tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84369555364481295092024-02-07T09:36:55.342-08:00Claudia Marie FeltNeedle felt artist, author and book illustrator Claudia Marie LenartClaudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-77902634308730382992019-12-05T06:24:00.000-08:002019-12-05T06:24:06.843-08:00Tiffany & Co Brings Felt Fox to Life with Stop Motion Animation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Admirers often tell me that I bring wool to life with my animal creations, but this holiday season Tiffany & Co. really did bring my red fox cub to life with stop motion animation in a holiday ad.<br />
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The ad above features the mischievous fox grabbing one of the blue boxes. The ad below is featured on the Tiffany fragrance page of their website and has been posted on the company's social media accounts.<br />
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I created a smaller fox cub for them last spring and I was told it would be used as part of a winter wonderland scene in still photos and possibly a video. I was truly surprised and thrilled to see my fox part of an animated video.<br />
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I have sold my animals to people who planned to use them for animation in the past, but I never saw a result. This one is wonderful indeed!<br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-80086597658609693032017-12-21T08:25:00.000-08:002017-12-21T08:55:28.569-08:00Welcome to my Needle Felt Woodland Christmas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fireplace Mantel Decked Out with Felt Animals</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is the busiest time for me as an artist on Etsy, but all the orders for holiday delivery have been shipped and I got to spend some time photographing my seasonal display. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I decorate my mantel with my needle felt creations throughout the seasons, my Christmas display is the most elaborate. I pull out all my woodland animals that are similar in scale, my felted trees, white wool for snow and lots of lights. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3Anlg0SNHMx5t2MsRykOr-un_jp6-yGHMi4urAIwJqnYnmlq2zXOJhflXcjezP-5-PxN3a-DBZhhoPEtPDGFJxl1Z8zfqNK26Q2E3QE1Gd8UEPXGoJ2AitWIzrFrJazgvuyPiNrdm48/s1600/DSC_0593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Woodland Fireplace Mantel Christmas" border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3Anlg0SNHMx5t2MsRykOr-un_jp6-yGHMi4urAIwJqnYnmlq2zXOJhflXcjezP-5-PxN3a-DBZhhoPEtPDGFJxl1Z8zfqNK26Q2E3QE1Gd8UEPXGoJ2AitWIzrFrJazgvuyPiNrdm48/s320/DSC_0593.jpg" title="Woodland Fireplace Mantel Christmas" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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Woodland Fireplace Mantel</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkdL6AHJUQaT19jq9P_kJ3qMftHUjMseCp3blj-mUNkQBMY4FqUi57iFvos7Rp2Kb1pZAY9L3xRVbEISIGjD1Q3X57QatK2MWRTWSHnhHDxvxZP8M2lNgF3dJFm1WIoJMe_Zf9XlQHzw/s1600/DSC_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Woodland Needle Felt Animal Decor" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkdL6AHJUQaT19jq9P_kJ3qMftHUjMseCp3blj-mUNkQBMY4FqUi57iFvos7Rp2Kb1pZAY9L3xRVbEISIGjD1Q3X57QatK2MWRTWSHnhHDxvxZP8M2lNgF3dJFm1WIoJMe_Zf9XlQHzw/s320/DSC_0592.jpg" title="Woodland Needle Felt Animal Decor" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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Christmas Mantel</h3>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/261714925/raccoon-needle-felted-miniature-wool">Little Raccoon</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIDfT5muZAlAuAEtQBCXE1f_fr5yFk9XUWSew-gOlHcdl45lOf7cq9UlgBME9zrKPH9Z1pr5vzEJlCnMndaRFdjCbEzBzpyvQRUbUzFW5nKqrlt8ENrUPTvj34yRGIDRdVneSId8mFr0/s1600/DSC_0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felt deer fawns" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIDfT5muZAlAuAEtQBCXE1f_fr5yFk9XUWSew-gOlHcdl45lOf7cq9UlgBME9zrKPH9Z1pr5vzEJlCnMndaRFdjCbEzBzpyvQRUbUzFW5nKqrlt8ENrUPTvj34yRGIDRdVneSId8mFr0/s320/DSC_0760.jpg" title="Needle felt deer fawns" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103324150/needle-felted-deer-fawn-white-tailed">Deer Run Through Snow</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA0CQbWpDkrGTgibyntJbcjlUXNQ2iGNn2CLEi2HiUdzkcLYSisLGkghIKyp9p7kmXKVv0TqfHaXiVhTFAPcgRDuVhrM78uXQjh4uTlaVAWhyphenhyphen9CPiYwgdZRPc3N4s1lJ2QowXsgt5SVg/s1600/DSC_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deer Fawn with Skunk" border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA0CQbWpDkrGTgibyntJbcjlUXNQ2iGNn2CLEi2HiUdzkcLYSisLGkghIKyp9p7kmXKVv0TqfHaXiVhTFAPcgRDuVhrM78uXQjh4uTlaVAWhyphenhyphen9CPiYwgdZRPc3N4s1lJ2QowXsgt5SVg/s320/DSC_0743.jpg" title="Deer Fawn with Skunk" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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Best Friends</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQe8on0hV_m2XD9Ba2dikB4aJuI6SYh8n25xasWhMK-lCVwILm9jaBd3s2K4IwxxW9b7KPUox9K1a3S1ElxO815KZUjQStbt-esDdSIrkFwpxR2lVML2mhlRSb6DYqk1fEFjVrfraH14/s1600/DSC_0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Raccoons in snow" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1443" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQe8on0hV_m2XD9Ba2dikB4aJuI6SYh8n25xasWhMK-lCVwILm9jaBd3s2K4IwxxW9b7KPUox9K1a3S1ElxO815KZUjQStbt-esDdSIrkFwpxR2lVML2mhlRSb6DYqk1fEFjVrfraH14/s320/DSC_0741.jpg" title="Raccoons in snow" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152088829/raccoon-felted-miniature-poseable-tiny">Baby Raccoons</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qxjOk5amLWT4NSxut2sMdbSDa4gGwWgV3BNklVatJC2IbtI3Qd0akQAqTa9nAeyTLAdQCu5PoWd6YjCNPzxSQkKt3aGrGVkyLgqv_gA5uNHtBCYAg5LBsibb1xcxqW4w1TRhoL3kP-Q/s1600/DSC_0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arctic fox and polar bear cub" border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qxjOk5amLWT4NSxut2sMdbSDa4gGwWgV3BNklVatJC2IbtI3Qd0akQAqTa9nAeyTLAdQCu5PoWd6YjCNPzxSQkKt3aGrGVkyLgqv_gA5uNHtBCYAg5LBsibb1xcxqW4w1TRhoL3kP-Q/s320/DSC_0608.jpg" title="Arctic fox and polar bear cub" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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A Touch of the Arctic</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />And here are some photos of my tree . . . </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUKo21q9_d7PuUrKdCSQezVK7eeP1XNzQsNSiE6vgfEn-K0QbRBOumNvlPMr8s2Eto9nBWt0BJBIx7l65uVmGLw8gdy10i4qaXxTcaTJI80Ovptl7eg3RfILz5HHuz0p21MxEDm406V0/s1600/DSC_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="934" height="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUKo21q9_d7PuUrKdCSQezVK7eeP1XNzQsNSiE6vgfEn-K0QbRBOumNvlPMr8s2Eto9nBWt0BJBIx7l65uVmGLw8gdy10i4qaXxTcaTJI80Ovptl7eg3RfILz5HHuz0p21MxEDm406V0/s320/DSC_0723.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/544801832/angel-tree-topper-with-red-cardinals">My Angel Playing a Lute</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyZMYa_LubjXsOk2lxEpsirqBuX6U9XOEMnzaVqM1a_GAdrawQRhCsQ5WR94RGDi6BRMppcIRJ-Cm24Bcfwub-GvlSLTfMwYVr9WUyBvY6ta-mUgcNoU9s6E4Yhbz5udHehPVI0FNBN4/s1600/DSC_0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1416" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyZMYa_LubjXsOk2lxEpsirqBuX6U9XOEMnzaVqM1a_GAdrawQRhCsQ5WR94RGDi6BRMppcIRJ-Cm24Bcfwub-GvlSLTfMwYVr9WUyBvY6ta-mUgcNoU9s6E4Yhbz5udHehPVI0FNBN4/s320/DSC_0726.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd97cY9RQszniy2uFXjWP0ikbT_aZFrGxhgPrNu_R2TPetALwpX86FL3Caq6uCr4bNLov4wyGIV4D5E0euiCyvzdeDuEuV83atQEp8ecO9ef8OBZLeY6ICZ_wMr7i770ta3_Yx4m_0NEw/s1600/DSC_0732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1162" height="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd97cY9RQszniy2uFXjWP0ikbT_aZFrGxhgPrNu_R2TPetALwpX86FL3Caq6uCr4bNLov4wyGIV4D5E0euiCyvzdeDuEuV83atQEp8ecO9ef8OBZLeY6ICZ_wMr7i770ta3_Yx4m_0NEw/s320/DSC_0732.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija90A-cpjLSj-IELZcQG-fAFjSl-3XRLVBLcpn1tQIQ3uZkTHdFqalqHs9cM9YEljuZwOR5K_ty6oF2jT1cguvHH58mCOGAfk4GgoWjmCtdoHkswmvVoIxj29b3Tp3CROiuKpNF8clMY/s1600/DSC_0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mouse in Christmas Tree" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1179" height="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija90A-cpjLSj-IELZcQG-fAFjSl-3XRLVBLcpn1tQIQ3uZkTHdFqalqHs9cM9YEljuZwOR5K_ty6oF2jT1cguvHH58mCOGAfk4GgoWjmCtdoHkswmvVoIxj29b3Tp3CROiuKpNF8clMY/s320/DSC_0738.jpg" title="Mouse in Christmas Tree" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/561162311/needle-felted-mouse-poseable-realistic">Who's That Peeking Out of the Christmas Tree</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vO_WJfR1mGkce1onMfwWnzBFSc345ozUojTAd2zTNtsmDOg9n-avqM7UYZ0NtrM8768ABbjG5XLQJPkQjtlXTww7ZigC9H6nzMUDEt7ye4lOulUc9a9DF3YhqhuXDPf3oJ2VqmPmZzc/s1600/DSC_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vO_WJfR1mGkce1onMfwWnzBFSc345ozUojTAd2zTNtsmDOg9n-avqM7UYZ0NtrM8768ABbjG5XLQJPkQjtlXTww7ZigC9H6nzMUDEt7ye4lOulUc9a9DF3YhqhuXDPf3oJ2VqmPmZzc/s320/DSC_0483.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Angelina</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here are some creations that I have been fortunate to make for others and have yet to make for my own collection.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEDuX_Qw9tHDGAkqCh52lIATaHht1wMejPh1BDlry4WuHrYQj32KIAk2x7q3t99ok7LVX9fi7SAQ4P8o6vd-6om8D1gsfznNWM9-U10vs_0KlbQqxd-daoYrMJMdtcgSQwG1vqFMGaH0/s1600/DSC_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felt Nativity" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEDuX_Qw9tHDGAkqCh52lIATaHht1wMejPh1BDlry4WuHrYQj32KIAk2x7q3t99ok7LVX9fi7SAQ4P8o6vd-6om8D1gsfznNWM9-U10vs_0KlbQqxd-daoYrMJMdtcgSQwG1vqFMGaH0/s320/DSC_0437.jpg" title="Needle Felt Nativity" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109047748/needle-felted-nativity-set-christmas">Nativity</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIobNLktZp_q0oGaUNZbfoEBDk_0FoQgVgBLMIF0N6vUybVwAoVKskbuYnhm2nnXXFeX_-Xz8rT4KHHemy9w_9n1BRHOXqrhFz9psswQVmG5o7zjFdlsr2BLSAqQJIrQsga_AUN6a9as/s1600/DSC_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felt Magi" border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIobNLktZp_q0oGaUNZbfoEBDk_0FoQgVgBLMIF0N6vUybVwAoVKskbuYnhm2nnXXFeX_-Xz8rT4KHHemy9w_9n1BRHOXqrhFz9psswQVmG5o7zjFdlsr2BLSAqQJIrQsga_AUN6a9as/s320/DSC_0281.jpg" title="Needle Felt Magi" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/516727579/needle-felted-three-kings-magi-for">Three Wise Men and Camel</a></h3>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/544792244/needle-felted-reindeer-christmas-santa">Santa's Reindeer</a></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/565208468/needle-felted-santa-tree-topper">It's Santa!</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May joy come to you this holiday season and all year through!</span></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-44021474516531888452017-10-06T13:25:00.000-07:002017-10-15T16:33:24.132-07:00Down Syndrome Awareness Month Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Win a copy of 'Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist' and a Tiny Needle Felt Bunny</h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Winners have been picked and the contest is now closed. </b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's the three-year anniversary of the release of <a href="http://amzn.to/2yuTj2L">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a>, written by the late disability superstar Jewel Kats, and illustrated by me and published by <a href="http://www.lovinghealing.com/">Loving Healing Press.</a> This is the first book I illustrated in my distinct style with needle felted wool. In honor of <a href="http://www.ndss.org/about-ndss/our-team/ambassadors/goodwill-ambassador/straight-talk-with-chris-burke/down-syndrome-awareness-month/">Down Syndrome Awareness Month,</a> we will be giving away three copies of the book. Plus, the top winner will also receive a tiny needle felted bunny like the one pictured with Hansel below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To enter, comment on this blog. For an additional entry share this post to Facebook or Pinterest and include that you have shared in the comment. </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The paperback books have a value of $15.95 and the bunny has a value of $30. The giveaway ends Oct. 14, 2017 when three random names will be drawn. </span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are some reviews of Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"I love that this book addresses not only the low expectations that society has of kids with Down syndrome but that the Mother has as well. What a gifted author to see past the diagnosis and tell a magical story of potential and belief!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>--Nancy Gianni, Founder & Gigi's Mom, <i><a href="https://gigisplayhouse.org/">GiGi's Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers</a></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2yuTj2L">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy tale with a Down Syndrome Twist” is a fairy tale adaptation that combines excellent illustrations with a powerful narrative that reminds readers that fairy tales are transformative. It is written as a children’s book, but has those moments of re-thinking that allow people of any age to question ideas of disability. — <b>Derek Newman-Stille <a href="https://throughthetwistedwoods.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/candy-houses-and-social-transformation/">Through the Twisted </a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">"I find that Jewel Kat's message that someone's disability is not what makes a person, a great one. I like how she portrayed Hansel. He reminded me of my nephew who had Down syndrome-not only someone who was kind but also very smart. I believe it's a great book for every kid to read." </span><b style="font-size: medium;">--</b><b><span style="font-size: small;">Janet McNevin, <a href="http://museumofdisability.org/">Museum of disABILITY History</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</i> is illustrated in gorgeous needle-felted wool paintings that give a rich and magical feel to this surprising and delightful tale. The needle-felted images and scenery are beautiful and stunning. They set the tone perfectly and whisk you to a far-off land. Each page is imbued with magic. You will find that you want to linger on each page a little longer just to take all of it in. —<b><a href="http://thepicturebookreview.com/2015/01/30/hansel-gretel-a-fairy-tale-with-a-down-syndrome-twist-by-jewel-kats-and-claudia-marie-lenart/">The Picture Book Review</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The sensitive fiber art portraits of tiny but expressive needle felted dolls capture a feeling of delicate awareness that enhances the positive and empowering message of "Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist.”<b> — Midwest Book Review</b></span></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-9186561842731268572017-09-08T07:40:00.000-07:002017-09-08T07:40:28.653-07:00Autumn Decor Ideas with Grey Squirrels and White Pumpkins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Claudia shares her fall mantel and autumn seasons table designs</h3>
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My needle felted squirrels and white pumpkins are the stars of my fall mantel display. As I was designing my autumn decor, I took some photos to share on my blog. My display is very natural and includes acorns found on my woodland walk. Enjoy!</div>
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My squirrels and many other woodland animals are available in my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Claudia Marie Felt.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nBP5O5bymqs9beqqSamWN0n9CvcFUs_Fu6xq_TjcANsVq_w9u0IFo8RVW-5zzmSt5UU2brzHiJYXKt1P3UNyJNGEzJItnAxw_rci7pARR4_QQN0o-b3dsnN1xG4RaCayi-DAPLgszVU/s1600/DSC_0394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Autumn mantle decor" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nBP5O5bymqs9beqqSamWN0n9CvcFUs_Fu6xq_TjcANsVq_w9u0IFo8RVW-5zzmSt5UU2brzHiJYXKt1P3UNyJNGEzJItnAxw_rci7pARR4_QQN0o-b3dsnN1xG4RaCayi-DAPLgszVU/s640/DSC_0394.jpg" title="Autumn Mantle decor" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Baby squirrels on the fireplace mantle</a></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktbf4_CPOYPpmC_MHUbQEAGTeisbN3xJ_zNBIbMCVhTg4BA5MmAZIJDiIMxOyEMLP8Az9gZi2Ybw-Gqp6t4yBZVYe_PMO3mcVbmHKUSL4-R5PDdNe9p2vyVbVHtav19VjqXTyytwj85s/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gray Needle Felt squirrels" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktbf4_CPOYPpmC_MHUbQEAGTeisbN3xJ_zNBIbMCVhTg4BA5MmAZIJDiIMxOyEMLP8Az9gZi2Ybw-Gqp6t4yBZVYe_PMO3mcVbmHKUSL4-R5PDdNe9p2vyVbVHtav19VjqXTyytwj85s/s400/DSC_0391.jpg" title="Grey Needle Felt Squirrels" width="500" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT4YFKrJA3EQwvEjlWq68k3RgMi69JIvT3aFryUyceC4Z1bbEH6lZrbhAkYxHwgDfoAY8ST7C4Hjh8ERyRWf7gia_BxAaejCOU7drODGQUNarHivpnty30Ph0-3o8bqXTeefBUnxWZNs/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="White Pumpkins fall table" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT4YFKrJA3EQwvEjlWq68k3RgMi69JIvT3aFryUyceC4Z1bbEH6lZrbhAkYxHwgDfoAY8ST7C4Hjh8ERyRWf7gia_BxAaejCOU7drODGQUNarHivpnty30Ph0-3o8bqXTeefBUnxWZNs/s640/DSC_0368.jpg" title="White Pumpkins Fall Table" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98932477/needle-felted-squirrel-miniature-baby"><span style="font-size: large;">Needle Felt Squirrels, Little White Pumpkins and Acorns</span></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOeoARsGlEBmtre3sjoyEUdLsrNlc1Z2v6AtWMW0_9qwEdyAQGggvlYN_WKjSMPoIWw009u9ZUc0PxsQdZDt61o_rDMOzYuGCMgTnOMVmwRKB6PXRFhH08MRAlJZl9AgFw1QxmnT5ciQ/s1600/DSC_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miniature wool squirrels for fall" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOeoARsGlEBmtre3sjoyEUdLsrNlc1Z2v6AtWMW0_9qwEdyAQGggvlYN_WKjSMPoIWw009u9ZUc0PxsQdZDt61o_rDMOzYuGCMgTnOMVmwRKB6PXRFhH08MRAlJZl9AgFw1QxmnT5ciQ/s640/DSC_0376.jpg" title="Miniature wool squirrels for fall " width="464" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwABu3F2E-J71W-rOC4VbPzUykwlPERwdzqbTUWPy8cTwaskakOpct_3BjeKxf_xlyFB8gVuCXEmx9cdV7J8NG_OUQtgVsP4fD02Rx9M8O47ymbaExBUghfaTfrSZVlyRyfz9178k9Ews/s1600/DSC_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tiny squirrel with miniature white pumpkin and tiny acorn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwABu3F2E-J71W-rOC4VbPzUykwlPERwdzqbTUWPy8cTwaskakOpct_3BjeKxf_xlyFB8gVuCXEmx9cdV7J8NG_OUQtgVsP4fD02Rx9M8O47ymbaExBUghfaTfrSZVlyRyfz9178k9Ews/s640/DSC_0377.jpg" title="Tiny squirrel with miniature white pumpkin and tiny acorn" width="425" /></a></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-84169687555718104822017-08-24T05:55:00.000-07:002017-09-08T06:27:43.411-07:00Seasons of Joy Autumn Wool Painting Giveaway, Plus Signed Book, Plus Waldorf Seasons Prints<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This contest has ended and the winners have been announced. You are still welcome to sign up for my newsletter and please read the reviews of 'Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play' in this blog post. </span></h4>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To celebrate the upcoming changing of the seasons, I am holding a very special giveaway centered on my picture book "Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play," published by Loving Healing Press earlier this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There will be three random winners and the prizes are:</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>1. Autumn Leaves Wool Painting, plus a signed paperback copy of Seasons of Joy. The painting is a mini 8 by 10 inch version based on one of the illustrations from the book (the originals are 13 by 17 inches) It comes unframed, but would be lovely in an 8 by 10 shadow box.</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz42oiBVESAIy59xMR-UldNpEYvhrckkVa26REY6-hp6UxZKLGlxDaeaix8ounFJKLsPxMMVcNN8dgTC7AiUx0eoL5S5rEd_QT_hsJTe3EqPdlbRdhKocQuXDvYD-_tqGA1AqtFyeW7AQ/s1600/DSC_0298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Waldorf Autumn Wool Painting" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz42oiBVESAIy59xMR-UldNpEYvhrckkVa26REY6-hp6UxZKLGlxDaeaix8ounFJKLsPxMMVcNN8dgTC7AiUx0eoL5S5rEd_QT_hsJTe3EqPdlbRdhKocQuXDvYD-_tqGA1AqtFyeW7AQ/s640/DSC_0298.jpg" title="Waldorf Autumn Wool Painting" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Autumn Leaves Wool Painting Giveaway</b></span></td></tr>
