Makings of Siameese Cats in Needle Felt

I took photographs during my process of making these adorable siamese cat buddies. Hope you enjoy! to see more or order your own visit my ETSY store: Matisse1968

Working on "Callie Cat" in felted wool!

My newest commission in needle felted wool..."Callie Cat." 

Photograph of "Callie Cat"

 

Photographs are nice but, inevitably there is always something left out! (details I can't see). For example what are the color of eyes without the flash, what color is on the back, tail and paws??? I was fortunate enough to have my client have on hand some photos to share with more examples but, still you just can't see it all....so I use my creative license to recreate the unknown:)

 

 

 

wool wrapped wire armature, tacking wool in place. 

Placing in basic shapes of color patches and facial details 

Here I am checking the color to the photograph

The more finalized detail of the eyes are now in place

 I start needle felting from the feet up

Here am getting the length of the wool correct and small pieces at a time get needled into the body

 

Here I have built up the layers for a couple days and finally feel it is filled in correct and looks anatomically correct or at least as close as I could make it.....and added Callie's collar.

My studio pal "Pierre" has a new buddy, "Callie" to hang with until she goes in the mail.

 This is me saying; "Nice to meet you but, it is time to send you off to your new and Happy home" :)

The cutest dog "Molly" in felt!

This little dog was a BIG challenge!
I was given a picture of this cute and loved dog, "Molly" and asked to have the dog commissioned (re-created) in "Needle Felt." It was going to be a surprise for her parents on Christmas.
I looked at the photographed and thought..."Oh good an easy one'" :)....well you know the saying; "Nothing is as easy as it looks!"..........

I began by making the wire form and all seemed great. Adding the wool wrap and laying out details on the needle felt process.... all was going well and good.... and then......IT HApPenED!

 Stressed-out!...it wasn't looking right:(
I had to walk away a day and return with a new insight. I still don't really know why but, for the longest time; the white Lab was looking like a Schnauzer!

Here, I begin sculpting in with the needle: the jaw shape, head and just kept at it until it started to look anatomically correct. There was moments I was so frustrated and wanted to give up....but, an Artist loves a challenge...It's that moment when all is wrong! ...You make one change and Ta-dah!

 

Here I started to add in the color details of the fur. I started shaping the nose and added details to the eyes and so on.......My favorite part was;  when I added Molly's red ribbon and name tag!~ I knew my job was complete and done to my best ability.....pure satisfaction! 

The client sent these photographs of her parents opening the gift. "Molly dog in felt." By the looks....I think they loved her and my heart is filled with joy that I was able to create something that someone else will enjoy for years to come!