My bird feeder hangs just outside my bedroom window and coaltits are one of the garden birds who come regularly to feed. It's crazy but I never seem able to get a good photo on the feeder as they move so quickly. This one was inspired by a Google search.
The background has been wet-felted by layering merino wool tops and felting them with hot water, soap and friction. Once dry, I can build up the shape of the animal by laying the dyed merino fibres on the background and stabbing or piercing the fibres repeatedly with a barbed needle. This compacts the fibres. It is literally painting with wool and is a little like embroidery. It's a time-consuming process, needlefelting, but the results are fun and I am endlessly inspired by the possibilities.
I also work to commission so please contact me if you would like a pet portrait. Follow my recent projects and view my past work on
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