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</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. A set of four 5 by 7 prints of the needle felted wool paintings in Seasons of Joy valued at $19, plus a signed paperback copy of Seasons of Joy.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8KqeICAFaCVjWcCOEBIXo47jywzxbx9ZQS3U-lyTh4Lv8byUh7xBaPVvZ1zk1ewFz4jyxBbxx8x3rNuT47qt1srvRLmMVRB66Uh5qWdSrBYjQhBr2N8iC5ezFQbctbcl-Ny8OosBjK4/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seasons of Joy, Wool Painting Illustrations" border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8KqeICAFaCVjWcCOEBIXo47jywzxbx9ZQS3U-lyTh4Lv8byUh7xBaPVvZ1zk1ewFz4jyxBbxx8x3rNuT47qt1srvRLmMVRB66Uh5qWdSrBYjQhBr2N8iC5ezFQbctbcl-Ny8OosBjK4/s640/IMG_3305.JPG" title="Seasons of Joy, Wool Painting Illustrations" width="545" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/513613716/seasons-of-joy-wool-painting-photo-print">Seasons of Joy Prints</a></span></b></td></tr>
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</b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3. A signed paperback copy of Seasons of Joy. </b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU35M0I_tURmstsvoyzqzlZGdcK4LpLFRtOrjNpozQSAQlrK5xsiTc92_4hmFTyEV7HHF6Ts0DLm6pzYcw-PJ-c-5mHKftRX7SILhew-p9CTA0v5nKJpIJ3jUi2k4n2QKD9kL9docAe94/s1600/SeasonsOfJoy_cover_3d_mockup8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seasons of Joy Waldorf picture book" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="895" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU35M0I_tURmstsvoyzqzlZGdcK4LpLFRtOrjNpozQSAQlrK5xsiTc92_4hmFTyEV7HHF6Ts0DLm6pzYcw-PJ-c-5mHKftRX7SILhew-p9CTA0v5nKJpIJ3jUi2k4n2QKD9kL9docAe94/s640/SeasonsOfJoy_cover_3d_mockup8.jpg" title="Seasons of Joy Waldorf picture book" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/522911471/seasons-of-joy-everyday-is-for-outdoor">Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>To enter this Giveaway, please sign up for my email newsletter. (Newsletter signup is required for entering this contest.)<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form --><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play" is a merging of my experiences, loves and talents. It started with a commission from an early childhood teacher at my son's Waldorf school. She wanted a wool painting that depicted children playing throughout the seasons. Later, I offered to re-create the painting in my Etsy shop and I've sold many prints as well. The painting connected with people around the world and I thought it needed to be a book. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVqZKJQtA1zYKMzXVa19c-I-ltTzjdz2DMHGA_wb1aMaCUoWjAmKYATkXSIuPY9Y1yJ5THMrCbn2jGl5PmXqHmzr2ZLz1yE59F-GsjLnMtZn48W_6HAvSyDpq5CA4a4SNYJMJwmyXAL8/s1600/seasons+of+joy+2+-1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Waldorf Seasons Wool Palinting" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVqZKJQtA1zYKMzXVa19c-I-ltTzjdz2DMHGA_wb1aMaCUoWjAmKYATkXSIuPY9Y1yJ5THMrCbn2jGl5PmXqHmzr2ZLz1yE59F-GsjLnMtZn48W_6HAvSyDpq5CA4a4SNYJMJwmyXAL8/s400/seasons+of+joy+2+-1+copy.jpg" title="Waldorf Seasons Wool Palinting" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176307133/waldorf-seasons-needlefelt-wool-painting">Waldorf Seasons Wool Painting</a></span></b></td></tr>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As a book, that one wool painting turned into 12 illustrations, three for each season. When creating the scenes, I drew on my son's early childhood in a Waldorf school -- climbing trees, using silks for imaginative play, gardening, sledding . . . And of course, since I love all animals, I added dogs, birds, bunnies and squirrels to every scene. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was important to me that the children were diverse. While there are many wonderful vintage children's seasons books, most don't reflect the multicultural experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I wanted the verse to capture the joy children feel when playing outside. The verse has alliteration and rhymes, but I believe it flows naturally. I've been very pleased with the reviews for both the verse and the illustrations. Here are some:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background: white;">Seasons of Joy</span></i><span style="background: white;"> is a beautifully illustrated narrative poem celebrating children's joy in the changing seasons. <i>Seasons of Joy</i> is a literary and artistic treasure for today's children and future generations. </span><span style="background: white;">-- <a href="http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/jul_17.htm#Picturebook"><b>Midwest Book Review</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Claudia Marie Lenart’s </span><em style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none; padding: 0in;">Seasons of Joy</span></em><span style="color: #666666;"> is magical. Her rhyming prose conjures such beautiful visual images of each season and encourages young children to go outside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Accompanying her lyrical language is Lenart’s signature wool artwork, which will captivate children as they study all of the beautiful detail in each dreamy scene.—<a href="https://childrensbooksheal.com/2017/05/26/seasons-of-joy-by-claudia-marie-lenart/"><b>Patricia Tilton, Children’s Books Heal</b></a></span><a href="https://childrensbooksheal.com/2017/05/26/seasons-of-joy-by-claudia-marie-lenart/" style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The prose is lovely. “We sway to the wind’s song under crimson showers.” “We play until the sun paints the trees a copper hue.” The illustrations are even lovelier. I am amazed at what this artist can do with fibers. – <b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8436955536448129509#https://bferrante.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/seasons-of-joy-every-day-is-for-outdoor-play-written-and-illustrated-by-claudia-marie-lenart/">Bonnie Ferrante, Books for Children</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Young children learn through imitation and movement. If that movement is filled with imaginative pictures, they are able to take it up in their whole being and express it outwardly in their play. Claudia Lenart's book <em>Seasons of Joy</em> uses the artistic medium of needle-felted wool to express the joy of children in movement at every season of the year."<br />
--Barbara Patterson, retired Waldorf Extra Lesson teacher in private practice, author of<em> Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: Nurturing Our Children from Birth to Seven</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"In <em>Seasons of Joy</em>, Claudia Lenart uses her beautiful rhyming prose to tell a classic tale of the changing of the seasons and the carefree pleasure of playing outside all year around. The details in every scene are meticulous and refined, down to the distinct wing pattern of a butterfly and the catchlight in a squirrel's eye. This book is exactly what it sets out to be - a joy to read and an inspiration for nature play for children everywhere."<br />
--Linda Akeson McGurk, journalist, blogger at<em> <a href="http://rainorshinemamma.com/"><b>Rain or Shine Mama</b></a></em><b><a href="http://rainorshinemamma.com/">,</a> </b>author of <em>There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"What a treat to meander through the seasons with these wonderful words and beautiful wool paintings. Claudia is an extraordinary fiber artist who has the special talent of bringing magical scenes to life. A delight for adults and children alike."<br />
-- Donni Webber,<b> <a href="http://www.themagiconions.com/">www.TheMagicOnions.com</a>, </b>author of <em>Magical Miniature Gardens and Homes</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you have read this entire blog post, you can get another entry by also telling me your favorite season in the comments. But please don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, too. </span><br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-18777841561576058412017-08-15T07:06:00.000-07:002017-08-24T05:30:50.708-07:00Best Beginner Books on How to Needle Felt Little Animals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Learn to needle felt with book tutorials.</h3>
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When I first discovered the potential of needle felting while browsing the shops of talented Etsy artists, I was enthralled and I knew this was what I had to do. But I didn't know how to get started. So I did what I always do when I want to learn something new -- I found a book. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589236661/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589236661&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=d47cbc80a831c23083f52b3665c3df33" target="_blank">Wool Toys and Friends: Step-by-Step Instructions for Needle-Felting Fun</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1589236661" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
The book included lots of pictures, and instructions for a variety of animals and dolls, including some very cute finger puppets. I don't think I followed the instructions to make any of the specific designs, but it helped me understand the process and how to add legs, arms, etc. After that book, I became consumed with needle felting and taught myself.<br />
If you have a desire to sculpt little needle felted animals, start with a book. Here are some recommendations for books easy to follow needle felting instructions:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF3SImB4wD9b2Afb25mnBzWwLjRcspy1ub7GTwNS6RmVKDVg8JG_M-U_wqA_S-3MYWsaV3jPfD10oaMN1DUP5t9tHb3Ki29RGGIUOGJC3NUyi1htYMShu5qvc7ctJJFaKQiM9cO-7HcI/s1600/how+to+needle+felt+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best books to learn how to needle felt animals." border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="708" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF3SImB4wD9b2Afb25mnBzWwLjRcspy1ub7GTwNS6RmVKDVg8JG_M-U_wqA_S-3MYWsaV3jPfD10oaMN1DUP5t9tHb3Ki29RGGIUOGJC3NUyi1htYMShu5qvc7ctJJFaKQiM9cO-7HcI/s640/how+to+needle+felt+animals.jpg" title="Best books to learn how to needle felt animals." width="307" /></a></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1589236661" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589236661/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589236661&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=301a551dd5c16c38a130891839d98f28" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1589236661&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589236661/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589236661&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=d47cbc80a831c23083f52b3665c3df33" target="_blank">Wool Toys and Friends: Step-by-Step Instructions for Needle-Felting Fun</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1589236661" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This book includes patterns and many ideas including a sock monkey, finger puppets and a prairie dog. It also includes some instructions on wet felting.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823015041/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823015041&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=13d0b131bf4b63627d1247ce154b3678" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0823015041&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0823015041" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823015041/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823015041&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=2d72a5bfa399f449b2fd94d7a54ba183" target="_blank">Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0823015041" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This book has 16 simple animal designs and really cute photography. It has some very nice step by step tutorials that make the process very clear.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805313587/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805313587&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=9c578d36414e275b83ed28b6f7457438" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=4805313587&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=4805313587" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805313587/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805313587&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=3fbdb78bb4288b9848ff0d4378d82fe5" target="_blank">Adorable Felted Animals: 30 Easy & Incredibly Lifelike Needle Felted Pals (Gakken Handmade)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=4805313587" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This book includes 30 step-by-step instructions for making cute realistic pets including dogs and cats.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/190735946X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=190735946X&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=6a78680afb6554166c419067e6b064a9" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=190735946X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=190735946X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/190735946X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=190735946X&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=3e5a8f3534e5e86fd26eaf3662e034e1" target="_blank">Making Needle Felted Animals: Over 20 Wild, Domestic, and Imaginary Creatures (Crafts and family Activities)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=190735946X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This book is especially lovely with 22 wildlife designs, detailed instructions and beautiful photography. I also like that they include a trouble shooting section, "felting bloopers."<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440239061/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1440239061&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=bff4916946ecd7e1ace270acf6aed620" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1440239061&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1440239061" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440239061/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1440239061&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=6bc7a19b260fcc82d0bacb66f0a66e9b" target="_blank">Wild and Tame Needlefelt Animals: 24 Adorable Animals to Needlefelt With Wool</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1440239061" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This book offers quite a variety of animals, both wild and tame, as the title suggests, for a total of 24 designs. There are many basic instructions such as "separating wool roving" that are very helpful to beginners.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3QJW9D/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N3QJW9D&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=f5e74ca25969ec0fa7add50352da82e4" nbsp="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01N3QJW9D&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N3QJW9D" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1910254584/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1910254584&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=524a178a5ffb04c912606f3f83227130" target="_blank">The Natural World of Needle Felting: Learn how to make more than 20 adorable animals</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1910254584" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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I love that this book goes into great detail in the first chapter on choosing needles, adding color and creating structure. The photography is superb. It includes 20 designs with clear instructions.<br />
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Good luck on your needle felting adventure. Be sure to check out my tutorials on this blog including:<br />
<ul class="posts" style="background-color: #fbb1b2; border-width: 0px; color: #8d8d8d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -15px;">
<li style="background: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: 0px; list-style: none outside none; margin: 0.25em 0px; padding: 0.25em 15px 0.25em 1.3em;"><a href="http://fantasyfairyfelted.blogspot.com/2017/04/how-to-needle-felt-tiny-cardinal-or.html" style="color: #706abc; text-decoration-line: none;">How to Needle Felt a Tiny Cardinal or Tiny Bird</a></li>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-45008418909266694372017-07-05T08:41:00.002-07:002017-07-06T04:45:42.226-07:00Finding Inspiration for Needle felt Chipmunks in my Backyard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a very mild winter in the Midwest and that seems to have resulted in an abundance of local wildlife in my suburban backyard. Last week, a deer ran through my yard and I spotted a red fox down the road. It's hilarious watching the bunnies chase each other through the yard. But squirrels and chipmunks are my most frequent visitors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ERxy1nx3EJNo-R1gX4y_kL9zLETK6gtcPtl8jnwK3pAJM5JN4J0lL0MAWROiLn0LOm0KtKLXqqP0y7IZj1Mj7S1lDLwJVvh7ekgMUARbSWI9cBJcB3IrGL3NIXdaJZVI0MwYO7R_2c/s1600/DSC_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="709" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ERxy1nx3EJNo-R1gX4y_kL9zLETK6gtcPtl8jnwK3pAJM5JN4J0lL0MAWROiLn0LOm0KtKLXqqP0y7IZj1Mj7S1lDLwJVvh7ekgMUARbSWI9cBJcB3IrGL3NIXdaJZVI0MwYO7R_2c/s320/DSC_0080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EbEeSb3QPnxNET5VeJbSjSGtk_Q1QsK8pg7HKeA-Lu-1ykn9Rfa_kSIPcAF5bnisEtugXBIDTChrjKp276FZ4QwqXVa0vgMfKmVHTdqR-wQY3MExbrEIxEzJgkmNtbK46oEXDXxqkOk/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EbEeSb3QPnxNET5VeJbSjSGtk_Q1QsK8pg7HKeA-Lu-1ykn9Rfa_kSIPcAF5bnisEtugXBIDTChrjKp276FZ4QwqXVa0vgMfKmVHTdqR-wQY3MExbrEIxEzJgkmNtbK46oEXDXxqkOk/s320/DSC_0081.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lJlm_NgUq2leMvm-200nCUNov62U-nsbQNquK7OXZWMZil6o1e6xR9HfnXj_JZGUTexF0v1bd0Y_0IzfvA0WPz5yScuhh1Zyvg63dS9_iAH77fXhOCmyjfomb5gOoMq4YFwdEbgAw7A/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lJlm_NgUq2leMvm-200nCUNov62U-nsbQNquK7OXZWMZil6o1e6xR9HfnXj_JZGUTexF0v1bd0Y_0IzfvA0WPz5yScuhh1Zyvg63dS9_iAH77fXhOCmyjfomb5gOoMq4YFwdEbgAw7A/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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My backyard chipmunks</h3>
