Art Talk
5 Needle Felt Artists who will Blow your Mind!
In our previous post, we explored the fascinating history behind wool felting, tracing its journey from ancient craft to modern art form. Building on that foundation, today’s blog post introduces you to three of the UK’s most talented needle felting artists.
These individuals have truly mastered the art, transforming simple wool into extraordinary 3D masterpieces. Their work not only highlights the incredible versatility of needle felting but also serves as a source of inspiration for anyone drawn to this unique craft. From breathtakingly lifelike animals to enchanting fantasy figures, the creations of these artists are a testament to the enduring appeal and creative potential of felting.
Let’s delve into the work of these remarkable artists and celebrate their contribution to the vibrant world of needle felting.
Different Artistic Styles and Techniques
Needle felting presents artists with a wide range of styles and techniques to experiment with. Whether creating realistic animals or imaginative fantasy creatures, artists have the freedom to let their creativity soar. In needle felting, the only boundary is the artist’s imagination, allowing for limitless possibilities in bringing their creations to life.
Sculping
In the art of needle felting, artists have a wide range of techniques to try out. By using a wire frame armature, they can sculpt wool fibres into detailed three-dimensional objects like animals, figurines, and sculptures.
Through careful manipulation with needles, artists can shape the fibres to bring their creations to life, whether they are crafting realistic animals or whimsical characters. The artist is limited only by their imagination.
Painting
Unlike 3D felting, flat felt painting focuses on creating two-dimensional artwork by layering and blending coloured wool fibres on a flat surface. The fibres are felted together using a combination of wet felting or needle felting techniques to produce detailed and vibrant images resembling traditional paintings.
Additionally, personalised pet portraits are highly sought-after in needle felting. These unique creations make meaningful gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime.
6 Felting Artist you need to Discover
Introducing the six needle felting artists who we believe are at the pinnacle of their craft. Without delay, let’s delve into the exceptional work of these top-tier creators.
Mikaela Bartlett Felt
I remember the day I discovered Mikaela and her astonishing talents. I was so blown away by her foxes that I almost dropped my tea! Mikaela has a background of working with ceramics and sculpture, and uses the same techniques with her felting.
My husband has been told that a ticket to a workshop with Mikaela is on my Christmas wish list, as I would love to spend a day in her world, even for the chance to see her work up close. I would have added a link below to her shop, but this would be a pointless exercise. Mikaela has a dedicated fan base of collectors, who literally jump every time she drops her new collections. In fact, I use her work as an example to Guild Members of the benefits of launching in collections.
Head on over to the Mikaela Bartlett Felt website and browse her incredible gallery instead. If you want to be the first to know when her new work drops, you need to sign up for her news letter.
Stowaways
Meet the adorable “Bumps” by fibre artist Nastasya Shulyak. Nastasya was based in Russia, but from what I have been reading lately has moved to Istanbul. Working with wool, both dry and wet felting since 2010, her world is full of the most delightful creatures. Her attention to colour and detail makes her work stand out.
The creatures she creates are inspired by the nature she finds outside of her window and she has a huge fan base of dedicated collectors. My all time Favourite has to be Mr Garlic!
You can find out what she is up to by following the Stowaways Instagram Account, which has the link to her website in the Bio.
The Felt Menagerie
The artist behind the Felt Menagerie is the supremely talented Jenny Hart. With a degree in fine art, Jenny literally paints with wool, creating these stunning , one of a kind pieces for her clients. Each portrait is commissioned, and can take upwards of 20 hours of meticulous work to complete. Jenny books up fast, so I would highly recommend getting yourself on her mailing list.
Using 100% pure wool, the detail Jenny is able to create is mind-blowing. Her work is showcased over at The Felt Menagerie website
Grey Fox Felting
Based in New York, fibre artist Erin Gardner and her small team run a felting studio offering workshops and supplies. I fell in love with the foxgloves, which stopped my scroll on the socials. Imagine my delight when I discovered that Erin runs regular virtual workshops that you can take over Zoom!
Workshops are always a fantastic idea for a one of a kind gift, and a virtual workshop make it super easy to give the gift of new skills to someone your love. You can find all the info over at the Grey Fox Felting Website, or check out their work on Instagram here @greyfoxfelting
Flyby Felts
Rachel Stephenson is a pet portrait artist from the UK and my guilty pleasure! Rachel’s Instagram channel is full to the brim with work in progress videos and commission reveals. I do spend way too much time on there some days, as I love to see what she is working on. Rachel doesn’t have a website, but encourages you to send her a message, if you would like her to create a one of a kind commission piece. You can find the Flyby Felts Instagram Channel here, but I warn you, it’s addictive!
That’s a Wrap, for now!
In conclusion, we’ve highlighted the exceptional talent of five remarkable needle felting artists, showcasing their unique skills and creativity. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring their extraordinary work as much as we have.
We’d love to hear from you – who is your favourite among these outstanding artists? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
We are constantly seeking out fascinating artists and makers to feature on our platform. If you have any recommendations or if you’re interested in submitting a guest post for our blog, we encourage you to reach out to me directly via the contact form for the Silk Purse Guild. Your creativity and talent are always welcome here!
I follow two of these
Amazing artists myself, and are the reason that I am just beginning my felting journey at the ripe old age of 55! They are so inspirational and super talented. One day I hope that I can obtain half the talent that these artists have.
The talent here is incredible! How life-like these look just makes the mind boggle about the creative processes. Wonderful.