It’s funny how a lot of us learn to somehow accept the idea that we have no ounce of artistic talent until we’re exposed to that one thing that literally changes everything. Every time I think about my journey in needle felting, I remember where I’m coming from. It was not until 2006 that I was introduced to needle felting and I’ve fallen in love. I had no idea I was the creative type until I met wool. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
I grew up on a farm around animals and I’ve always loved them. So, when my daughter asked for a sheep for her 8th birthday, I got excited all over again and the journey began. I got two lambs for her and two more for myself. It’s like it was fate because the person that sold me the lambs invited us to a women’s club that focused on all things wool. I was interested in learning how to spin wool into yarn while my daughter was interested in learning how to felt. In fact, that night was when I first tried needle felting. When my daughter came home with her sculpted Santa Clause and felting supplies, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning trying to make my own little felted sheep sculpture. I was so excited about the results.
From owning and raising my first flock of sheep to now crafting flocks and herds of beautiful animal sculptures, it’s all been worth it. If you’re familiar with needle felting, then you will probably agree that it is one of the most relaxing yet rewarding skills that anyone of any age can enjoy. I especially enjoy making sculptures of animals and making them look happy and realistic. I remember as a child having my whole bed covered in animals but super frustrated as I tucked them in at night because they just didn’t look real. So, when I found needle felting, that’s where the passion for detail came from. I wanted my animals to look real and come to life, the way I imagined as a child.
I enjoy creating my needle felted animals with personality. They always make me smile because they are always happy; I always make them with a cute little grin. My business partner, Chris Armbrust of Dakota Fiber Mill, falls in love with some of them and even names them. And, of course, I can’t sell those. You’ll find all these animals hidden away all over the retreat center when you visit our Nome Schoolhouse, which is currently being renovated for our opening in July. They have now become a part of our family. I can’t wait for you to see them.
If you have never tried needle felting, now is definitely a good time to give it a try…during lockdowns. No matter how late you think it might be for you, it is something that is super easy to catch on to and totally rewarding in the end.
The great thing about needle felting is that it doesn’t require any type of pre-existing skill and inexpensive tools and supplies. So, you definitely don’t need to be good at working with needles or making crafts before venturing into needle felting. Adults and kids alike enjoy the entire process.
What makes needle felting so rewarding for me is the fact that I can take something from scratch and make it into beautiful art; making something from raw material obtained from my farm. This gives me great joy, and I absolutely love sharing this with others. This is why I offer needle felting lessons for all ages.
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