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My herding dog, Angelina, alerted me to some young chipmunks in my neighbors window well in the spring and I was able to get some up close photos.<br />
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There is nothing that equals inspiration from real animals, but when I don't have that opportunity, I google images or look on Pinterest. When I create my animals I always work with images of real animals, rather than my previous creations as I feel it gives them life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElfIiRj-6rBtktxcaUkmIPSZ4vvnMMx5P1HRLbQPp-wA21xtM30k4WsFhIjfFF3tjdGSsfMd2kzBvCAtud842eW0mTEHMHTD047yRouj3xzzIBLjDoCAbg9Vn0cJMDA-PxOAb4I42ijM/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Realistic needle felt chipmunk" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1183" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElfIiRj-6rBtktxcaUkmIPSZ4vvnMMx5P1HRLbQPp-wA21xtM30k4WsFhIjfFF3tjdGSsfMd2kzBvCAtud842eW0mTEHMHTD047yRouj3xzzIBLjDoCAbg9Vn0cJMDA-PxOAb4I42ijM/s640/DSC_0366.jpg" title="Realistic needle felt chipmunk" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99895454/needle-felted-chipmunk-realistic-life">Life sized Needle Felted Chipmunk</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQhXfauLYbEYrCwz3UsvQhdKdFmbFPzm8ih9rt7FngqqkzejXEc6ZQrfRoar7YBuKuo7BoLbSLQ1sNwMRgs3ctMSvXFgcOxuUamsvYk0bMD0a60eM6vKGxZv9llQ5lxizemXjzwelIs8/s1600/DSC_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chipmunk cake decoration" border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQhXfauLYbEYrCwz3UsvQhdKdFmbFPzm8ih9rt7FngqqkzejXEc6ZQrfRoar7YBuKuo7BoLbSLQ1sNwMRgs3ctMSvXFgcOxuUamsvYk0bMD0a60eM6vKGxZv9llQ5lxizemXjzwelIs8/s640/DSC_0393.jpg" title="Chipmunk cake toppers" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99895454/needle-felted-chipmunk-realistic-life">Chipmunks Make Cute Wedding Cake Toppers</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDskYjfCg28bgTSasewAq1k35C6Cu1RgAxC_FthzahCF2Bh-lIqno_S_0_vUVMbvm0hTD4dojG0Ef2Ea1nBfXmhYzl6mlfLzUklCV907hO1suJml4vklfNZQyM5H3-E9Q0TtYRp8rEh4/s1600/DSC_0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tiny wool chipmunk" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1557" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDskYjfCg28bgTSasewAq1k35C6Cu1RgAxC_FthzahCF2Bh-lIqno_S_0_vUVMbvm0hTD4dojG0Ef2Ea1nBfXmhYzl6mlfLzUklCV907hO1suJml4vklfNZQyM5H3-E9Q0TtYRp8rEh4/s640/DSC_0380.jpg" title="Tiny wool chipmunk" width="617" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155095265/tiny-chipmunk-needle-felted-miniature">Tiny Needle Felt Chipmunk</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3TELkQW1kDotophPpZmChKkQ1k3idJig5TUPgH24SePwtOpEAh76Y3VizoFfm07TClzt2bOVPMKNVHXgdvoImn9wWAQri91gI2z1ZRiMmlk26UvSpMvAATkjaTZTB9pGgw3uczkAa0k/s1600/DSC_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="dollhouse chipmunk" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3TELkQW1kDotophPpZmChKkQ1k3idJig5TUPgH24SePwtOpEAh76Y3VizoFfm07TClzt2bOVPMKNVHXgdvoImn9wWAQri91gI2z1ZRiMmlk26UvSpMvAATkjaTZTB9pGgw3uczkAa0k/s640/DSC_0374.jpg" title="dollhouse chipmunk" width="531" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/526979564/micro-chipmunk-needle-felted-miniature">Micro Needle Felt Chipmunk</a></h3>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-84470886028014822142017-06-05T13:06:00.000-07:002017-08-14T10:29:56.502-07:00Claudia's Needle Felt Pet Portraits of Dogs, Pet Memorials<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have always loved dogs, so it makes sense that dog pet portraits are among my favorite needle felt sculptures. I have been told often that my pet portraits were the best gift ever. Clients often buy pet memorials to remember their dear ones that passed over the rainbow bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfMNIVhfdG-Y0c6-RI_UM-PLzy3lsAbRjPGGbiPbK6tXJAinAh0bwH7zbpBH2_GWmzv9Zi0mbsG15bcthK1CGHF3djfnSNb_KrBVOpfKJ6O7q3O-QslLMX97a7aR1ag7YZfLqGot0RxQ/s1600/collie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sheltie pet portrait" border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfMNIVhfdG-Y0c6-RI_UM-PLzy3lsAbRjPGGbiPbK6tXJAinAh0bwH7zbpBH2_GWmzv9Zi0mbsG15bcthK1CGHF3djfnSNb_KrBVOpfKJ6O7q3O-QslLMX97a7aR1ag7YZfLqGot0RxQ/s400/collie.jpg" title="wool dog sculpture" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/249344452/needle-felted-dog-pet-portrait-sheltie?ga_search_query=dog&ref=shop_items_search_9">Needle Felt Shetland Sheepdog Pet Portrait</a></h3>
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I have created many breeds, golden retrievers, shetland sheepdogs, siberian huskies, shepherds, labradoodles, collies, poodles, min pin, corgi, yorki, boxers, westies, bully breeds and on and on.<br />
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I had a lot of fun illustrating <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Preemie-Puppy-Arrives-Early/dp/1615993061">"Prince Preemie: Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrives Early,"</a> as the book is illustrated with numerous dog breeds. The giveaway is a softcover copy of Prince Preemie, signed by the illustrator, me. It's a sweet book, <a href="https://youtu.be/5lVgSVAqc1A">check out the trailer on Youtube.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAyaU_dGzj19IDqATjbky2SyAYTJFZgaQTNr_ks9QMXaXN98y0q2U8gwVsrKk5mIhjxgPQJYhoH42W6YGayzTL85DnBcXqYLnqALXILF2W2bEFhMzM2aMr1-jdeOuGyBhvIWuPcIEJy4/s1600/prince+preemie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAyaU_dGzj19IDqATjbky2SyAYTJFZgaQTNr_ks9QMXaXN98y0q2U8gwVsrKk5mIhjxgPQJYhoH42W6YGayzTL85DnBcXqYLnqALXILF2W2bEFhMzM2aMr1-jdeOuGyBhvIWuPcIEJy4/s400/prince+preemie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9J2TY9/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N9J2TY9&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=c1eabadb9d11ba871ab17082f7e5a907%22%3EPrince%20Preemie:%20A%20Tale%20of%20a%20Tiny%20Puppy%20Who%20Arrives%20Early%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N9J2TY9%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E"> "Prince Preemie: Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrives Early," </a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwdRFPFLdXzmYnHXpFMq1er8G2DsLV3bWkfDrJ1Tfqm-Q3Pz4MPt7TA8BFoYtfl7Aque7LH5hSwiYeepvvaAkSfXjjxUta044QywFO9Y7E4PPUyAiOH7kpyhFlJWXVTHsB0_rO8f9dIs/s1600/more+collies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wool dog pet memorial" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwdRFPFLdXzmYnHXpFMq1er8G2DsLV3bWkfDrJ1Tfqm-Q3Pz4MPt7TA8BFoYtfl7Aque7LH5hSwiYeepvvaAkSfXjjxUta044QywFO9Y7E4PPUyAiOH7kpyhFlJWXVTHsB0_rO8f9dIs/s400/more+collies.jpg" title="Needle felt collie" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221590181/needle-felted-tiny-dog-pet-portrait">Merle Collie Wool Pet Portraits</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp2l-w69QroQeH1FTslpC3OaD8riehmCEBPbbnGLySDgzYcEXUq12tfW877Q4jMfIHrrVrFxtSEkFEgJrkcSg3DgaPchT1gq3WR4Flfqjw9yFK0fVOl5bZkogGcsuIQhH94fb6HhJdp4/s1600/DSC_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp2l-w69QroQeH1FTslpC3OaD8riehmCEBPbbnGLySDgzYcEXUq12tfW877Q4jMfIHrrVrFxtSEkFEgJrkcSg3DgaPchT1gq3WR4Flfqjw9yFK0fVOl5bZkogGcsuIQhH94fb6HhJdp4/s400/DSC_0142.jpg" title="Sheltie pet portrait sculpture" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/230340795/needle-felted-dog-pet-portrait-sheltie">Shetland Sheepdog Pet Portrait</a></h3>
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I like to create my pet portraits by obtaining numerous photos. I study the photos and I also study images of the breed standard. I spend many hours getting to know the breed and the dog. Usually by the time I'm done, I've fallen in love with the pup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rpGC2R2sBE56xi1shYrTkbVI9BwuClQptVtKpxA_AkZ6WmXrRf2-J67g2R2w5l_D8URyA8RRv8AbEC9slwdvADSBBrfJthVHUYr4hT0domfyVvkcy44YlxE7rK5H0mLw4Y95kCwpiqc/s1600/IMG_3189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rpGC2R2sBE56xi1shYrTkbVI9BwuClQptVtKpxA_AkZ6WmXrRf2-J67g2R2w5l_D8URyA8RRv8AbEC9slwdvADSBBrfJthVHUYr4hT0domfyVvkcy44YlxE7rK5H0mLw4Y95kCwpiqc/s400/IMG_3189.jpg" title="Wire haired pointing griffon dog " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/514565004/needle-felted-wirehaired-pointing">Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Pet Portrait</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH82zfxU81q6hk5Ocqqu5VCZ5OKFpvg8IfOgnqKIzgRn9dgu1tgIPcidnOfbb4GaA0gHmdqIRU2z8mRvkYAOorB3Wr7V0X6IAOknqMms_k9tit1M3dMYH6wFBRIeWO7Zr6pe-JN2u1Og/s1600/griffon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH82zfxU81q6hk5Ocqqu5VCZ5OKFpvg8IfOgnqKIzgRn9dgu1tgIPcidnOfbb4GaA0gHmdqIRU2z8mRvkYAOorB3Wr7V0X6IAOknqMms_k9tit1M3dMYH6wFBRIeWO7Zr6pe-JN2u1Og/s400/griffon.jpg" title="Pointer dog pet portrait" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssF0QrVKrQYjXivReRae1dEq6FXPZIg-SCB_9cGzJYV_F0xEZhyphenhyphenqOh0mq5uNeJ2PjOdR39KLoq_qrS8mhklE6D77xB-8ozwgyhGQ6oa4Dm_94FfVsP4rmGzn_He8njyGBiVq_Hok8kuA/s1600/min+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Min Pin pet portrait" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssF0QrVKrQYjXivReRae1dEq6FXPZIg-SCB_9cGzJYV_F0xEZhyphenhyphenqOh0mq5uNeJ2PjOdR39KLoq_qrS8mhklE6D77xB-8ozwgyhGQ6oa4Dm_94FfVsP4rmGzn_He8njyGBiVq_Hok8kuA/s400/min+pin.jpg" title="Min Pin pet portrait" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/528374263/miniature-pinscher-wool-pet-portrait">Miniature Pinscher Needle Felt Sculpture</a></h3>
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I use a variety of wool fibers as well as alpaca to create my dogs. Sometimes I'm able to use natural hues; other times I need to dye the fiber to match the dog's coat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71NMkitXJEIuLq3uiXCyPXC5McYGZa95NNzuSn3xrzvEeScF82i7H4wSE0zdRrSV2RhZ0qrJ0mu_An0lnqAzeZkvXpdVj6a-Z5IJSvkIcoSmEg2L75G1VV-S9KpbVdWxgxfpH71TNjS0/s1600/poodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Poodle pet memorial sculpture" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71NMkitXJEIuLq3uiXCyPXC5McYGZa95NNzuSn3xrzvEeScF82i7H4wSE0zdRrSV2RhZ0qrJ0mu_An0lnqAzeZkvXpdVj6a-Z5IJSvkIcoSmEg2L75G1VV-S9KpbVdWxgxfpH71TNjS0/s400/poodle.jpg" title="Poodle pet memorial sculpture" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/528376751/needle-felted-poodle-pet-portrait-custom">Custom Needle Felt Poodle Hugging Stuffed Toy</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgCzKbwubRVxqT3u3WD9xmsoosmm52WlYx1IanZftTxrayxmHPeSY8defEmPZrcX2mKPRskR4vp3_f3e5JjfIPiyGqE3422MQlVPOXBB2M_BjTomOSm_IzNK89Q8eDUfgyEOvPfQ5OgE/s1600/boxers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felt boxer dog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgCzKbwubRVxqT3u3WD9xmsoosmm52WlYx1IanZftTxrayxmHPeSY8defEmPZrcX2mKPRskR4vp3_f3e5JjfIPiyGqE3422MQlVPOXBB2M_BjTomOSm_IzNK89Q8eDUfgyEOvPfQ5OgE/s400/boxers.jpg" title="Needle felt boxer dog" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/508178693/needle-felted-boxer-dog-wool-pet">Boxer Pet Memorial </a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyhxy4kfdTi4wLgySQJkWnKliPBKt6iPnnq8OackzRE7hwKQ8PA7pCzpUEyuvHmk6bqcMhJoXs7rf2xsx-6jBLRIuiTWpRSUXYtWdCYIEOaQzQZNSWrfokRVl2S8ZEvLddEMwXQjt-xg/s1600/weiner+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="needle felted dachshund" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyhxy4kfdTi4wLgySQJkWnKliPBKt6iPnnq8OackzRE7hwKQ8PA7pCzpUEyuvHmk6bqcMhJoXs7rf2xsx-6jBLRIuiTWpRSUXYtWdCYIEOaQzQZNSWrfokRVl2S8ZEvLddEMwXQjt-xg/s400/weiner+dog.jpg" title="needle felted dachshund" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/249237035/needle-felted-dog-dachshund-custom-pet">Needle Felted Dachsund</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwFVXkGuFTcW_7Y_rymSPfyt6C4eSZeGzKWaf-46RmUgznkjKAGnnxWUX97IrTsk5Y0_GGoKVUW5bd1mqnqdEyKjmV7SmGb3qtsLUZ39HwHvc3mm6GAghfbu9BJfZzeg2AUSdVCARsR0/s1600/tripod+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tripod dog pet sculpture" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwFVXkGuFTcW_7Y_rymSPfyt6C4eSZeGzKWaf-46RmUgznkjKAGnnxWUX97IrTsk5Y0_GGoKVUW5bd1mqnqdEyKjmV7SmGb3qtsLUZ39HwHvc3mm6GAghfbu9BJfZzeg2AUSdVCARsR0/s400/tripod+dog.jpg" title="Tripod dog pet sculpture" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Needle Felted Shepherd Tri-pod</h3>
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The most popular size of dog is 5-6 inches in length, but I have made larger and smaller dogs. If you are interested in a needle felt dog sculpture, summer is the best time to order. I usually cut off orders of pet portraits early in the fall, which is my busy season.<br />
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If you'd like to keep up with my new designs, books and other Claudia Marie Felt news please <a href="http://eepurl.com/cODB9r">sign up for my newsletter. </a><br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-31947258840494734662017-04-17T06:43:00.000-07:002017-04-17T08:47:41.620-07:00How to Needle Felt a Tiny Cardinal or Tiny Bird<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I use tiny birds to decorate branches and little felt trees and some of my treetopper Waldorf angels hold little red cardinals. I created many little birds for my picturebook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Joy-Every-Outdoor-Play/dp/1615993177">Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play. </a></div>
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In this blog post, I'll explain how to make a tiny red Northern Cardinal. You can also watch me make the cardinal in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVNU5c2u5ss">YouTube video.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05AVqT_XGcCLI3ht_QwIjsJug8uSP7gN-ld0k3CoocZLkSew1REDGIiw6qDJLJZ9zhDe2PQHoUIVlskodIqv3EcMhXiyGVGglGwQ5j-kPBNL8y_W-UYWqIAd_QZNNFm72JxLm9Q0pyb0/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="seasons picturebook" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05AVqT_XGcCLI3ht_QwIjsJug8uSP7gN-ld0k3CoocZLkSew1REDGIiw6qDJLJZ9zhDe2PQHoUIVlskodIqv3EcMhXiyGVGglGwQ5j-kPBNL8y_W-UYWqIAd_QZNNFm72JxLm9Q0pyb0/s640/IMG_3273.JPG" title="Waldorf seasons of joy" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
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Learn to make the tiny cardinal like the one on cover of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Joy-Every-Outdoor-Play/dp/1615993177">Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play</a></h3>
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Supplies </h4>
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemOHy4j_9qc7ka2fVT11E9t0OAYqLpss9ZEMQOMYL7tn6u-WmxcQfHJH1ISn-IHTq55-0HVI2sFzJA9vXg17gOQdylgUeQebAAwEvNSPdKy40XHDVzhfEO0FAheJNH3a225nvNXdxNOc/s1600/IMG_3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="felt bird" border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemOHy4j_9qc7ka2fVT11E9t0OAYqLpss9ZEMQOMYL7tn6u-WmxcQfHJH1ISn-IHTq55-0HVI2sFzJA9vXg17gOQdylgUeQebAAwEvNSPdKy40XHDVzhfEO0FAheJNH3a225nvNXdxNOc/s320/IMG_3243.jpg" title="needle felt cardinal " width="320" /></a>
<li style="text-align: left;">orange wool</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">red wool</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">grey-brown wool or alpaca</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">black wool</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">toothpick</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">felting needle 38 or 40</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">sharp scissors</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA8QWEy0ASrCPGYObb2qQ6Qjiyq_d6lPI-c1jT4zAY_nJEONY2fB1jngATlEdumG46xETiVajrGofw-OZE2jCyPXKOeEHN2LptyEi5bQnQs-cesqvDS3z39pMlbm_6isLzp4UjJRHNr8/s1600/IMG_3244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA8QWEy0ASrCPGYObb2qQ6Qjiyq_d6lPI-c1jT4zAY_nJEONY2fB1jngATlEdumG46xETiVajrGofw-OZE2jCyPXKOeEHN2LptyEi5bQnQs-cesqvDS3z39pMlbm_6isLzp4UjJRHNr8/s320/IMG_3244.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Wrap orange wool tightly around toothpick.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakNsFcjeAwVbzpgiy1g9fDjet4Zja18EzV-jCpb22R_RbDUXUs7PGzYaZSGIF_Tnil3qAV_yAobMc0xwIlvZxHhyw1QmggsKpq-7qXdXJN4i8AFrw6sQx__YxuQ7Q94fxVP7HjsxQVQE/s1600/IMG_3245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakNsFcjeAwVbzpgiy1g9fDjet4Zja18EzV-jCpb22R_RbDUXUs7PGzYaZSGIF_Tnil3qAV_yAobMc0xwIlvZxHhyw1QmggsKpq-7qXdXJN4i8AFrw6sQx__YxuQ7Q94fxVP7HjsxQVQE/s320/IMG_3245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Wrap red wool over orange, wrapping in same direction.</h3>
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Carefully slide off toothpick, felt with needle, and bend wool to shape bird.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u6ad5LfN7MYh-Pqxqpz8o5PORl7t8TMPWcZUHdYjv7t7nzNXR22IX_Yw1KPD29Wz5ADXiPHqkducn48he-ALvHPI7tIhBiCzULmPJ9ROpfnDYUMDcbE7iBGAfuss1bCY5CCWtRNXjLA/s1600/IMG_3247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u6ad5LfN7MYh-Pqxqpz8o5PORl7t8TMPWcZUHdYjv7t7nzNXR22IX_Yw1KPD29Wz5ADXiPHqkducn48he-ALvHPI7tIhBiCzULmPJ9ROpfnDYUMDcbE7iBGAfuss1bCY5CCWtRNXjLA/s320/IMG_3247.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Wrap small piece of red wool around head, and felt in.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yl2agkaphu2qzA2Xm-MuqSaWY07_oOA6eL9FgKGhS-gY1sbo-M-MgQ7EQGRfImZrYJguRdG61JcSwRqEc7v0vmNlKkQ6HFEBBJjsnzbrnkUTquQY-YV75LXWyMHujpPhVtWjuZp7bJE/s1600/IMG_3248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yl2agkaphu2qzA2Xm-MuqSaWY07_oOA6eL9FgKGhS-gY1sbo-M-MgQ7EQGRfImZrYJguRdG61JcSwRqEc7v0vmNlKkQ6HFEBBJjsnzbrnkUTquQY-YV75LXWyMHujpPhVtWjuZp7bJE/s320/IMG_3248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Cut head crest to shape like cardinal.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYKeVotBtaTY2CR9Oo1EDgGkTSmGhNzAWCvgErHe4jg6_7jnvN0NoHQbQQ12ui-6XmlR7sL8bHUkU1fqdIZSeGvc1y2CPg8DV57pNicB_VKb3dUkcU0Cd7GgpSPOmQDwdDIXgHGDzt8Y/s1600/IMG_3251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYKeVotBtaTY2CR9Oo1EDgGkTSmGhNzAWCvgErHe4jg6_7jnvN0NoHQbQQ12ui-6XmlR7sL8bHUkU1fqdIZSeGvc1y2CPg8DV57pNicB_VKb3dUkcU0Cd7GgpSPOmQDwdDIXgHGDzt8Y/s320/IMG_3251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Wrap tiny piece of black wool around beak and felt in, add red wool to create tail.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgaal8vCctlmIY5BKiZUbbeiSWzGKDylNFc2N4hT5Q7w8BpC6B-fesXTG4q7w5nKQ8oDs1h4GASSiucFy4oIBic6wp3AbnZTJs0_fJ8EhlZ76NEOV09D_y4nvHe1PIK0xSjStvmXgq28/s1600/IMG_3253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="needlefelted bird" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgaal8vCctlmIY5BKiZUbbeiSWzGKDylNFc2N4hT5Q7w8BpC6B-fesXTG4q7w5nKQ8oDs1h4GASSiucFy4oIBic6wp3AbnZTJs0_fJ8EhlZ76NEOV09D_y4nvHe1PIK0xSjStvmXgq28/s320/IMG_3253.jpg" title="tiny red felted cardinal" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Blend red and gray wool, fold a tiny piece of the blended roving and felt in as wings.</h3>
