I have had an unseemly amount of enjoyment with this new needle felting lark. I used to make a lot of things, which is why I have so much textile-y stuff gathering dust in corners of my studio, but I had to bite the bullet and concentrate on becoming a vaguely competent painter. However - being a typical Cancerian - I hung on to everything, as sewing paraphernalia tends to be beautiful as well as (eventually) useful. In fact - and I am somewhat horrified to count back the years - it has been about a decade since I crafted anything. This month I have other publishing work which must be completed, so grabbing a precious hour or two with my felting needle has been a very guilty pleasure, hence keeping the curious waiting for my initial efforts. As well as waiting for delivery of little ribbons with my logo on, which are obviously being hand embroidered by Mongolian elfs, they are taking so long to arrive.
My first tentative stabs were loosely based on an old artwork, Mr Apricot -
- he started off like this...
- and ended up like this. Amazingly after all these years of non-sewing, I can still just about embroider a nose and managed to make halfway decent French knots for eyes.
At this point Andy's mum should not be reading, as he is her (very late) birthday present. He was missing something though...and unexpectedly, the wonderfully kind and very wool-centric Border Tart sent me a gorgeous collection of bright fluffy 'accents', all wrapped up in a fairy tale.
Funnily enough, I had just been looking through her shop to see if she sold these self same articles. Thank you so much Lindsay! Now my rabbit has what every bunny needs; a carrot.
Many years of painting and drawing 2D toys means that I am not at a loss for designs...in fact I wish I could sprout extra limbs, in order to be able to work, spider-like, on several projects at once.
The next idea was unashamedly inspired by a story from a favourite childhood Enid Blyton book, (and from where many early ideas and images fixed themselves in my imagination, still resurfacing in my work today).
Using a cotton wool base, she started rather bizarrely; a miniature yeti-like creature.
But several thousand stabs later, a bit of embellishment and a pink heart on her posterior she emerged looking plumply cute and rather like a Japanese crafted toy.
Wanting to move back to a more vintage style, I ransacked my Moleskine again -
- and started to roll, mould and stab again. Using cotton wool in the kitten saved on actual felting wool, but I seem to get a more satisfactory, organic shape with 100% wool top. So far she is eyeless and wingless. Does she need a crown or a frock? Or both?
I find it hard to believe there was life before needle felt.
The lovely early Spring weather has fled, to be replaced with cold, pasty February skies. I am juggling several pictures at once - including a 'proper job', which - while interesting in itself - does not particularly spark fireworks. Needing to knuckle down and get on with a good day's painting, I was merely going to post this old thing -
Bird Moon - 2001 - (not for sale) 15 x 10 cm
And what an wonderful pack it was; I love her work, redolent with themes of fairy tales, theatre and circus, all executed with a gorgeous muted palette and swathed in melancholic mystery. Just to have one delightful print would have been enough - but, oh generous Gifling!
A print, a postcard pack, AND a set of scrummy circus family badges -
Well, what can one say, but thank you, thank you, thank you! And thank you. (Did I say thank you?) So feeling rather spoilt, I moved hungrily on to the other anonymous packet...large, soft and squidgy. And literally gasped out loud. After the nice comments (bless you all) about my wheely bird, and suggestions of needlefelting it into a real toy, I investigated further, and discovered a whole new craft waiting for me. I am really excited about the thought of creating some of my creatures in 3D, and this looks like an ideal way to do it. However pennies are very tight again, and I put the thought aside for a while. So the arrival of this -
- was like a classic fairytale scenario, where the poor woodcutter's daughter finds some kind, anonymous benefactor has left the tools to her destiny on her doorstep. Not only that, but chosen well, as they are 'my' colours - so someone who knows my work too. And no note...no receipt...I have a hunch though. Just a whisper of a hunch. (edit...my hunch was wrong so I really am completely clueless...) To the great-hearted person who sent me this - thank you x 100. This is one craft about which I have absolutely no knowledge; I really thirsted to try it out and now, happily, I can. Big smiles and great restraint needed not to pick it up at once and start playing.
Did you notice the happy accident? Don't you just love it when things serendipidously fall into threes? Look at these colours...
Chance? Fate? Fluke? Who knows.
Talking of multiples, I have been a little overwhelmed this month with various tags/list invites - too many to do really, and not much about me that is at all interesting which I haven't already posted. But thank you to lovely bloggers Paula, Tara, Little Robot, Erica and Corinne, who mentioned me on their blogs. All of whom are in my list of 'creative lovelies' on the left over there. Like having a basketful of kittens, it is hard to choose a favourite...so I will simply scoop everyone up and squeeze them. Gently of course.
I regularly notice and have collected over the years. Please email me if you have any suggestions or books you want to share.
I am an illustrator and pattern designer located in Brooklyn, New York."
Wonderful work Gretel.
The heart on the kitten is a nice touch.
Wow G! these are really good, the cat looks really yours if you know what I mean.
P.x
These are beautiful, I have never done 'needle felting'I can see I may have to try it sometime!!!!
I have been hoping to see what you have been up to in your studio over the past few days...I couldn't quite see on your webcam.
These are just so cute...three D versions of your paintings:-)
Take care,
Alison x
you are so talented at everything you seem to do. these little felted animals are gorgeous.
fairly respectable? Oh my goodness they are just gorgeous!!
Wow, I totally love those! I've never heard of needle felting, now I have something new to google.
The idea for the crown and frock on the goose would look adorable!
Oh now you've got me going, these are just so very adorable, I want to have a go. Where on earth does one start?
They are wonderful! So full of life and character, and they've got my fingers itching to have a go at needle felting too, it sounds as though you've had that effect on lots of your readers/commenters!
I LOVE these....may I just say I LOVE these OMG! I have the needle and I have some roving....I don't know where to begin to make something 3D. Did you put something under it first...please tell me! I LOVE these Gretel...oh wait...I think I said that already!
XOXO
Captain Rupert and I love Mr Apricot, Captain Rupert would of invited him down the pub too for some rabbit compnay! and all your other creations, are great too. Look forward to you doing more.
These are Gorgeous! I agree that they remind me of your illustrations, even the colours. This is one of the few crafts I never tried in my crafty days of long ago.
I am smitten. I am in love.
You are not only an artist,
you are a felt fairy.
Where do hide your magic needle?
That rabbit is wonderful! Of course the other animals are too, but the rabbit does it for me...so much like your drawings and those ears are full of expression. :-)
I love the rabbit - just gorgeous. They are all lovely but the rabbit really makes me smile.
Obviously the bunny is gorgeous ... but I simply ADORE the goose ... I think she needs a crown ;-) Goosey seems very grand in deed!
Oh your fantastic at this ! I ca n't belive you've never done this before !
Theyare really beautifull ! It's a good idea to felting, they are simply too cute !
Adorable!
Hehe.. I love how you've managed to get the same feel in these as in your illustrations - that sort of "armless bewilderment" :)
Lovely and well done and your busy-ness puts me to shame! Cheerio xxx
You are a a rare and exceptional talent!! I enjoy your blog so much.
Love,
Linda
www.lindablondheimartnotes.blogspot.com
gretel-these are absolutley brilliant! the goose is looking great so far. you look like you are having such fun with needle felting. i especially like the goose.dx.
What wonderful pictures you`re doing and now toys too! Love them all !!! I wish my computer as well as my connection were working better. I miss visiting here :)
tea
xo
Your felt animals are so lovely! They have such distinctive personalities--you really have a gift for felt work.
These animals are just wonderful...I have been wanting to have a go a felting myself - bought a book that sells supplies and now just need to find a little time to fit it in! I am told it takes quite a while but is so easy !?
Carol