I was also approached to teach a needle felting class at a fiber arts retreat. I will be doing that in April of '08. The theme is funny faces - it should be fun.

Bjarney The Icelandic Night Troll.

2007-05-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

This Bjarney! He is an Icelandic Night Troll.

Icelandic legend has it that these mischievous trolls come out at night. They must be well hidden during the day as even one ray of sun can turn a Night Troll into stone.

Bjarney sits about 7" tall. With the exception of his hair, Bjarney is made from 100% Icelandic Wool. I used three natural colors of wool - black for his body, light brown for his eyes and natural white for his teeth and the whites of his eyes. Icelandic wool is rather coarse and hairy. This gives Bjarney a very primitive look. His hair and beard are made from a course, wool yarn.

Mush!!

2007-05-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Finally! I finished my little sled dog team.

It's Grandpa Harry out for a Sunday drive with his pups. Grandpa doesn't race anymore but he still loves to train and run his dogs. The pups are just mastering their sport. Grandpa taught them well as they navigate the trail like old pros. They love to run!

Grandpa Harry is a true Alaskan Sourdough. You can tell by the Bunny Boots - that's what we call those big, white, rubber Army issue boots that are insulated with air. He's also wearing his green wool army pants and his trusty old Buffalo Plaid jacket. His fur trapper's hat and mittens keep him warm and cozy. If he gets too hot, the hat comes off!

The pups are made from a variety of wool and even have shading done with Alaskan Husky fur.

Grandpa stands about 6 1/2" tall and the pups stand 2" tall and 3" long.

Jackrabbit Slim

2007-04-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

This was a fun little guy to make. I used local wool from a little Shetland sheep that lives in Palmer named Shiska. Her beautiful, course wool gave JR Slim a very primitive feel. I think he looks so proud against his gorgeous background. The photos were taken outside my home studio. I listed JR Slim on eBay and he is now in his new home in Texas where he is the newest member of a rabbit collection. He was my first attempt to sell any of my work on eBay and I was happy to see that I had two people bidding on my creation. I was so nervous sending him off but the new owner loves him! So that was fun and really inspired me to get busy with some new works.

Life In Pink

2007-02-24T10:14:00.000-09:00

This is Sylvie, a lovely French gal who is young at heart. I created her for a felting challenge at feltingforum.com. The challenge is Felt Me a Tune. Her song of inspiration is La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf.

2007-02-09T15:55:00.000-09:00

Here is Einstein!!

Need I say more?

New Felt Creations

2007-02-09T15:32:00.000-09:00

This is Queenie!!

Queenie is a gem in the rough. We are still working on her fingers and toes! She has a bit of attitude so I have to be sure to get her right! She still resides on the foam pad, needing some attention. She is the first one that has no wire armature - Not sure which I prefer - wire or no wire.