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Watch me make the cardinal in this YouTube video:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oVNU5c2u5ss/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oVNU5c2u5ss?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK2Bq5xJ7EDSXRZZlhxoMRD3FgktN-XpTrX0K6sEmA71o0yX_jL24qti-tAB5Bm1Kyh7UMA2v4rqSASrjSgfKqxEH8Ww_b6XfztdKrMVkXIKNvkpL8AAqkP8mCV86jYLTLH3mBdv2lC4/s1600/cardinal+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK2Bq5xJ7EDSXRZZlhxoMRD3FgktN-XpTrX0K6sEmA71o0yX_jL24qti-tAB5Bm1Kyh7UMA2v4rqSASrjSgfKqxEH8Ww_b6XfztdKrMVkXIKNvkpL8AAqkP8mCV86jYLTLH3mBdv2lC4/s320/cardinal+angel.jpg" title="Waldorf angel tree topper" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210107964/waldorf-angel-tree-topper-needle-felted">Waldorf angel with cardinals</a></h3>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/254111384/angel-tree-topper-needle-felted-large">Another angel tree topper with cardinals.</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbM27-BnXBtV6MjWouO1nyzWcm8DQBtUywLBAVGgfX7r605_jbRzt1HbTg5y0qsH78d2hcgt5V5hNWLlx0owsN1_YEW04g1FWHAhGJIWa4UPEJx1eK3B9iyDerFgj9LgWAwqkGjTKjvY/s1600/winter+final+-1-2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="snowman building" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbM27-BnXBtV6MjWouO1nyzWcm8DQBtUywLBAVGgfX7r605_jbRzt1HbTg5y0qsH78d2hcgt5V5hNWLlx0owsN1_YEW04g1FWHAhGJIWa4UPEJx1eK3B9iyDerFgj9LgWAwqkGjTKjvY/s640/winter+final+-1-2+copy.jpg" title="Waldorf Winter children playing" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
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The tiny cardinal in a Winter illustration from Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play.</h3>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-42919735201836631652017-02-28T07:33:00.000-08:002017-08-14T10:45:46.026-07:00How to Create a Waldorf Wool Seasons Painting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Children playing throughout the four seasons is a theme that speaks to our hearts. Childhood as it should be, outside in the fresh air.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyEh7T_rrkUNSPyItTKyWVny2zj1BmI0Wd3B-X7Y0d2s9e9ck78UtIyJLLi9VnXCVIEaep7pg_KCNu2JdQScghWcR_Eg88cueE2uXm5v-bC6-dgeM2k7RPZa4R7HMoJiUcE6UVCaTWwY/s1600/seasons+of+joy+2+-1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="four seasons painting" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyEh7T_rrkUNSPyItTKyWVny2zj1BmI0Wd3B-X7Y0d2s9e9ck78UtIyJLLi9VnXCVIEaep7pg_KCNu2JdQScghWcR_Eg88cueE2uXm5v-bC6-dgeM2k7RPZa4R7HMoJiUcE6UVCaTWwY/s400/seasons+of+joy+2+-1+copy.jpg" title="Waldorf seasons" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Waldorf Seasons by Claudia Marie Lenart</h3>
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I originally created my Waldorf Four Seasons wool painting as a commission for a kindergarten class at Da Vinci Waldorf School. I have recreated the image numerous times for art patrons around the world. There are subtle differences in the recreations and some of them have been customized to include the customer's children. The characters, trees, and animals are all created from needle felted wool. </div>
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The images I created of children playing throughout the year have been so well received that they inspired me to write a book with 12 illustrations created from wool -- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Joy-Every-Outdoor-Play/dp/1615993185">"Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play."</a> </div>
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In this blog I will provide an explanation of how I make a wool painting. It is not a step by step tutorial, but I hope you will find it inspiring. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLn1SLXI_XFSKoUVgJarXIem1R7o1UVyxeYByS9t_Hcczf2oU7Sohu7w_g-rWeEzEbXQVhaTlM4bpmNpyoQUuoJ1V5vPyUUBYWEw1BVPVcDZolCGi-J0OLM47bW4Flo1obiNGSttCT6g/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="blue felt" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLn1SLXI_XFSKoUVgJarXIem1R7o1UVyxeYByS9t_Hcczf2oU7Sohu7w_g-rWeEzEbXQVhaTlM4bpmNpyoQUuoJ1V5vPyUUBYWEw1BVPVcDZolCGi-J0OLM47bW4Flo1obiNGSttCT6g/s320/DSC_0002.jpg" title="wool felt dyed" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
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Newly dyed felt drying in the sun</h3>
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The wool painting begins with a sheet of 100 percent wool felt fabric. I dye it blue, since a large part of the painting is blue sky. </div>
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After dyeing, the wool gets a bit misshapen, so I measure and cut to the desired dimensions. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1hYjqdp2_juB3ESR5MldTZebZJS9yUcGaBjXLBv_AqMfY04erlALs2PsIwQvD7L8YVRrX38ue2nOU74c6fKRTft8l7Tw6yk6QBEzblrgK1ZaqzBOgMZAtm6GmkZ3Z9upEHFqm09vrcI/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1hYjqdp2_juB3ESR5MldTZebZJS9yUcGaBjXLBv_AqMfY04erlALs2PsIwQvD7L8YVRrX38ue2nOU74c6fKRTft8l7Tw6yk6QBEzblrgK1ZaqzBOgMZAtm6GmkZ3Z9upEHFqm09vrcI/s320/DSC_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Dyed wool felt ready to be measured.</h3>
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I apply thin layers of Romney wool to the entire painting, blue in the sky portion and white over the ground. I needle felt along the edges of the painting, then place frame glass over the painting and gently rub the glass. This method is called pressed wool painting. The glass can be left on the wool for days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-chq9CEGWBSM2uS7U-UkJ06AXG1QNpbvgCa-ppis_R8XW_uud4CfELqbU4mS1mcOLOcETW059h6WAwpOCUYsVCfB3pJ-uRGPIHFK1WBp-JZg9IgTbGXpQ0iANE22ZmJsoy_XqPaEAnI/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="blue wool sky" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-chq9CEGWBSM2uS7U-UkJ06AXG1QNpbvgCa-ppis_R8XW_uud4CfELqbU4mS1mcOLOcETW059h6WAwpOCUYsVCfB3pJ-uRGPIHFK1WBp-JZg9IgTbGXpQ0iANE22ZmJsoy_XqPaEAnI/s400/DSC_0012.jpg" title="pressed wool painting" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Layers of wool create the sky.</h3>
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My trees are made of natural brown Corriedale wool. They are felted along the edges and then on the tree to look like grooves in the bark. I sometimes roll the branches so they look more solid and thinner. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GTXxUtHnm-4RoqNN3PSBDoWWXyFt6r3sqHdLtEwMaaYlfRO8eyjxIR_cgyJ-xguFKFj2avoSm4r1hag9M5vsGEVpnUDXZ8tTxjxU5JkCqTWgUBzh4_CMfuhSnU4fz7eVKFK5aUfQMkA/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GTXxUtHnm-4RoqNN3PSBDoWWXyFt6r3sqHdLtEwMaaYlfRO8eyjxIR_cgyJ-xguFKFj2avoSm4r1hag9M5vsGEVpnUDXZ8tTxjxU5JkCqTWgUBzh4_CMfuhSnU4fz7eVKFK5aUfQMkA/s400/DSC_0015.jpg" title="wool trees" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Three wool trees</h3>
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I have used different types of wool for the grass. In this photo it is mostly merino wool. I usually apply a couple of layers of different shades of green. I lightly felt the wool in and then place the glass frame over the wool to enhance the felting process. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl08vA7ROrlLCUaDdaI9ziavRwPl6bZYlALJwh0zD9MxbgQXRAVmf3B6U1j1MgZhjC1Ve6Z0VaC24NzsSks1Mh5DfdNwn-oM87KX2bDq-7u9eSFtvQ8RsksaTANnOZW1i_aRWdrpnGIU/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="merino green" border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl08vA7ROrlLCUaDdaI9ziavRwPl6bZYlALJwh0zD9MxbgQXRAVmf3B6U1j1MgZhjC1Ve6Z0VaC24NzsSks1Mh5DfdNwn-oM87KX2bDq-7u9eSFtvQ8RsksaTANnOZW1i_aRWdrpnGIU/s400/DSC_0018.jpg" title="wool grass" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Grass changing from Spring to Summer.</h3>
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The tree leaves are fun to make. I usually use green locks for spring and white locks for winter. The summer and fall leaves are created from many different shades, built up in layers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9T1F1JFaHiLn-FoFC1s3xB0XnWFrDDgbkJudZDslbLqAwUm0QmjF3Sm62KTKrTrXmzJkVF0MNCqpy_1KGFJhtse2zm0t8E0yDndhUQ4AcDUCRO_XhiTj7B629cNl5bT2TjYUOSnl-RU/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Four seasons trees" border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9T1F1JFaHiLn-FoFC1s3xB0XnWFrDDgbkJudZDslbLqAwUm0QmjF3Sm62KTKrTrXmzJkVF0MNCqpy_1KGFJhtse2zm0t8E0yDndhUQ4AcDUCRO_XhiTj7B629cNl5bT2TjYUOSnl-RU/s640/DSC_0021.jpg" title="Claudia Marie Seasons concept" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Four Seasons Trees</h3>
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To create the children, I study photos of children moving and then lay down a white wool outline. I create the heads separately and felt into the painting. They are dressed on the painting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPx61SubtJvmkvoFRhrFi_-yqf9dHm0ZgnqQByn5Q6Vejb3epxRBQRN6nJl00EPJfxKbNg5Spa1LkoUpBLfdKYTNIOmwlZhn05jAP8oTiQ7Jbxz5-7KRt2hVF4W7sdlsBxnUJaDYWmR4/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPx61SubtJvmkvoFRhrFi_-yqf9dHm0ZgnqQByn5Q6Vejb3epxRBQRN6nJl00EPJfxKbNg5Spa1LkoUpBLfdKYTNIOmwlZhn05jAP8oTiQ7Jbxz5-7KRt2hVF4W7sdlsBxnUJaDYWmR4/s320/DSC_0023.jpg" title="Creating characters in wool" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhBjDO3yXfLSp2s5pQyU-rpsyggcryBAUsoHpt2H6raxyOQBq_dKp-Qu_cP6EWtL6hawI77WDCvPhJHeBwc5NiC65XWoD5-SIlrVVdNTWIxUeEd1_1yZxE7NCgxPjMO123LSZ2II4meM/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="girl running in spring" border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhBjDO3yXfLSp2s5pQyU-rpsyggcryBAUsoHpt2H6raxyOQBq_dKp-Qu_cP6EWtL6hawI77WDCvPhJHeBwc5NiC65XWoD5-SIlrVVdNTWIxUeEd1_1yZxE7NCgxPjMO123LSZ2II4meM/s320/DSC_0027.jpg" title="Children running" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Children in Spring</h3>
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I create the animals and flowers separately as well and then felt them into the painting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCu5qnGkxm-hph0AXxawJJHaIYs3waBglbk7eM9OfvliqdGhZ8Cv0ZpP3u7pZE00zONgx9uT5iXyRspXVKGs-rxcwNx3yaLYcJ62MFlZsCLPPoZw4iJPWU5QI67BVMZy-uFDrquAl05U/s1600/DSC_0026+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="needle felt cottontail" border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCu5qnGkxm-hph0AXxawJJHaIYs3waBglbk7eM9OfvliqdGhZ8Cv0ZpP3u7pZE00zONgx9uT5iXyRspXVKGs-rxcwNx3yaLYcJ62MFlZsCLPPoZw4iJPWU5QI67BVMZy-uFDrquAl05U/s320/DSC_0026+%25281%2529.jpg" title="wool bunny" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Cottontail running in Spring</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy7IArJEYWUcEzTymBn4j3FWvCDoVf9JhrJFsM2_zN-QmQXZJ9IaLd0N2eyjD3aQA5H1NRqIh13XJ5Q60D1u1ktz13xsQrTijGmigZFwuHmpFgvbntVtA07gfjOOpLCdMCcbFX6oUdVY/s1600/IMG_3129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="felt robins eggs" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy7IArJEYWUcEzTymBn4j3FWvCDoVf9JhrJFsM2_zN-QmQXZJ9IaLd0N2eyjD3aQA5H1NRqIh13XJ5Q60D1u1ktz13xsQrTijGmigZFwuHmpFgvbntVtA07gfjOOpLCdMCcbFX6oUdVY/s320/IMG_3129.jpg" title="Needle felted nest" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Needle felted robins eggs</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmXqr_fFd_c3cHLv3VHtudB7b8xvkfZwXE_3Xq7oPwMHA2KKk4jfI1njrmfXO7UDSli6fsvSYUl745KmAmVPkd1hIkVhcX7HLFDQ4hpjUMGuVzDqJmMil4g8lS_coor_9uiYL_ywX-F0/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spring wool painting" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmXqr_fFd_c3cHLv3VHtudB7b8xvkfZwXE_3Xq7oPwMHA2KKk4jfI1njrmfXO7UDSli6fsvSYUl745KmAmVPkd1hIkVhcX7HLFDQ4hpjUMGuVzDqJmMil4g8lS_coor_9uiYL_ywX-F0/s640/DSC_0025.jpg" title="Children in spring" width="483" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Spring complete</h3>
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The swing in summer is made from very thin yarn strung around the tree branch then attached with a sewing needle to the seat. The seat is very tightly felted wool that I cut into a rectangular shape. The girl on the swing is a little doll which I attach to the swing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvdHUo6AmotrzF7IuAhsFGUOTpCFI7Xlepe8k6xgZNEhcUaW56cAR0F0Q2CHuArxBmIn9OoBUwiv95n_OsUfGpMUFU74dgkOMILwEE8s8BaqcGb0GXTP2Ep4Wa0KegHFJbJj2PomXJhQ/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Girl on swing" border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvdHUo6AmotrzF7IuAhsFGUOTpCFI7Xlepe8k6xgZNEhcUaW56cAR0F0Q2CHuArxBmIn9OoBUwiv95n_OsUfGpMUFU74dgkOMILwEE8s8BaqcGb0GXTP2Ep4Wa0KegHFJbJj2PomXJhQ/s320/DSC_0035.jpg" title="Summer wool painting" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Spring and Summer</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvivaitQ3vwl3Ja2fsqhyEbo7defUUg4EpvMle0BjEJsPv8mnDDNvoyCpavudwnWM8XR8vcrT11QydhDGkiEI3R7JZIud-RB0LMSCGAMqNRKsSVjOTci5s6uyBt-TdZESQ1QTG5ajVkQs/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nuthatch in spring" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvivaitQ3vwl3Ja2fsqhyEbo7defUUg4EpvMle0BjEJsPv8mnDDNvoyCpavudwnWM8XR8vcrT11QydhDGkiEI3R7JZIud-RB0LMSCGAMqNRKsSVjOTci5s6uyBt-TdZESQ1QTG5ajVkQs/s320/DSC_0038.jpg" title="Needle felt nuthatch" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Nuthatch</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8jGLWX2jyTO5cK9EgBI3D0Mz5lbSH8FrZyfuATBoxl-BJOFQHlLn2Tz8S8NPgvpoFJZDVBNBEeSZS5yR8YRLgP-cxBaGDruGi5QUNf_QJcQaKoHzoy_CfcdYNhKytMBz-UxGTTxnuG4/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8jGLWX2jyTO5cK9EgBI3D0Mz5lbSH8FrZyfuATBoxl-BJOFQHlLn2Tz8S8NPgvpoFJZDVBNBEeSZS5yR8YRLgP-cxBaGDruGi5QUNf_QJcQaKoHzoy_CfcdYNhKytMBz-UxGTTxnuG4/s320/DSC_0039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Fall characters in progress</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aCdsgj8wsLGj_kseWHNMhkzdYtXX-RxVMqmv6bdEMtp0y_SSZxls9bc2KnZgEdolT-2zCR5ce5CaQt9DE0flI72qw6MEO9bkw8SL4pnCGEwNeqgBjidsuo4BLatgfWJbcbTL6t0phjc/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Children playing in fall leaves" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aCdsgj8wsLGj_kseWHNMhkzdYtXX-RxVMqmv6bdEMtp0y_SSZxls9bc2KnZgEdolT-2zCR5ce5CaQt9DE0flI72qw6MEO9bkw8SL4pnCGEwNeqgBjidsuo4BLatgfWJbcbTL6t0phjc/s640/DSC_0049.jpg" title="Waldorf fall season" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Autumn</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBXLZrIuNnI3KC00YAJvmksWj7PdpzYp6Cy858k_eRBpGm7hxGhmqRfASwOLyrmw6i_MCwFH_VeDJzrP8bA2lEHYUbRiibUjlKVRrv9gOwGP8x6JygOVa1weyDit2PRaGGjQJpLiqxQ0/s1600/DSC_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tiny grey squirrel" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBXLZrIuNnI3KC00YAJvmksWj7PdpzYp6Cy858k_eRBpGm7hxGhmqRfASwOLyrmw6i_MCwFH_VeDJzrP8bA2lEHYUbRiibUjlKVRrv9gOwGP8x6JygOVa1weyDit2PRaGGjQJpLiqxQ0/s400/DSC_0050.jpg" title="needle felt squirrel" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Little squirrel</h3>
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I spend a lot of time studying animals both in real life when possible and, more often, in photographic images. For the deer, I used a photo I shot while hiking last winter as my inspiration. The deer was created in layers directly on the painting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OU_YiaXNM1gZVXibjadnAEEr9xS8fsRAG3WovnQI4rW31CCsztFmkKKHrRaq23fsa0fFzYm7Hd88dqAsP5xfBRMLlgva2bjJeszMOcwA2iFcyrOlwe8FSNzYjN45q-izouWaEjPknYk/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OU_YiaXNM1gZVXibjadnAEEr9xS8fsRAG3WovnQI4rW31CCsztFmkKKHrRaq23fsa0fFzYm7Hd88dqAsP5xfBRMLlgva2bjJeszMOcwA2iFcyrOlwe8FSNzYjN45q-izouWaEjPknYk/s320/DSC_0042.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Creating a deer</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FK0oRqLKQbe9zyL8dYYywbuYmJU8MGBspEXkWfJHYk0wMsoo0HTS08NWwXYAnnrYyTuRL4m8JuGzswW-vCxxf-ktZ9aiMATRt1wrTM7tC7LvIWezknRKKNOw90TzjfK78s4aU0sBzYc/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FK0oRqLKQbe9zyL8dYYywbuYmJU8MGBspEXkWfJHYk0wMsoo0HTS08NWwXYAnnrYyTuRL4m8JuGzswW-vCxxf-ktZ9aiMATRt1wrTM7tC7LvIWezknRKKNOw90TzjfK78s4aU0sBzYc/s320/DSC_0044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Winter sledding</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDmjGWkuNKyHmhrQbUuc8nRGIyOV8J-lEQvd5oKJU0BkdJRMyB70cECZKhbl-CsIqIzCy3x50KJ8ZexlTqzoKPbqUSEm59XhmxzeHySpRkuLKn_b8dqBHmGcu6-UmLG_TroSxfdhg-5s/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fall changing to winter" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDmjGWkuNKyHmhrQbUuc8nRGIyOV8J-lEQvd5oKJU0BkdJRMyB70cECZKhbl-CsIqIzCy3x50KJ8ZexlTqzoKPbqUSEm59XhmxzeHySpRkuLKn_b8dqBHmGcu6-UmLG_TroSxfdhg-5s/s400/DSC_0052.jpg" title="Changing Seasons" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope that I inspired you to create your own wool painting. This image is copyrighted, so please do not create one to sell. </div>
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If you would like me to create a wool painting for you or if you would like a print of my Seasons paintings, please visit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Claudia Marie Felt on Etsy</a>.</div>
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For a great book on wool painting:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=claudialenart-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0863158293&asins=0863158293&linkId=2a2e44c908c138290632d3e1ebf84661&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></p>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-7294192892253190932016-12-27T07:35:00.003-08:002016-12-30T07:29:46.038-08:00Wool Painting, Needle Felting Feature on Major Chicago News Station<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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An already busy holiday season became a bit more hectic, and a lot more exciting, when I was contacted by WGN news producer Pam Grimes, who was interested in doing a feature on my work. <a href="http://wgntv.com/2016/12/21/wool-painting-how-a-love-of-animals-led-a-chicago-area-artist-to-a-new-calling/">"Wool Painting: How a Love of Animals Led a Chicago Area Artist to a New Calling,</a>" was featured on the evening news, Dec. 21. I was pleasantly surprised that the feature was about 5 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02krIASUeZXJruj9vXKaYqCBCeyAhPsTmdzWPkuqAOAHZowXFLGlSF0E9nu445xLn_PKKdUdPJR0i3USy2CFcqGuAUgRZahMQEESw9xLSEc6gbWOeaIAgNGJR1c5WCmKob3aJ_ITOxA0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.08.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felt artist" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02krIASUeZXJruj9vXKaYqCBCeyAhPsTmdzWPkuqAOAHZowXFLGlSF0E9nu445xLn_PKKdUdPJR0i3USy2CFcqGuAUgRZahMQEESw9xLSEc6gbWOeaIAgNGJR1c5WCmKob3aJ_ITOxA0/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.08.39+AM.png" title="Wool painting artist" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wgntv.com/2016/12/21/wool-painting-how-a-love-of-animals-led-a-chicago-area-artist-to-a-new-calling/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">"Wool Painting: How a Love of Animals Led a Chicago Area Artist to a New Calling</a></td></tr>
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Pam and photojournalist Steve Scheuer came to my home to talk to me about my work, photograph my winter woodland mantle display, some of my wool paintings and illustrations, and my needle felt animals. Prince Preemie also made the cut. He is from the most recent book I illustrated for the late disability advocate, Jewel Kats, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Preemie-Puppy-Arrives-Early/dp/1615993061">"Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrived Early." </a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Preemie-Puppy-Arrives-Early/dp/1615993061" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">"Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrived Early." </a></td></tr>
