Needle Felted Wildlife

Signup by May 17, 2016; after that, check availability.
Bring lunch and a photograph of your favorite animal.

Create your favorite animal using wool that is beautiful, colorful, and organic. Learn the delightful art of needle felting in this class with felting artist Barbara Attwell from Austin, Texas.

Needle felting is a process where strong and solid shapes are created by repeatedly plunging a barbed needle into a ball of wool. As wool has microscopically tiny hooks, this dry process allows for a great amount of detail. We will learn how to start with a coated wire armature, create realistic eyes from plastic clay, and ways to mount the animal in a natural setting.

Felting is the same process that has been used to make yurts, hats and shoes for over a thousand years. Best of all there is no harm done to the animal – their part is getting an occasional haircut.

About the instructor

Barbara Attwell is an award-winning artist who started her career with a sculpture degree in foundry work. Nature is her inspiration, and wool has become her favorite sculpting material with its impressive amount of strength, flexibility, and color.

She spent this past September studying with several of the best felters Ireland has to offer, and along with private commissions for wildlife centers and individuals, has been showing her works both in Texas and California.

Her work and resume can be seen at: barbaraattwell.net.