Here is my submission for the needle felting contest. I would definitely consider myself a beginner. I took a needle felting class at Stitches East in Nov. and have made a few felted birds since then. This was my third project, a pileated woodpecker ornament. Until I came across your blog I didn’t know anything about using an armature, so except for his pipe cleaner feet, he is just a hunk of wool. I also didn’t know about using polymer clay to make beaks, so his beak is felted too. I sure wish I had found you sooner. What a great resource! I’m not sure what I will make next… now that I know about making a frame, maybe I’ll try a goat!
Thanks!
Carine
Hi Carine,
Thank you for your entry! This is very lovely. I just wanted to say that needle felted sculptures can be made without armatures. Pure wool is fine for a sculpture. An armature is useful for posing. The felted beak is great. Some people always use just wool for needle felting…even for the eyes. Your sculpture is not just a hunk of wool, but a wonderful creation. You should be proud of it! HAPPY FELTING!
By: gourmetfelted on January 27, 2009
at 6:58 am
What is the size of this bird?
By: gourmetfelted on January 27, 2009
at 6:59 am
Thanks for the encouragement. I am quite fond of him (I call him “Pilly”). He’s approximately 8 inches from the top of his crest to the tip of his tail (+/- half the size of the real bird)–too big to hang on my tree, unfortunately. I didn’t intend for him to be so big, but as I was working on him he needed a little bit here and a little bit there, and before I knew it he was huge!
By: Carine Newberry on January 27, 2009
at 5:16 pm
I love this! The felted beak is great- better than polymer. A very handsome pileated.
By: Kristen on January 29, 2009
at 2:10 am
WOW! I am speechless over this one. I am amazed at the detail and perfect felting..and I adore birds so all of the elements are there for me. I am in awe that this is only the 3rd felted project this poster has created! Obviously a natural talent!
By: Thinkoutsidethebox on February 3, 2009
at 7:09 pm