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Actually, it was interesting to see just how much of my story was portrayed in 5 minutes -- my summers working in national parks, my love of animals, my former career as a journalist.<br />
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My son's alma mater, <a href="http://davinciwaldorfschool.org/">Da Vinci Waldorf School</a> was also featured in the segment. Very fitting, as my Waldorf connection was integral to my finding needle felting. We drove over to the school where Pam talked to Kindergarten teacher Ieva Scoggin. Ieva commissioned my Waldorf Seasons wool painting, which has become popular in my Etsy store and among Waldorf families. So many people have connected to the image, that it inspired my first picture book as author and illustrator, "Seasons of Joy: Everyday is for Outdoor Play," to be published in Spring 2017.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcd5Z9gXyqyGw3sD0MZzUwrOJYhwOqmSaGvwxhA8Txe72VkKUCeiyDTfTE__PE0vQrFULQJNBM4PBG_H2rUcVpNFkGDFQFf92SwsKr-QO01QtTdz3eSgD1JYpfr2Cu0dP-HIXzNI9e20/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.34.20+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Waldorf school artist" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcd5Z9gXyqyGw3sD0MZzUwrOJYhwOqmSaGvwxhA8Txe72VkKUCeiyDTfTE__PE0vQrFULQJNBM4PBG_H2rUcVpNFkGDFQFf92SwsKr-QO01QtTdz3eSgD1JYpfr2Cu0dP-HIXzNI9e20/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.34.20+AM.jpg" title="Waldorf Seasons Wool Painting Illustration" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The original Waldorf Seasons hangs at DaVinci Waldorf School. </span></td></tr>
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I was touched that the news segment captured my motivation for doing this work -- the joy that it brings me and the joy it brings to others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lUIapJeqqKpV4s4loyeehfgf2f618aLLvNMFbTGrTZTVAVQBRTlAVA8be0ufMkZs_QdKI6MjH-XqdI2-D5feduG-n0lZf929m7tWfGE3Qdle4uluKJsmQMJNrqwNKLyhaw9lhJq1JCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-22+at+5.33.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Root children artist" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lUIapJeqqKpV4s4loyeehfgf2f618aLLvNMFbTGrTZTVAVQBRTlAVA8be0ufMkZs_QdKI6MjH-XqdI2-D5feduG-n0lZf929m7tWfGE3Qdle4uluKJsmQMJNrqwNKLyhaw9lhJq1JCA/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-22+at+5.33.41+PM.png" title="Root children wool painting" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My wool painting inspired by Sibylle von Olfers "The Story of the Root Children."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tlkov_EJeCYOPmNRoZD8FDHM5obkgS5HZx4RRXGDU2uBHunaV2zaBmRyVDW1Zh9Y9kEL5A995Eu7B2tUmnDuKrgFVjxKUHRvEpU_wf5PRagvkdiPwyP5tsF3zdIt6zvFAGRL0BsOv9g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.31.24+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wool fiber artist" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tlkov_EJeCYOPmNRoZD8FDHM5obkgS5HZx4RRXGDU2uBHunaV2zaBmRyVDW1Zh9Y9kEL5A995Eu7B2tUmnDuKrgFVjxKUHRvEpU_wf5PRagvkdiPwyP5tsF3zdIt6zvFAGRL0BsOv9g/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+8.31.24+AM.jpg" title="Needle felt artist" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wgntv.com/2016/12/21/wool-painting-how-a-love-of-animals-led-a-chicago-area-artist-to-a-new-calling/"><span style="font-size: small;">Claudia Marie Lenart of Claudia Marie Felt explaining and demonstrating needle felting on WGN.</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBiJPOwj6yc_-fbq83eBPrck-6fz67yeRz4f_q8jtN0MCmDVqgmM0FQtFiJqesQ75IdmDHAwdSMc1MVeMqpROt9a_HOEIQJXL_EJsXzk4BYEwkUYIUHkQnTqWaHo3ENJjJcNP4YVna9A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+9.07.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBiJPOwj6yc_-fbq83eBPrck-6fz67yeRz4f_q8jtN0MCmDVqgmM0FQtFiJqesQ75IdmDHAwdSMc1MVeMqpROt9a_HOEIQJXL_EJsXzk4BYEwkUYIUHkQnTqWaHo3ENJjJcNP4YVna9A/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-27+at+9.07.18+AM.png" title="Fiber art illustrator" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A scene from my holiday woodland mantle display</span></td></tr>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-44979682738438481172016-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:002016-07-06T06:13:29.450-07:00Illustrating the Sad Picture Book: Jenny And Her Dog Both Fight Cancer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When Jewel Kats first approached me to illustrate her picture book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Her-Both-Fight-Cancer/dp/1615992790">"Jenny and Her Dog Both Fight Cancer,"</a> she told me she had written the book some time ago, but was looking for a distinct type of illustration for this project.<br />
I read the book and cried; it touched me deeply. While I had little experience with pediatric cancer, I had lost three dogs to the disease.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DQZHR6U">Jenny and Her Dog Both Fight Cancer</a> features a rainbow theme symbolic of the Rainbow Bridge.</span></h3>
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A story about a little girl and her dog both fighting cancer is not your typical, light-hearted picture book fodder, but the story rings true. There is beauty in the bond between a child and her best friend; that bond is especially strong through difficult times. There is a beauty in death (sorry for the spoiler, but the dog does not survive cancer).<br />
As a needle felt artist, my dolls and animals are noted for their character, their expressions. With Jenny and her dog, I wanted to convey the emotions of the characters as they struggled through cancer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGWYf2Lnt31jsGeLBG7_jgU6U28BQTwfj9MFEZ9qPYzkn8E6CTaGqat3Xp0JHyiPPwiG_2vN8zDVxzy0j-Uf7VrfHzNW1SCYNZ3Hd_9hayYdJbDP7VpDYvrm1AfU-zaHrCoIM68SFCqk/s1600/jenny+and+dolly+2+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGWYf2Lnt31jsGeLBG7_jgU6U28BQTwfj9MFEZ9qPYzkn8E6CTaGqat3Xp0JHyiPPwiG_2vN8zDVxzy0j-Uf7VrfHzNW1SCYNZ3Hd_9hayYdJbDP7VpDYvrm1AfU-zaHrCoIM68SFCqk/s400/jenny+and+dolly+2+small.jpg" title="Dog child bond" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Jenny tells Dolly she will be by her side as she fights cancer. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A subtle shift of the head can change the emotions of the characters.</span></h3>
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There is a magic to characters with very subtle features. When posing Jenny and her parents, a slight shift of the head could change the expression from happy to sad. Photographing the scenes was quite the challenge as each character has to be carefully posed.<br />
The illustration process starts with me imagining what is the most compelling aspect of the page. I create a story board, which generally depicts each scene. Then I create the characters out of wire and wool. Needle felting is like sculpting with wool. In Jenny and her dog most of the scenes were created by building props, like a sofa out of wool, a trail with twigs for trees, and an animal hospital with a number of needle felted pets.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Jenny is thrilled to be greeted by Dolly who recently returned from the animal hospital. </span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Jenny takes Dolly on a walk and notices that she is slowing down.</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
J<span style="font-size: small;">enny waits at the animal hospital while Dolly undergoes cancer treatment.</span></h3>
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Jenny wears a pink scarf throughout her journey, which she throws in Dolly's gravesite in the final scene. The pink scarf was a natural both for its symbolism in cancer awareness and for its connection to little girls.<br />
Rainbows also run throughout the book as I hand dyed a series of pastel shades for Jenny's dresses, which she changes with the seasons. In the final scene she wears a rainbow dress. The Rainbow Bridge is known as a sort of path to dog heaven.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Jenny throws her pink scarf in Dolly's grave. </span></h3>
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-mL4PKCRlX3CGxnxtkjQSmVtgGwcPUcnPL7BKdmWca2TQDOnqfYAP7mKqC-kgS4mie03n5t1SElgoi3Cx_JLWM8DdSpgQlfJuWss7Vl4K_vzatyINNuOBv5HmV0o1bt3qpOQgYVIU8U/s1600/dog+dying.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-mL4PKCRlX3CGxnxtkjQSmVtgGwcPUcnPL7BKdmWca2TQDOnqfYAP7mKqC-kgS4mie03n5t1SElgoi3Cx_JLWM8DdSpgQlfJuWss7Vl4K_vzatyINNuOBv5HmV0o1bt3qpOQgYVIU8U/s400/dog+dying.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Understated illustration conveys the bond between child and dog, both with cancer. </span></h3>
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<br />
When I create pet portraits or woodland animals, I tend to fall in love with the pet or the species. Jenny and Dolly were no exception. I fell for them too and I hope readers can feel the love as they turn the pages.<br />
I think the soft and wooly illustrations are a nice balance to the the serious subject. Jewel, who passed away in January, was so thrilled every time I shared an illustration with her. She was such a positive supporter of my work.<br />
This was the first book I illustrated and as I continue to blaze the trail for this type of fiber art illustration, I learn and continue to perfect my techniques. I create many more wool paintings for backgrounds now than I did with Jenny. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">"Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist," </a>was the second book Jewel and I worked on. "Prince Preemie: Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrived Early," was our final collaboration; it is due out in fall of this year.<br />
<br />
Next year, I will embark on my journey as both author and illustrator. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-82086731528181646572015-06-23T07:48:00.000-07:002015-06-23T09:40:54.132-07:00Thumbelina, Doorway to the Wee World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a reason Thumbelina, as well as Tom Thumb, are among the most loved of fairy tales. They take us into the wee world where we can explore what it is like to float on a leaf and fly on the back of a songbird. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h2C2GxUq8IR1e8BCOwCTkZFmlF08GskZxvZaPs_8-2FawiuG9XOCBPRWJ2ehc0nb7xGADsu_YKADNMGq3gZQkIDmFo14VtBh6UEzhLw7_FJlb_KGpiXlRIkANLBXHnZoYc3TEJLEG9s/s1600/thumbelina+small+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Thumbelina wool illustration" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h2C2GxUq8IR1e8BCOwCTkZFmlF08GskZxvZaPs_8-2FawiuG9XOCBPRWJ2ehc0nb7xGADsu_YKADNMGq3gZQkIDmFo14VtBh6UEzhLw7_FJlb_KGpiXlRIkANLBXHnZoYc3TEJLEG9s/s400/thumbelina+small+2.jpg" title="Thumbelina wool illustration" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbelina by Claudia Marie Felt</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Life in the teeny, tiny world is fascinating, hence the trend of fairy gardens. Just walk into your garden and imagine life as Thumbelina -- a flower bed becomes a jungle, small rocks are boulders, and the butterflies . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I think small children especially relate to Thumbelina, because they do live in a world where they feel little among adults. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thumbelina is a Hans Christian Anderson tale, published in Danish, as Tommelise, in 1835. Danny Kaye sang a song about Thumbelina for a 1952 movie about Hans Christian Anderson. And of course there have been animated movies. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUxgNOBbkLmrJzeXDIKQllakgmJtMD7zEoNDLsGe__g7l4Jmhyphenhyphen3fZOIyGLURkyEieaGPv9PwmzWOsvOpRJIh9zbovozKnaTXgikf4v0pUlC7Z0KMVbDrajvXOwly8a-XuddrRqjjC0AE/s1600/thumbelina+fr+tuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vintage Thumbelina illustration" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUxgNOBbkLmrJzeXDIKQllakgmJtMD7zEoNDLsGe__g7l4Jmhyphenhyphen3fZOIyGLURkyEieaGPv9PwmzWOsvOpRJIh9zbovozKnaTXgikf4v0pUlC7Z0KMVbDrajvXOwly8a-XuddrRqjjC0AE/s640/thumbelina+fr+tuck.jpg" title="Vintage Thumbelina illustration" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbelina Father Tuck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I prefer the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=ljEXPcTDquQC&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=the+book+of+virtues+thumbelina&source=bl&ots=AB8CXDn4w2&sig=G5aGAoWkzIqWN_f3VmJOEayXt9s&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ORmEVaj_LcbmsAXEia_IDw&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=the%20book%20of%20virtues%20thumbelina&f=false">Thumbelina version in William Bennett's Book of Virtues</a>. In this version Thumbelina goes for a stroll and enjoys a sailing ride with a fish, explores a field mouse's home and flies with a songbird. I like this version because Thumbelina is childish and in the end she is returned home to her mother. Bennett puts this tale in the Compassion section as Thumbelina's kindness toward the bird results in her happy ending. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZryLc2W3Ap3hU51ppTTeuZKZTV9WzqE_HcV85B5nAIrJc_vEjdHzQ7fzyw3GTY3IftFinATSgCXeGvQ01EoUdhrC-Lxz_u5I_XA5lny7Bc4LjDmIo3TDEA6TACmQJD91-plEHe8UY4Q/s1600/thumbelina+beskow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Elsa Beskow Thumbelina and toad" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZryLc2W3Ap3hU51ppTTeuZKZTV9WzqE_HcV85B5nAIrJc_vEjdHzQ7fzyw3GTY3IftFinATSgCXeGvQ01EoUdhrC-Lxz_u5I_XA5lny7Bc4LjDmIo3TDEA6TACmQJD91-plEHe8UY4Q/s640/thumbelina+beskow.jpg" title="Elsa Beskow Thumbelina and toad" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elsa Beskow Thumbelina illustration</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course in Anderson's original Thumbelina, she is abducted by creatures who want to marry her --first a toad, then a cockchafer, and a mole. This story is one of perseverence as Thumbelina survives, helps a sick bird who then takes her to a wonderful fairy land where she finds her true love, the elf prince. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORpxs6gJ6p9pcrytIh5vLm864Ns8WggHxBjik6jjmYRPuZENZQsqaF5s_kMKsyFjpKlU1zzRSZYFp0tlpvlutGmV2P7hB4tlrJgCcewCiPLZOfglOoGOeqWchZxCtQXXw6mqefwumj6E/s1600/Thumbelina+maja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maja Lindberg Thumbelina" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORpxs6gJ6p9pcrytIh5vLm864Ns8WggHxBjik6jjmYRPuZENZQsqaF5s_kMKsyFjpKlU1zzRSZYFp0tlpvlutGmV2P7hB4tlrJgCcewCiPLZOfglOoGOeqWchZxCtQXXw6mqefwumj6E/s400/Thumbelina+maja.jpg" title="Maja Lindberg Thumbelina" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maja Lindberg Thumbelina illustration</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Thumbelina story can also be seen as a tale of being different; perhaps some people saw pretty little Thumbelina as disabled, but in fact, she could do things others could only dream of. In the end, she found the elf-prince who was her own kind. </span></div>
Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-60808263912489085102015-05-21T08:40:00.001-07:002015-05-21T09:21:05.961-07:00Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose: A Fairy Tale of Transformation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>At the heart of each fairy tale lies a kernel of wisdom
about man and this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wisdom nourishes the
children. They are truly hungry for it.</i><i> </i> -- Dorothy
Harrer Educating as an Art: Essays on Waldorf Education</h3>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The tale of the sleeping princess is a tale of transformation. The earliest version of the story is French and dates back to the 1300s with <i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Le Roman de Perceforest. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333366; text-align: -webkit-center;">Giambattista Basile wrote the first full collection of fairy tales, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333366; text-align: -webkit-center;"><i>Il Pentamerone,</i> in 1634, and included <i>Sun, Moon and Talia,</i> a sleeping beauty tale. The versions we are more familiar with are Charles Perrault's <i>Sleeping Beauty in the Wood</i> (1697) and the Brothers Grimm <i>Briar Rose</i>, 1812.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BaeSmhbnsRyaG7MTVeMqcPs_3BtQIzVwxSIhKKHDsD4-atijYdYDnL5oYw2mYcWkb_TAbauXOYTp41R5ty0EZ3tu4ZtkB7drOD5uM5QoBrIYtnRU-Gbe385QPwYwTN2vVoJEh3KSt1s/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Briar Rose Waldorf Illustration" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BaeSmhbnsRyaG7MTVeMqcPs_3BtQIzVwxSIhKKHDsD4-atijYdYDnL5oYw2mYcWkb_TAbauXOYTp41R5ty0EZ3tu4ZtkB7drOD5uM5QoBrIYtnRU-Gbe385QPwYwTN2vVoJEh3KSt1s/s640/IMG_0937.jpg" title="Briar Rose Waldorf Illustration" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://claudiamariefelt.com/portfolio.html">Briar Rose Illustration by Claudia Marie</a></td></tr>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“How wonderful it is to hold an infant and wonder about the new gifts
that the child has brought to earth," wrote<a href="http://%E2%80%9Chow%20wonderful%20it%20is%20to%20hold%20an%20infant%20and%20wonder%20about%20the%20new%20gifts%20that%20the%20child%20has%20brought%20to%20earth.%20to%20be%20in%20the%20presence%20of%20the%20newborn%20is%20like%20stepping%20into%20the%20fairy%20tale%20of%20sleeping%20beauty%20and%20watching%20the%20twelve%20wise%20women%20come%20forward%20to%20bestow%20their%20special%20gifts%20in%20the%20world%20can%20be%20undone%20by%20the%20thirteenth%20wise%20woman%20who%20in%20her%20anger%20and%20rage%20said%20that%20in%20her%20fifteenth%20year%2C%20the%20child%20would%20pierce%20her%20finger%20on%20a%20spindle%20and%20fall%20down%20dead.%20when%20we%20think%20of%20the%20child%20as%20animal-like%20or%20machine-like%2C%20we%20play%20the%20role%20of%20this%20thirteenth%20wise%20woman%20who%20wished%20death%20upon%20the%20child%20without%20the%20possibility%20of%20transformation%20or%20metamorphosis.%20fortunately%20in%20the%20fairy%20tale%2C%20the%20twelfth%20wise%20woman%20had%20not%20yet%20made%20her%20wish%20and%20she%20now%20came%20forward.%20the%20story%20says%20she%20could%20not%20take%20away%20the%20evil%20sentence%2C%20but%20she%20could%20soften%20it%2C%20and%20she%20said%2C%20%E2%80%98there%20will%20be%20no%20death%20but%20a%20deep%20sleep%20of%20one%20hundred%20years.%E2%80%99%20we%20are%20being%20asked%20to%20be%20the%20twelfth%20wise%20woman%20for%20today%E2%80%99s%20children%2C%20taking%20away%20the%20sting%20of%20materialism%2C%20the%20denial%20of%20the%20spirit%2C%20which%20so%20threatens%20the%20spirit%20of%20childhood./"> Waldorf Kindergrten teacher Joan Almon.</a> "To be in the presence of the newborn is
like stepping into the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty and watching the twelve
wise women come forward to bestow their special gifts . . . When we think of the child as animal-like or machine-like, we play the
role of this thirteenth wise woman who wished death upon the child without the
possibility of transformation or metamorphosis. Fortunately in the fairy tale,
the twelfth wise woman had not yet made her wish and she now came forward. The
story says she could not take away the evil sentence, but she could soften it,
and she said, ‘There will be no death but a deep sleep of one hundred years.’
