WoolPets

It's Fair Time!

Last weekend I volunteered at the Kitsap County Fair at the Weavers and Spinners demo booth. I regret that I didn't take photos of the kids who came to try out needle felting. They were so enthusiastic! I've noticed that adults tend to be more critical of themselves and their work, whereas the kids just go at it and have fun! They get really creative!

I managed to take some photos of the animals, however. Here are a few. The rest will be in a new photo album called "Fair Time".

It's interesting to think about the whole culture behind the county or state fair. I was amazed to see small girls working with big horses and with such confidence. And at the Kitsap County Fair, I noticed the animals seemed happy and relaxed, cool and comfortable.

These sheep are relatives of Hazel and Merna, my Romney girls.

Here's the booth I worked at. Hi Jo! Nice frappuccino you have there!

I've been working for the last few months to build up my inventory for the Puyallup Fair . I'll be selling my Woolpets and kits with other artists at the Merchants hall, as part of the Artists in Action. Each day, 3 different artists will be demonstrating at the fair.  I'll be featured on Saturday the 15th of September from 5-8pm.  The fair runs from Sept. 7-23.
A special thank you to my folks for lending me  a hand to get stuff ready. Here they are putting kits together. 

Now its back to work for me! 

Japanese Craft Book-Needle Felting

Some years ago, I discovered Japanese craft books. I'm fortunate to live near Seattle and there is a wonderful book store called Kinokuniya located in Uwajimaya Village. My latest discovery is a book called Animal Mascots Made by the Felting Needle. I love finding books written about needle felting and the Japanese have published quite a few. If you don't live near Seattle, you can find this book at this eBay shop.

Birgitte Krag Hansen

Birgitte Krag Hansen is a Danish felt maker and teacher. She has an amazing talent with needle felting. Last summer, I was able to attend one of her workshops in the US. It was a figure making workshop held in upstate New York at Sharon Costello's studio. Although I had to fly clear across the country to attend the workshop, it was well worth it! When I heard she was giving a workshop on making needle felted animals, I almost jumped a plane to Germany. But between the cost and rushing to get a passport, I decided not to go. Boy, did I ever miss out! Look at the amazing stuff the students made here. Birgitte has a new book coming out on needle felting animals and currently it is only available in Danish. Oh well, I bought it anyway! I can't wait to see the beautiful photos of her work. Here is a link to her site. Thank you for inspiring me, Birgitte!

Woolpets On Stage

I learned to make wool animals and people for puppetry while I was training to be a Waldor Kindergarten teacher. It is amazing to see how much children love to watch puppet plays of their favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes.  I purchased this wooden puppet theater many years ago and although I am no longer teaching, I still love puppetry and the magic of storytelling. I love to see what character will emerge from the needle felted animals and people as I make them. Each one seems to have a story to tell.

Needle Felted Sheep Class

One of my very best customers organized a group of women to come to my house and have me teach them how to make a needle felted sheep. We had a lot of fun and the sheep turned out adorable! Everyone was pleased with the results. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day. Thanks to Ivy, Kenna and Kate! I will definitely plan more workshops for the future.