We are being asked to be the twelfth wise woman for today’s children, taking
away the sting of materialism, the denial of the spirit, which so threatens the
spirit of childhood. <!--EndFragment--></span></div>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WCCPTa0JbPrnrw0_wFRZBmiCDzMLjWLFHsAdZJlxpqP8KoGgMpa5ukUc4rfM4eZnJjYuf31yIKb1NeFxtKOKXbv_mtcHv89lfYm1quIEmHyKplDNHBGhmbX6edjDkcsWWZ-nBPCCLTM/s1600/warwick+goble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Warwick Goble Sleeping Beauty" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WCCPTa0JbPrnrw0_wFRZBmiCDzMLjWLFHsAdZJlxpqP8KoGgMpa5ukUc4rfM4eZnJjYuf31yIKb1NeFxtKOKXbv_mtcHv89lfYm1quIEmHyKplDNHBGhmbX6edjDkcsWWZ-nBPCCLTM/s400/warwick+goble.jpg" title="Warwick Goble Sleeping Beauty" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Beauty by Warwick Goble</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjghKy70t9zFyVPNF2cwTS0x7jYngHBBnY0HErurpvZ_YoV8_ZIrNh_cGbWN1-1QiVzSH5z7RUe2lMhwAvrgn9qBrVOO-WMHH_epHCj8tlfb6LGcAqwh14zCvl6MOvWCThEEamuyp0Zg/s1600/margaret+tarrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Margaret Tarrant Sleeping Beauty" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjghKy70t9zFyVPNF2cwTS0x7jYngHBBnY0HErurpvZ_YoV8_ZIrNh_cGbWN1-1QiVzSH5z7RUe2lMhwAvrgn9qBrVOO-WMHH_epHCj8tlfb6LGcAqwh14zCvl6MOvWCThEEamuyp0Zg/s320/margaret+tarrant.jpg" title="Margaret Tarrant Sleeping Beauty" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Beauty by Margaret Tarrant</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia;">In the earliest tales of Sleeping Beauty, the
princess is raped in her sleep and bears a child. The Perrault and Grimm
versions clean up the tale to one that is more suitable for young children.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: Georgia;">The essential transformation in the tale is
puberty, according to Bruno Bettelheim, "The Uses of Enchantment: The
Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales." Sleeping Beauty pricking her
finger on the spindle is a symbol for menstruation. Teenagers must go through a
long sleep as they mature into adulthood.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: Georgia;">However, young children will not understand the
puberty symbolism. They will see it as a tale of transformation, a tale of
triumph over death, a story that portrays the value of patience. There is a time for every season, no need to hurry. A nice long sleep is good for the flowers in the garden and good for the human spirit as well. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmKzV98aRmq8t1O7guomGfqoez5m4N3jGoG7DJM-wjTxsE31wWSOVkntbJ7A8X2ToF2oQuN1xEJJ6OxgGPi4f7wjRjwbUZT24U3rh2FdphB6N5s82oDhW-3dRgR_KWOAau6GJqUQnAfM/s1600/Kinuko-Craft-0112-00-Sleeping-Beauty-jacket-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmKzV98aRmq8t1O7guomGfqoez5m4N3jGoG7DJM-wjTxsE31wWSOVkntbJ7A8X2ToF2oQuN1xEJJ6OxgGPi4f7wjRjwbUZT24U3rh2FdphB6N5s82oDhW-3dRgR_KWOAau6GJqUQnAfM/s640/Kinuko-Craft-0112-00-Sleeping-Beauty-jacket-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Beauty by fantasy artist Kinuko Y. Craft</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xtd2POs0wqYHQmjUBn8WuqVRUbsp4ixrbqIS8IDf_Vni8Z_XENPZ6Srt5FDPqASHaWL09nZ98FAZ7Npf4A-_hrTy7pWXy3H7qK3Gw1rOdUa7CrZy2Xxhm7sp2wKe-l1goBsjUkehD6w/s1600/sb+c+m+burd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xtd2POs0wqYHQmjUBn8WuqVRUbsp4ixrbqIS8IDf_Vni8Z_XENPZ6Srt5FDPqASHaWL09nZ98FAZ7Npf4A-_hrTy7pWXy3H7qK3Gw1rOdUa7CrZy2Xxhm7sp2wKe-l1goBsjUkehD6w/s640/sb+c+m+burd.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Beauty by C.M. Burd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWyg1chqR68NHd47o3Yksj_EfVnHkBsZ5QPRd3KWJg7YKr2EUCzH5oLjJ4ZhQo80UXzzojD5ISmOe6xj-ehxhGPs74Uv2uX9b_sEjnFN6mYevdYex_hGf0dtihpRRLDXnm0LBM0ADq-o/s1600/sb+martina+muller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWyg1chqR68NHd47o3Yksj_EfVnHkBsZ5QPRd3KWJg7YKr2EUCzH5oLjJ4ZhQo80UXzzojD5ISmOe6xj-ehxhGPs74Uv2uX9b_sEjnFN6mYevdYex_hGf0dtihpRRLDXnm0LBM0ADq-o/s640/sb+martina+muller.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Beauty Martina Muller</td></tr>
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Read more about Sleeping Beauty:</div>
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<a href="http://talesoffaerie.blogspot.com/2010/06/sleeping-beauty-very-brief-history.html">Tales of Faerie</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/sleepingbeauty/notes.html">SurLaLune Fairy Tales</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.swide.com/art-culture/the-ancient-story-of-sleeping-beauty-and-maleficent-original-fairy-tale/2014/05/28">Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy Tale 700 Years in the Making</a></div>
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<a href="http://mythicspiral.blogspot.com/2014/05/sleeping-beauty.html">The Secrets of Symbolism and Myth</a><br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-11394647277128482332015-04-30T09:28:00.001-07:002015-04-30T09:28:16.791-07:00How I Made Tiny Felt Food for Needle Felted Book Illustration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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DIY Felt Food and Candy Ideas</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recently was at a book fair where a 5-year-old boy purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist. </a> I asked him which picture was his favorite. He told me he liked the candy houses because it looked like the candy was popping out of the page and he wanted to eat it. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo5hCir_Jjd3x6GWWwt6z8MCMhsx5efju-fxEo30af_uck-QD1TUYNdg-YoQMy0YE9Uwvj0r8s0hXyWA8CzUm4WrGRoATxLh7v6tvMcY6pUnJgaMqG63w1mW5fwLhFTdDnOZ1q-2F17o/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fiber Art Book Illustration of Candy House" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo5hCir_Jjd3x6GWWwt6z8MCMhsx5efju-fxEo30af_uck-QD1TUYNdg-YoQMy0YE9Uwvj0r8s0hXyWA8CzUm4WrGRoATxLh7v6tvMcY6pUnJgaMqG63w1mW5fwLhFTdDnOZ1q-2F17o/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG" height="614" title="Fiber Art Book Illustration of Candy House" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Easter Inspired Candy House in Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was gratifying to hear from a child that he connected with the 3-d illustrations. When Jewel Kats asked me to illustrate this book, I was immediately excited about the forest scenes, but I wasn't sure how to handle the candy houses. To be honest, I don't get particularly excited about candy, but I do like cakes, cookies, fruit. So with the gingerbread house, I added some window boxes with iced berries, chocolate chip cookie trim, and of course candy canes lining the entry. The other candy house (you have to read the story to find out why there are two) was created during Easter and you can see how that influenced the design, pastel M&Ms, lollipops and even Peeps on the lawn. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221715414/hansel-gretel-a-fairy-tale-with-a-down"><img alt="Hansel Gretel Gingerbread House Book Illustration" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqaDkNsfCzjMNkAoyxEpf_-4PZjCEunCMaErTqUpA9nqMaIA4zEBJjgNkgCqc7amJDRlbARD1yS6xWmaP7ifyOFnOcdgff6BFj4c-VOeBCnD36IY25g5X87MlJxv_sfMjv_paaV59xnE/s1600/HG-EatHouse.jpg" height="640" title="Hansel Gretel Gingerbread House Book Illustration" width="620" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221715414/hansel-gretel-a-fairy-tale-with-a-down">Hansel eats a marshamallow off the Gingerbread House</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Creating the sweets in both candy houses and for the feast scene was an exercise in trial and error. This is not a step-by-step tutorial, but I will share some tips and techniques I used. I hope you can be inspired and create some fun felt food. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fiber to Create Cake</b> -- One of the most important tips for creating cupcakes, cakes, marshmallows, is to use a wool that is very springy and fluffy. I used Rambouillet. To be honest, I had picked up some Rambouillet from a fiber store and found that it wasn't useful for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">needlefelt animals.</a> However, it makes great cake dough. I used Rambouillet extensively in the pastel house and in the feast scene. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coffee is Great Cake Dye</b> -- The Rambouillet was white, but if I soaked it in leftover coffee for a while, it turned the perfect beige shade. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Felt Baked Goods</b> -- The cinnamon roll in the feast scene was simply the Rambouillet and a cinnamon-colored wool rolled up together and held in place with a little needle felting. The cake slice was a bit more complicated. I layered rambouillet with a red wool in the middle, like a sandwich, and needle felted until it was dense, rolling a bit as well to keep it roundish. I finished with chocolate-colored alpaca as the icing and felted lightly, but firmly. When my cake was finished, I used very sharp scissors to cut a piece. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BFL Silk Blend for Icing</b> --The icing on the roofs and berries was created from a Blue-faced Leicester and silk blend. I wet the wool then tore off little pieces, which makes it curl. After placing it on the roof, I used hairspray to keep it in place. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Waffle Irons make Waffle Cones </b>-- I actually used a waffle iron to make the waffle cone and the waffle door. This didn't work out as well as I had hoped. I dyed some 100 percent wool felt the color of golden waffles. While it was still wet, I put it in the waffle iron. Do not put the waffle iron on! I pressed it in and let it sit in place for about a day. The indentations were not as deep as I had hoped, so I had to needle felt around the edges. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Candy Canes and Lollipops</b> -- At first I made the candy canes out of pieces of felt that I twisted and then inserted a wire. That didn't look so good. So then, I took a piece of copper wire, a thicker gauge, about 18, and wrapped it with white wool and then swirled the red wool. This made it easy to shape the cane. </span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQnHnN724FnwvV7LCNu6ariT3I7Y_I7iZDAA9DhpytuEyxFo415tKiUdznqJz8Ml6NVmgBm2Kmz2e6rDz2o1adX2Aorn6VV5ARjQq4IwNzwqqa9rhyphenhyphensYCSWrIhf5VG77f3h3hgkpZbAU/s1600/HG-DessertTable+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felt Book Illustrator Claudia Marie Lenart Felt Food" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQnHnN724FnwvV7LCNu6ariT3I7Y_I7iZDAA9DhpytuEyxFo415tKiUdznqJz8Ml6NVmgBm2Kmz2e6rDz2o1adX2Aorn6VV5ARjQq4IwNzwqqa9rhyphenhyphensYCSWrIhf5VG77f3h3hgkpZbAU/s1600/HG-DessertTable+(1).jpg" height="640" title="Needle Felt Book Illustrator Claudia Marie Lenart Felt Food" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A felt food sweet table in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a><br /></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN5H0r-PP874FQd615jSrbHoZrTnplAPAT-dw6fiKnoVi3L21DL-TIBue3oPXcb23vtk4aor3CYMYx6xaxm8m5-0wQhcKLnMNfnElECgAGeTKgxItZyO9gi9vYLssDNpzKumN38eD9fk/s1600/HG-Eat+Page+9+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felted food" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN5H0r-PP874FQd615jSrbHoZrTnplAPAT-dw6fiKnoVi3L21DL-TIBue3oPXcb23vtk4aor3CYMYx6xaxm8m5-0wQhcKLnMNfnElECgAGeTKgxItZyO9gi9vYLssDNpzKumN38eD9fk/s1600/HG-Eat+Page+9+-+Version+3.jpg" height="640" title="Needle felted food" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BFL/Silk Icing over felted berries on Candy House</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kHMjLQXlQaCwhlnbfrnRstN1y9KFNeZoDOMXeDkHQ1NvVz7Fki_r86D00eR86dUaEqhEZzp06OLdbgxlzysx8i2Y46Fh84TLSZaqT8oTdpwwUF3ztmh0U9e6xSuxm-q9Psklnje2DWg/s1600/IMG_4653+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fairy Tale Needle Felt Book Illustration" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kHMjLQXlQaCwhlnbfrnRstN1y9KFNeZoDOMXeDkHQ1NvVz7Fki_r86D00eR86dUaEqhEZzp06OLdbgxlzysx8i2Y46Fh84TLSZaqT8oTdpwwUF3ztmh0U9e6xSuxm-q9Psklnje2DWg/s1600/IMG_4653+-+Version+2.JPG" height="640" title="Fairy Tale Needle Felt Book Illustration" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Marshmallows of Rambouillet wool on the tower</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have fun creating! I'd love to see what you come up with and you can share on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Claudia Marie Felt on Facebook. </a></span></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-68173848884026195212015-03-05T06:50:00.000-08:002019-03-24T08:00:16.053-07:00How to Make a Needle Felted Bunny <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have updated my needle felt bunny tutorial and I am now offering it in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/693188625/tutorial-cottontail-needle-felt-bunny">Etsy store.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My new tutorial is very detailed. It is a 12-page instant download PDF with 64 photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here is the supply list:</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Foam or sponge</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Felting needles, 38 star or 40 spiral, optional 42 triangle for eye detail</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Multi-needle felting tool (optional)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Ruler</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Toothpick (round and smooth)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Wooden skewer or 18 gauge wire (optional)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Scissors (not shown)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Corriedale or other core wool</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Rose grey alpaca</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Fawn alpaca</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• White alpaca</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Pink or blush wool</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Pink or brown wool for nose</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Black alpaca or wool</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">• Tiny piece white merino </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The bunny would take 2 to 4 hours to make and it can be accomplished by a beginner with basic needle felting experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/693188625/tutorial-cottontail-needle-felt-bunny" target="_blank">Needle felt Bunny Tutorial</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>This bunny is Copyright Claudia Marie Felt. Please use this tutorial for personal use and do not sell the bunny you create. Thank you!</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And here is another book that might help you get started needle felting animals:</span></span></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-59125711407301781402015-02-23T07:21:00.000-08:002015-03-12T05:25:22.250-07:00How to Create a Wool Fireplace for Wall Hanging or Doll Play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This wool fireplace was created as a needle felt book illustration for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a>, by Jewel Kats. I am the illustrator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPW6j6zAvFM-7Hzw-d58_Y42oaYQUxCmNDHb0GHkbMAtEpFN-vrl3FztZ_k3GxSn1IH90ExzymOdugqHNgkRIAf8lbtscr7L5qgMNu5wly-nmOYArwuynoAr7pYmfbHLlylq0T95BEGo/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fiber Art Illustration by Claudia Marie Lenart" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPW6j6zAvFM-7Hzw-d58_Y42oaYQUxCmNDHb0GHkbMAtEpFN-vrl3FztZ_k3GxSn1IH90ExzymOdugqHNgkRIAf8lbtscr7L5qgMNu5wly-nmOYArwuynoAr7pYmfbHLlylq0T95BEGo/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" height="640" title="Fiber Art Illustration by Claudia Marie Lenart" width="406" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The fireplace was an enjoyable challenge. The background walls were created with a pressed wool technique. I added thin layers of Romney wool onto a piece of felt, then covered with a sheet of glass and pressed down. Leave the glass on the wool for a day, if time allows. The edges were needle felted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I began the hearth by finding images of fireplace designs. Once I settled on a design I drew the outline of the design on the wool with thin yarn. Then I filled in with a dark taupe wool. I needle felted a black arch in the hearth to create depth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The rocks were made with a variety of wool, whatever I had handy in rock colors. Many of the grey rocks are a natural merino. I rolled the wool into a loose ball and needle felted with a few light pokes to keep it together. This was followed by placing the rocks in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. I wet-felted the rocks by rolling them in my hand, one by one, until they felt dense enough. After I squeezed out the excess water, I placed them in a pillowcase and put them in the clothes dryer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next, start placing the rocks onto the fireplace and felt just around the edges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Create a mantle with a sheet of wool felt in a tan color. Measure the felt so it is the same width as the fireplace. Roll the felt into a log shape and place the mantle above the rocks. Felt along the edges. Fill the ends of the log with some tan wool. Continue adding rocks until finished. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To create the fire in the hearth, I added some more black wool horizontally across the bottom. The fire was created with thin wisps of orange and yellow Blue-Faced Leicester wool, which has a natural sheen. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKbyZbDGPNPrLJ1Yk_tfzMfOlkeLtRjnviRJYA7Vg3F5nraY2PViKEG747ujl8fu0fvbTXMVDp55WxwA-ehg1_SKfPc6KX1P_MRmMAJR1NNBAjfwLnZnRpG1p5WWasp8XYTAq-6GO7g/s1600/IMG_3755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miniature fireplace made of wool stones." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKbyZbDGPNPrLJ1Yk_tfzMfOlkeLtRjnviRJYA7Vg3F5nraY2PViKEG747ujl8fu0fvbTXMVDp55WxwA-ehg1_SKfPc6KX1P_MRmMAJR1NNBAjfwLnZnRpG1p5WWasp8XYTAq-6GO7g/s1600/IMG_3755.jpg" height="300" title="Miniature fireplace made of wool stones." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can decorate the fireplace with a tiny painting and props. To make tiny logs, roll a piece of tan wool tightly into a log shape, then roll a layer of darker brown over it. Needle felt until the log is very dense. With sharp scizzors cut off the ends or you can "split" the wood. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknPmBHs42SiRYRDXctr3mMhWlmE_3pbVQHJuZHfNfCOPfmI3UpQAYR-c8zcLsQiPnaWFYZL1YihftrCmyEdG5bVcOPBfALpSBrYlVR3xp3InkvWRb_lYDtn3TjPgA5v36bdMhiAnpATU/s1600/IMG_0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miniature needle felted logs made of wool." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknPmBHs42SiRYRDXctr3mMhWlmE_3pbVQHJuZHfNfCOPfmI3UpQAYR-c8zcLsQiPnaWFYZL1YihftrCmyEdG5bVcOPBfALpSBrYlVR3xp3InkvWRb_lYDtn3TjPgA5v36bdMhiAnpATU/s1600/IMG_0577.jpg" height="320" title="Miniature needle felted logs made of wool." width="309" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you decide to make a fireplace, I would love to see the results. You can share it on my Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Claudia Marie Felt.</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hansel & Gretel fairy tale illustrated in fiber art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfqBElH7wOz8sSUPzvZYaXjOcZVyzPKGhQNXqFMJDjOw7HVwfPBzVtAqwoRMJQUuR4U7n3zjQ4EgrtN5TQqQH2RqktrXGrUEZbncPbvVR7e-yQlBQmRkL3dKRwfwIJ1_WNz6XT6nHJiQ/s1600/HG-Fireplace+watermark.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hansel & Gretel fairy tale illustrated in fiber art" width="636" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I first embarked on this journey to illustrate a book
in needle felt, I did a Google search to see if anyone else was doing this.
After searching with a few different terms, the only illustrators I found were
<a href="http://www.mycozyclassics.com/">Cozy Classics. </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Cozy Classics author/illustrator team of Jack and Holman
Wang created a series of board books for little children, based on classics
like <i>War & Peace</i> and <i>Jane Eyre.</i> Each book has just 12 words, and endearing
needle felted characters posed both outdoors and in miniature settings.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkw_t7huOS8S6T2dacj1OXeiS0B392bxON6dCn1LoVIOPl0cVhlpikjHDF65CfhfFmU0nFXgc0Bishzvm5hCKR1z0Ai_ESIIIJ8Ey-XVyKndbS35fgrUybJteEE7n-3sO2Gxgr43eewo/s1600/cozyclassic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkw_t7huOS8S6T2dacj1OXeiS0B392bxON6dCn1LoVIOPl0cVhlpikjHDF65CfhfFmU0nFXgc0Bishzvm5hCKR1z0Ai_ESIIIJ8Ey-XVyKndbS35fgrUybJteEE7n-3sO2Gxgr43eewo/s1600/cozyclassic.jpeg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.mycozyclassics.com/pride-and-prejudice/">Pride & Prejudice from Cozy Classics</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to illustrate a book for author Jewel Kats almost
completely in wool with wool backgrounds and characters. It was uncharted
territory. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </a>i</i>s the
second book I illustrated for Jewel. <a href="http://www.lhpress.com/">Loving Healing Press</a> will publish the
first later this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, the third
book is in progress. I am still in awe of Jewel who saw my needle felt animals in my Etsy shop and surmised that I could illustrate her book. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L6JEOrfuleQSHG8w-Q3d3a1I_vD4kz9UTLgxn3neR8r1VGyCUek8RQHiS22mKDuQinF3GEa-w3Ms_CX7-s8IE6PrTD-FKScImCK2ayOtIYMxmOQxhGC1o4x-oeipPYZtxF06mwOLViU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+1.46.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hansel & Gretel Illustrated by Fiber Artist Claudia Marie Lenart " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L6JEOrfuleQSHG8w-Q3d3a1I_vD4kz9UTLgxn3neR8r1VGyCUek8RQHiS22mKDuQinF3GEa-w3Ms_CX7-s8IE6PrTD-FKScImCK2ayOtIYMxmOQxhGC1o4x-oeipPYZtxF06mwOLViU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+1.46.19+PM.png" height="400" title="Hansel & Gretel Illustrated by Fiber Artist Claudia Marie Lenart " width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992510/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423756971&sr=1-3&keywords=hansel+and+gretel+down+syndrome">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week, I was thrilled to see some needle felt
illustration make its way into the mainstream with the announcement of the
<a href="http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal">Caldecott Medal Winners.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caldecott Honor Winner 2015
Yuyi Morales includes some needle felted characters in her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viva-Frida-Yuyi-Morales/dp/1596436034/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423755364&sr=1-1"><i>Viva Frida.</i></a> Morales,
who is an innovative illustrator and accomplished artist, uses a variety of
media to tell the story of artist Frida Kahlo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viva-Frida-Yuyi-Morales/dp/1596436034/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423755364&sr=1-1">Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was also delighted to discover that <i>Viva Frida</i> and <i>Hansel
& Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </i>have something in common.
Both books include a needle felted deer. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBCO-B9fHDAo7_YRcWtlJ4Rrik3mXZy1RfbCbyfJ541s5LpDIQ6ys8RoO00XG8NgfZiM4H8sTh4PKkMF6PtjIzcUkY5_Ix3nVuDg2lKu5F0ICvJRpz3ng8DBpBXek6eCmOgL0BtDfcN8/s1600/HG-RunawayWoods+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Needle felt book illustration by Claudia Marie Lenart" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBCO-B9fHDAo7_YRcWtlJ4Rrik3mXZy1RfbCbyfJ541s5LpDIQ6ys8RoO00XG8NgfZiM4H8sTh4PKkMF6PtjIzcUkY5_Ix3nVuDg2lKu5F0ICvJRpz3ng8DBpBXek6eCmOgL0BtDfcN8/s1600/HG-RunawayWoods+(1).jpg" height="400" title="Needle felt book illustration by Claudia Marie Lenart" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another wonderful surprise this week, was the <a href="https://www.google.com/doodles/laura-ingalls-wilders-148th-birthday">Google Doodle.</a>
While working in my Chrome browser, I noticed the doodle and immediately
recognized that it was needle felt. The Google Doodle celebrating Laura Ingalls
Wilder’s 148<sup>th</sup> birthday was created by Cozy Classics. What a thrill! The <a href="https://www.google.com/doodles/laura-ingalls-wilders-148th-birthday">Doodle page</a> also has a nice explanation of how the characters were created, which is similar to how I created mine. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bURX665RCAgSd6Bma9Ooe4Oc3TI8yseWSDz05xRVefifE0Nw4J62Ao756uIj1bmC4EC_Lu_hhnZI_06C7ss8tR2_1shyphenhyphenQWLkas-0CcWPRVIIgRYmPuokGRU8jT5YpUE4HXxsLJI__XM/s1600/google+doodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bURX665RCAgSd6Bma9Ooe4Oc3TI8yseWSDz05xRVefifE0Nw4J62Ao756uIj1bmC4EC_Lu_hhnZI_06C7ss8tR2_1shyphenhyphenQWLkas-0CcWPRVIIgRYmPuokGRU8jT5YpUE4HXxsLJI__XM/s1600/google+doodle.jpg" height="111" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was speaking to Loving Healing Press Publisher Victor<span style="background-color: white;">
Volkman</span> about the trend of needle felt illustration this week and he had an
interesting perspective. It's all about the 21st century revolt against mass-produced products and <span style="background: white;">return to the handmade ethos,”
he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The needle felt characters
have a special quality. I think creating with fiber gifts from animals gives
life to the characters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Illustrating with needle felt
is a slow process. Hours go into creating each character. The backgrounds I
created are akin to creating little movie sets. When it’s all done, the
photography is quite a project. More hours go into posing each character
perfectly, a slight twist of the head can change a smile into a frown. But the
process is invigorating and be sure you will see more from me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And a side note: Cozy Classics
is working on a <a href="http://www.mycozyclassics.com/star-wars/">Star Wars series</a> with Lucas Films/Disney. Looking forward to that!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-67131875554506890052014-10-25T10:13:00.000-07:002014-10-28T11:23:53.323-07:00Giveaway! Win a Copy of Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.</b></h3>
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<b>Two random winners have been chosen. The first place winner is Carole Amai. The second place winner is Jade O'Shea.</b><br />
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<b>A great big thank you to everyone who participated!</b><br />
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Win a copy of <i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </i>and a needle-felted bunny character that was featured in the book. T<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">he book is a first of its kind, illustrated in wool through needle felting technique. </span><br />
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Not only is the illustration in this book one-of-a-kind, but also the plot of the story is far from ordinary. This adaptation of the classic Grimms’ tale includes the wicked witch and the poor siblings in search of food; but in this version Jewel Kats’ main character, Hansel, is a mischievous, yet courageous, five-year-old boy with Down syndrome.</div>
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<b>To enter you must comment on this blog. </b></div>
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You can gain an additional entry by pinning on Pinterest one of the photos on this blog and including the link in your comment. You can also gain an entry by sharing on Google+. A third way to gain an entry is by tweeting this blog and including the Twitter link.</div>
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<b>First prize: </b><i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </i>signed by me, the illustrator, plus a tiny needle felted bunny that appeared in the book.</div>
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<b>Second prize:</b> A copy of <i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </i> signed by illustrator.</div>
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The contest runs for three days from Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at 12 p.m., noon, until Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12 p.m., CST.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182763995/needle-felted-bunny-cottontail-rabbit?ref=shop_home_active_7">Needle felted bunny by Claudia Marie Felt</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615992502" style="font-size: 13px;">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist </a></td></tr>
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NOTE: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.<br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-42010878774519521192014-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:002015-03-17T06:54:13.911-07:00First Ever Children's Book Illustrated in Felted 3-D Wool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A year ago, author<a href="http://www.jewelkats.com/"> Jewel Kats</a> discovered my needle-felted animals and characters through my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Etsy store.</a> She became an admirer of my work and asked if I would illustrate a book for her. I read the story; it touched my emotions and made me cry. I said "yes" and started on a journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0SzdvEgUaPPFxPrTCJZbu5016_sl_4nTv_mRi3g_lHiFfY5pBb20jktFnUdhvLIj_LwpDMLwOO-hFDge60rJcGk0PEWHSmwOy71wEUN3-_ad9mM2yh1ij9pAng4MjmOH1AcaRyjmoRY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+1.46.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist childrens book" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0SzdvEgUaPPFxPrTCJZbu5016_sl_4nTv_mRi3g_lHiFfY5pBb20jktFnUdhvLIj_LwpDMLwOO-hFDge60rJcGk0PEWHSmwOy71wEUN3-_ad9mM2yh1ij9pAng4MjmOH1AcaRyjmoRY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+1.46.19+PM.png" height="400" title="Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist childrens book" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></h3>
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Now, the thought of illustrating a children's book was not a foreign idea. I have had daydreams about writing and illustrating a children's book for many years. In fact, I have written a few that are stashed away. The illustrating part was a little trickier. I've had artistic talent since childhood when I would wile away the hours drawing. I later dabbled in watercolor and colored pencils. The problem is that I never stuck with any medium long enough to become really proficient.<br />
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Then I found needle felting--my muse. (How I found needle felting is a story for another day.) I became obsessed and found that my animals, angels and fairies could touch people and bring them joy.<br />
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When Jewel asked me to illustrate a book, I first considered posing my needle-felted characters among doll furniture. However, I thought it would be much more interesting if I created all the scenery in wool. Wool has a soft and dreamy quality that differentiates my style.<br />
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After I illustrated the first book (which has not yet been published), Jewel asked me to illustrate a second. I read the book, and again I cried -- I'm a bit of a softie. I said "yes," and created the illustrations for <i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist.</i><br />
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The book is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615992502">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hansel-and-gretel-jewel-kats/1120520410?ean=9781615992508">Barnes & Noble.</a><br />
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The illustration process has been quite an adventure. Although most of the illustration is needle-felted, I have also used some wet felting and a technique in which the wool is pressed together. My brain has gotten a workout figuring out how to create a fireplace, a forest, candy houses . . . The illustrations are mostly wool, although I have used some wood.<br />
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I am amazed to have created this illustration style. I'd love to hear your comments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F-Fv2cc6_IfNhvN5pO8cpUTCBHtr-Gh0wyIi7jByPlh4p7omgfuSNKh6E1d44YSA3sKQ0tfWhBkbBzJHUE4qepAGFcnlq_bssxgX3sOpsZdqJr0x2R56AbjXTZlSu6OjbPODNY47COs/s1600/HG-HanselviewHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felt Book Illustration by Claudia Marie Felt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F-Fv2cc6_IfNhvN5pO8cpUTCBHtr-Gh0wyIi7jByPlh4p7omgfuSNKh6E1d44YSA3sKQ0tfWhBkbBzJHUE4qepAGFcnlq_bssxgX3sOpsZdqJr0x2R56AbjXTZlSu6OjbPODNY47COs/s1600/HG-HanselviewHouse.jpg" height="640" title="Needle Felt Book Illustration by Claudia Marie Felt" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WE42gva5_cugLFyCM2t821Zv1Vbm37nlna-jo_81upXCdrK3p2ga9GD0otr_O340b-Fw1UiUMJ8oDx6QN9TjBpcFSiekP4Ir_JZ9EarEvGy9Ojc621GycPRT8i1m4UTNH7nsNfWvfz4/s1600/HG-WitchSweeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fiber Art Book Illustration" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WE42gva5_cugLFyCM2t821Zv1Vbm37nlna-jo_81upXCdrK3p2ga9GD0otr_O340b-Fw1UiUMJ8oDx6QN9TjBpcFSiekP4Ir_JZ9EarEvGy9Ojc621GycPRT8i1m4UTNH7nsNfWvfz4/s1600/HG-WitchSweeping.jpg" height="640" title="Fiber Art Book Illustration" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></h3>
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I will include an Amazon link to the book when it is published. Here is some information from the press release:</div>
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<b>Jewel Kats Tells Adventurous Tale of Hansel, a Brave Boy with Down Syndrome</b></div>
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<span class="s1">Ann Arbor, MI – From the award-winning author of </span><i>Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale</i> comes another empowering children’s book, <i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down syndrome</i> <i>Twist</i> (<span class="s2">Loving Healing Press, October 2014).</span></div>
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This adaptation of the classic <span class="s2">Grimms’ </span>tale includes the wicked witch and the poor siblings in search of food; but in this version Jewel Kats’ main character, Hansel, is a mischievous, yet courageous, five-year-old boy with Down syndrome.</div>
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Young readers of the book will get the message that children with Down syndrome are capable and can achieve extraordinary success with determination. Hansel’s story will also teach by example that people cannot be judged by appearance; a princess or a hero can be hidden within. Jewel Kats’ insightful story is brought to life with enchanting illustrations in wool by fiber artist Claudia Marie Lenart. Also making the book special is the dreamy style achieved by the artist with needle felted wool – a first in <span class="s2">childrens’</span> book illustration. </div>
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<b>Praise for <i>Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down syndrome</i> <i>Twist</i></b></div>
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“I love that this book addresses not only the low expectations that society has of kids with Down syndrome but that the Mother has as well. What a gifted author to see past the diagnosis and tell a magical story of potential and belief!” </div>
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––Nancy Gianni, Founder & Gigi’s Mom, GiGi's Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers</div>
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“This story would help young readers look beyond disabilities and focus on the characters of those who have special needs. Claudia's breathtaking illustration take this beloved tale to a whole new level.”</div>
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––Shaila Abdullah, author of <i>My Friend Suhana</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnmAjUrjmUzvmFoMRN-TnoeJWN5OU7NmZZOk02mrUtxXWbxlEeEfOC0bgiN_3pMHV446Znzr5OT3m2Nl3jdvwvDTIXlzefVjFzrByENpyY9e6v6qpEqIm-Kfy3aXxuQ-p2VBgkOWNcL8/s1600/HG-RunawayWoods+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Children's Book Illustration in wool by Claudia Marie Lenart Down syndrome" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnmAjUrjmUzvmFoMRN-TnoeJWN5OU7NmZZOk02mrUtxXWbxlEeEfOC0bgiN_3pMHV446Znzr5OT3m2Nl3jdvwvDTIXlzefVjFzrByENpyY9e6v6qpEqIm-Kfy3aXxuQ-p2VBgkOWNcL8/s1600/HG-RunawayWoods+(1).jpg" height="640" title="Children's Book Illustration in wool by Claudia Marie Lenart Down syndrome" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hansel-Gretel-Fairy-Syndrome-Ability/dp/1615992502">Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist</a></h3>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-4652877895406464332014-09-20T16:53:00.000-07:002015-03-12T05:28:34.050-07:00Custom Dog Pet Portraits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Needle Felted Dog Sculptures</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Needle felted white husky pet portrait" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGNTZVGLf9B05UNJSWxPA1f8G9R3v3mZnbrapyYlAq9GK4ouxlhLX3AfJtZy3qxnPD9-WfB5Cy67sIS0bjqXqSU-DSzFBwp4yVWPJh6FhBJ8eBI3l6PWc1x4tlTFHJ5LmV1o7z3ZBUPQ/s1600/IMG_0973.jpg" height="345" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Needle felted white husky pet portrait" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/204258651/needle-felted-dog-wool-pet-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=dog">White Husky, Large Sculpture</a></td></tr>
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I love dogs, always have. When I was a child, we moved to an apartment where I could no longer have a dog. Our Tammy went to live with grandma and I was so sad; I yearned to have a canine companion. As an adult, I've always had dogs, as many as three at a time. I currently have two--Lily, a husky mix, and our puppy Angelina, a border collie/Aussie mix.<br />
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When I create needle felted dog portraits I spend a lot, lot of time studying photos of the dog as well as photos of the breed from every angle. I grow to love the dog and feel as if I know him/her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1cI3V5Lbuc8Xu82Mhoe84eCkchzwZUlIKIRrV2BRLkeWyTi_XIrh0jq-LHIzMYtr8gSzVVOJcpKYEjrWLpq2jgO0Lz7tn7hdX4P00ObL-CfMxlxZuRfn9yFKPeoXsbkLe4gbnF-04Hg/s1600/IMG_0952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1cI3V5Lbuc8Xu82Mhoe84eCkchzwZUlIKIRrV2BRLkeWyTi_XIrh0jq-LHIzMYtr8gSzVVOJcpKYEjrWLpq2jgO0Lz7tn7hdX4P00ObL-CfMxlxZuRfn9yFKPeoXsbkLe4gbnF-04Hg/s1600/IMG_0952.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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I always start with the face, being certain the position of the ears, eyes and nose are correct. The eyes take the most time. I create them in layers--iris, pupil, light dot and then line the eyes and poke, poke, poke until it is shaped and sized correctly. The legs require multiple layers. The final layer of the dog is usually soft alpaca wool.<br />
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Sometimes, the pet owner sends me fur from the dog and I incorporate that into the sculpture. Most often, I mix in a little of the fur with alpaca. I believe it brings a little of the dog's spirit into the sculpture. When I created a Bouvier des Flandres I was sent a large envelope of the dog's fur and I was surprised just how well it felted; in fact it was nearly indistinguishable from the rose grey alpaca.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-1Seiw7YFwuzpSqGFsulpWXxQMMZqRhb6_Ba1fU7ET2RygG9_AaOua3_n1csUwSgMHuCLn6Ayzwul1lsYl88G9W5zv86FSDmpvt_wrWvl0Cl_DOP5PjX7htl02sbMO-q4mz1RefVI5E/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felted labradoodle " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-1Seiw7YFwuzpSqGFsulpWXxQMMZqRhb6_Ba1fU7ET2RygG9_AaOua3_n1csUwSgMHuCLn6Ayzwul1lsYl88G9W5zv86FSDmpvt_wrWvl0Cl_DOP5PjX7htl02sbMO-q4mz1RefVI5E/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" height="400" title="Needle felted labradoodle " width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180906027/needle-felted-dog-pet-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_14&ga_search_query=dog">Labradoodle</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZTjElqX7wQw9aoZJ4MqxvYVntQzpkHK9AAbWKvRiC4NzdinM9hjfpGM132sIMm25QfYJK6aOkyDvL9wj4f50pYMaT-KnZVkkmxM4iiiCzOlqV6iAqnurVf1oQzHYv4C2fU0sYTf44yc/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZTjElqX7wQw9aoZJ4MqxvYVntQzpkHK9AAbWKvRiC4NzdinM9hjfpGM132sIMm25QfYJK6aOkyDvL9wj4f50pYMaT-KnZVkkmxM4iiiCzOlqV6iAqnurVf1oQzHYv4C2fU0sYTf44yc/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a><br />
Quite often the portraits are of dogs that have gone over the rainbow bridge. It gives me a warm feeling to know the sculpture brings comfort to the dog's companion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7BPIycFYUIDOLjpoKNcVtNxFFPfQTdWAcgCHB8xQCkYn7xFb75TIyki76bpPCg9TYnSTkgKcjYDaJrMpYYjUsfmYmTJGqh4mUoGUlXvPJZm-EeyM14IO4s05VcFmXmZ8WZeCVLaC5gY/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felted golden retriever" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7BPIycFYUIDOLjpoKNcVtNxFFPfQTdWAcgCHB8xQCkYn7xFb75TIyki76bpPCg9TYnSTkgKcjYDaJrMpYYjUsfmYmTJGqh4mUoGUlXvPJZm-EeyM14IO4s05VcFmXmZ8WZeCVLaC5gY/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" height="347" title="Needle felted golden retriever" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200318593/needle-felted-dog-wool-pet-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_7&ga_search_query=dog">Golden Retriever</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is what one customer said about her pet portrait:<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">OMG.. I can only say CLAUDIA could not have recreated my Precious Calli any better. I opened the box and cried and cried because I felt as if I had my Calli back in my hands and back by my side again! Just a smaller version! ;) AMAZING work!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OQtkNk-vR4RswuAt1KlAcdUvQsU4PYId0CKgI1qwiOUB9SX3LRveVRQt7HaFXdtEiHnpQDUqF4FScOSzQTIsb4_zDNiSI3AuwMFwWePZ98XpyGcpe_fQS3dgG-Q5PjtESXBwev3zDOM/s1600/IMG_0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle felted miniature collies and shelties" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OQtkNk-vR4RswuAt1KlAcdUvQsU4PYId0CKgI1qwiOUB9SX3LRveVRQt7HaFXdtEiHnpQDUqF4FScOSzQTIsb4_zDNiSI3AuwMFwWePZ98XpyGcpe_fQS3dgG-Q5PjtESXBwev3zDOM/s1600/IMG_0442.jpg" height="255" title="Needle felted miniature collies and shelties" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221590181/needle-felted-tiny-dog-pet-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=dogs">Tiny collies</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Hope you enjoy my dogs!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9DBIUacOZBtjQQ1l-H7tfXBi82gsOk7Zc-a0a-fHsBSL6NSFYUOonzwHA1rSeTSjvsDQXq3QO8riX04sQInf1BeoBOj-aM4G0fGrpNb_enBDoRiQwyyTzMynrvz3s5dCiB3Vs89SCvU/s1600/IMG_5236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9DBIUacOZBtjQQ1l-H7tfXBi82gsOk7Zc-a0a-fHsBSL6NSFYUOonzwHA1rSeTSjvsDQXq3QO8riX04sQInf1BeoBOj-aM4G0fGrpNb_enBDoRiQwyyTzMynrvz3s5dCiB3Vs89SCvU/s1600/IMG_5236.JPG" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/102090127/needle-felted-dog-wool-pet-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_12&ga_search_query=dog">White German Shepherd</a><br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-37514629870419801922014-04-02T06:21:00.000-07:002015-03-12T05:42:50.569-07:00Nursery Rhymes, Lullabies are Joyful and Brain Building for Children and Parents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sharing nursery rhymes with young <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>children is a joyful bonding experience and it
also helps children with language and later reading skills. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpATejkPfQ1Wmx_5u21idax11vVR1xULawv5vAb8ZkFIr4mOYiH3XD2LB_UYcfa_FePATojo0ZSQEY3hx6tM6KyO0pNaT8BDEwZOoiKAhG1Fx2MR0HXTcwqk66NqAXJB5uJALDnhzXCg/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Three Little Kittens Needle Felted Finger Puppets" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpATejkPfQ1Wmx_5u21idax11vVR1xULawv5vAb8ZkFIr4mOYiH3XD2LB_UYcfa_FePATojo0ZSQEY3hx6tM6KyO0pNaT8BDEwZOoiKAhG1Fx2MR0HXTcwqk66NqAXJB5uJALDnhzXCg/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" height="294" title="Three Little Kittens Needle Felted Finger Puppets" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184492355/three-little-kittens-needlefelt-finger?ref=shop_home_active_1">Three Little Kittens</a></td></tr>
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When my son was small, we read a thick nursery rhyme book,
every night at bedtime. We still have the book, which is in tatters along the
edges. All those wonderful memories I just can’t part with. As he got older,
that bonding experience matured into fairy tales, then C.S. Lewis’ tales of
Narnia, and we spent years on a journey alongside Harry Potter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of our favorites: <i>Come Out to Play</i>: </div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>Girls and boys, come out to play, </i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><i>The moon doth shine as bright as day; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>Leave your supper, and leave your sleep, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><i>And come with your playfellows into the street.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I remember taking him out on the back porch on a warm night
and reciting <i>I See the Moon—</i></div>
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<i>I see the moon and the moon sees me. God bless the
moon and God bless me.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I enjoyed the way the rhymes fell off my tongue. While
my son and I were relishing warm and fuzzy moments, we were preparing him for
later success in reading. Sharing nursery rhymes is a strong predictor of
future reading success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia;">“Nursery rhymes and other repetitive language help children
learn to think their way through a word sound by sound in the order in which
they hear it,” says Dr. Schickedanz. This ability, known as phonemic
segmentation, is best predictor of future reading success, she said in an issue
of <i>Parents</i> magazine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia;">Weave nursery rhymes into the fabric of your young child's life.
Reading or reciting nursery rhymes is a comfortable bedtime routine. I would
always end the bedtime reading with nursery rhymes or lullabies that encourage
sleep—<i>Rock a Bye Baby, Wee Willie Winkie, and Diddle, Diddle Dumpling My Son
John</i> (that really is my son’s name as well.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia;">Nursery rhymes aren’t only for bedtime. You can also reenact
the nursery rhymes during the day; I especially recall cantering around the
kitchen to <i>This is the Way the Ladies Ride.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9Rdpg1EHzV1pWbZXK3Dux36DT6Flmyj6_VGTa5aXFGxhH7KBdjdclPbqj-o_mFVmdNzwdpMp-1e0HeuhJvwKFPuT46tRuZomohVN8Jz0FK70ymbVxyhfyGKzfOp_1gWkTefladxb_Vg/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Needle Felted Mouse for Hickory Dickory Dock" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9Rdpg1EHzV1pWbZXK3Dux36DT6Flmyj6_VGTa5aXFGxhH7KBdjdclPbqj-o_mFVmdNzwdpMp-1e0HeuhJvwKFPuT46tRuZomohVN8Jz0FK70ymbVxyhfyGKzfOp_1gWkTefladxb_Vg/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" height="249" title="Needle Felted Mouse for Hickory Dickory Dock" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175966192/needle-felt-finger-puppet-mouse?ref=shop_home_active_2"><span style="color: black;">Hickory, Dickory Dock</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia;">Another fun way to share nursery rhymes is with finger
puppets. The small soft, wool finger puppets are a nice way to share cozy
moments. My son and I also spent many hours creating stories with finger
puppets and bendy dolls. Creative storytelling is another fantastic
brain-building activity. But that subject is for another blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia;">Please check out my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt?section_id=14855086&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6"> finger puppets in my Etsy store.</a> I am
also available to make custom orders. <span style="color: #003399;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbGyOp1mca0LWJ6n76OLSOF9LgjQWdrO7IXs7617fkbHFBeBcVpz_vf2JBHiJ8nEjngeS8SpxXLJPyElIJ8Mw4QWpBwFYmQhH2KzU461Eg1LhzqTOQQ36JEdseYIuyGWSZYMN91Xa6s0/s1600/IMG_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Needle Felted Peter Cottontail Finger Puppet" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbGyOp1mca0LWJ6n76OLSOF9LgjQWdrO7IXs7617fkbHFBeBcVpz_vf2JBHiJ8nEjngeS8SpxXLJPyElIJ8Mw4QWpBwFYmQhH2KzU461Eg1LhzqTOQQ36JEdseYIuyGWSZYMN91Xa6s0/s1600/IMG_0295.jpg" height="291" title="Needle Felted Peter Cottontail Finger Puppet" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/177777586/needle-felt-finger-puppet-bunny-rabbit?ref=shop_home_active_4">Here Comes Peter Cottontail</a></td></tr>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-35836633357451753162014-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:002014-01-08T08:40:31.315-08:00Rainbow Needle Felt Wool Painting Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bring hope and light into your home with an ombre rainbow wall hanging. This is a very easy needle felted project.<br />
I made this rainbow artwork as a backdrop for the cover illustration for a book I worked on in the fall with author<a href="http://www.jewelkats.com/"> Jewel Kats</a>.<br />
After the illustration was done, I loved the rainbow so much and I used it as a backdrop for my needlefelted unicorn in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Etsy shop, Claudia Marie Felt. </a> I am planning to hang it soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vzT9bpGTHjrUNoACice1oZW8-dKWMitCdGkTKceMZ3HT_vNLWyP9I4z8wK-sDU2xKLwpc8m_yA-3gsccwh6yNrBnTd8HsEJ_spP6NTMfqlmpdDVH4g95YeSEjrSCxAivlHco8-Kk4qw/s1600/DSCN0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vzT9bpGTHjrUNoACice1oZW8-dKWMitCdGkTKceMZ3HT_vNLWyP9I4z8wK-sDU2xKLwpc8m_yA-3gsccwh6yNrBnTd8HsEJ_spP6NTMfqlmpdDVH4g95YeSEjrSCxAivlHco8-Kk4qw/s1600/DSCN0748.JPG" height="400" width="323" /></a></div>
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Here is what you will need to get started:<br />
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1- 2 ounces of Romney wool roving<br />
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Wool dye, or food dye<br />
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A sheet of 100 percent wool felt<br />
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A piece of foam that is nearly as large as your wool sheet<br />
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Felting needle<br />
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I used Romney wool because it has a nice sheen and you can spread the fibers very thin without getting a stringy look. The amount of wool you use depends on the size of the piece, but if you have more than needed you can always use the lovely colors for another project.<br />
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The dye I use is Greener Shades, but I have also created ombre rainbow wool with food dye. The food dye was easy to use because it did not require a dye pot, just a number of bowls with hot water. However, I prefer the more natural tones I get from Greener Shades.<br />
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Rainbow with food dye</div>
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Rainbow with Greener Shades</div>
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<b>Dyeing Your Ombre Rainbow</b></div>
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Separate your wool roving into 7 even strands. If you are using wool dye with many color choices, you can simply choose to dye the wool the exact shades from the container, but it can be more fun to mix them yourself. You will need blue, purple, red, orange, yellow, green, turqouise. </div>
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When dying with wool dye, you may find it more efficient and less wasteful to create your own colors, rather than discarding the dye bath and starting new each time. For instance, you can dye your yellow and then add some red for your orange dye bath. Likewise, after you have dyed your green wool, add some blue for turquoise. </div>
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With food dye, it is easy enough to have 7 bowls. For food dye, just fill 7 bowls with very hot water and add the food dye. You may want to test the colors with a wisp of wool or a Q-tip. </div>
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To get an ombre color, put 1/3 of the wool strand in the dye pot or color bowl and leave it there for several minutes. (If you are dying in a hot wool pot, do not hang the wool over the side; it will singe.) continue to dip the next one third of the strand into the dye bath and leave it there for a couple of more minutes. The last one-third will just get a quick 30 second or less swirl in the pot. </div>
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You will need to determine for yourself the exact length of time to leave your wool dyeing as it depends on many factors--dye strength, type of dye, etc. </div>
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Hang your 7 colors of ombre dyed wool to dry. </div>
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<b>Creating a Rainbow Wall Hanging</b></div>
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Lay out your sheet of wool on a piece of foam. </div>
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Arrange your strands of dyed wool in order -- Red or Pink, Purple, Blue, Turquoise, Green, Yellow, Orange. It doesn't matter which you start with. </div>
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You will want to arrange the strands in a curve or arch -- be creative!</div>
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After you get your basic shape, gently pull the fibers of one color over the other. For instance, a thin edge of green can be pulled over the yellow, creating a lime shade. By doing this, you will have more than seven shades of color and a very beautiful and subtle blending. </div>
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Align the wool colors so that all the deeper shades are at one end, and the lightest shades at the other. You can fill in the remaining sheet of wool with white wool roving. </div>
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Once you are happy with your arrangement, needle felt along the edges to keep the wool in place. Also needlefelt lightly along the rainbow, but don't over felt--you probably don't want it flat. </div>
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For neater edges, fold the wool over the edges and needlefelt along the backside as well. </div>
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Voila!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_RIVN-Nw4XjgRiNPbe8nB2sjiGpzMlPCJczvAu52lrtPTooCdrDcXbFm_1vMj1pxH8WzmCAgPCV-ASRvQhLmyJRLYStfEoS3cJRvHWAAnzeQpwVUd-iC57Ge1jQ6Tw72Xh7k4yHx9Lc/s1600/DSCN0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_RIVN-Nw4XjgRiNPbe8nB2sjiGpzMlPCJczvAu52lrtPTooCdrDcXbFm_1vMj1pxH8WzmCAgPCV-ASRvQhLmyJRLYStfEoS3cJRvHWAAnzeQpwVUd-iC57Ge1jQ6Tw72Xh7k4yHx9Lc/s1600/DSCN0823.JPG" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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You may wish to sew a string to the back for hanging or sew or felt tabs and hang on a branch. I am going to seek out a white branch for my rainbow. </div>
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Please let me know if you have any questions. And please share your result on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Facebook page, Claudia Marie Felt.</a></div>
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-10364401383815344912013-10-28T06:31:00.000-07:002017-08-16T07:48:18.950-07:00Top 12 Favorite Needle Felting Fibers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every time a package of wool or other fibers arrives at my door, it's like Christmas. I love digging my hands into a bag of roving and experiencing the texture. One of my favorite day trips is to <a href="http://www.thefoldatmc.net/index.html">The Fold</a>, wool shop, where I can indulge all of my senses in the array of fibers.<br />
Although, most natural fibers can be needle felted, some are better than others. Some are also better for certain tasks, whether doll hair or the fur of a squirrel. It took me a lot of trial and error to discover which fibers to use for which creations. So I'll share a little of what I've learned.<br />
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So here is my list of favorite fibers:<br />
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Angora -- Difficult to felt, but it adds bunny spirit and feel to some of my luxury bunnies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4EY4fnUBqYxJlKiHxcRldK4t1Gm8brirwIL6UB6pElVHKVA7eQ5J85KjSPj4L-yVxn5wnB4v7aFVCWItJWGh4brdWZvVa_UOdYNGvHQHOqY2ViFwtRBrGCOnvDxsEp_x5ZHOiU0UTwA/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4EY4fnUBqYxJlKiHxcRldK4t1Gm8brirwIL6UB6pElVHKVA7eQ5J85KjSPj4L-yVxn5wnB4v7aFVCWItJWGh4brdWZvVa_UOdYNGvHQHOqY2ViFwtRBrGCOnvDxsEp_x5ZHOiU0UTwA/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cashmere -- Cashmere is not easy to felt, however it's velvety texture is second to none. I usually blend it with another fiber. My needle felted bunny's underside is one of the places I use cashmere.<br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/022/0/5459642/il_570xN.481086635_370u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/022/0/5459642/il_570xN.481086635_370u.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Yak -- Similar to cashmere in texture, yak comes in dark colors that add luxury to some of my needle felted animals.<br />
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Llama -- Another luxury fiber, easy to felt and adds softness to some of my wool animals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOiYi7aVrvRi6MUxUzVaM29dMgzgjIuASiI3S2atMexvBnjLXjWrmpl_9jQkmVXYxhGnNPrWvPNJ5oQYS4l-Qa2y-aXM_1qaH3I8s6r8tnCXeTjRwFec_0yfksEq7ZNuzAcLpKxeGy68/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOiYi7aVrvRi6MUxUzVaM29dMgzgjIuASiI3S2atMexvBnjLXjWrmpl_9jQkmVXYxhGnNPrWvPNJ5oQYS4l-Qa2y-aXM_1qaH3I8s6r8tnCXeTjRwFec_0yfksEq7ZNuzAcLpKxeGy68/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Camel -- Difficult to felt, but oh so lovely. Similar to cashmere. I sometimes mix in some baby camel with other fibers for my puppies.<br />
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Tussah silk -- Tussah silk adds shine and texture to my Waldorf angels' wings. I also use it to accent their dresses and gold-dyed for angel halos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSKFSn0DAttWaz7R7V6XW5Vhz6nsV8YGh1vwcLUtdvhrq1Cl0n-v6tZpnKzTTy1g6Ol7c5W4samt0rUiIIItiw8xfQkChb7RQpBLGpthqhWKiWNYpP5Mg6EH6iJQf2dA4wA0rbx1Hi-8/s1600/IMG_1127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSKFSn0DAttWaz7R7V6XW5Vhz6nsV8YGh1vwcLUtdvhrq1Cl0n-v6tZpnKzTTy1g6Ol7c5W4samt0rUiIIItiw8xfQkChb7RQpBLGpthqhWKiWNYpP5Mg6EH6iJQf2dA4wA0rbx1Hi-8/s1600/IMG_1127.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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Corriedale-- A basic wool that is great for the core of my creatures and dolls.<br />
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Colonial -- Another wonderful basic core wool and all around multipurpose felting wool.<br />
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Shetland -- Can be used for cores, but it is so soft sometimes I would feel guilty putting it inside. Very nice, multipurpose. Some of my creatures are a mix of shetland and alpaca.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9pNNY1gsI_VzjQmHy9thLgczJeohdpGWpOMSCj9ERy3eEtr2TYA_KjNkbjOX4UiUiWMsreipApyy27s_iOFTUjNgGFrJNPGhn2hFGdl4OjbBEjHM4e1mlf74vAVOImvRaLaY7leR5dk/s1600/polar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9pNNY1gsI_VzjQmHy9thLgczJeohdpGWpOMSCj9ERy3eEtr2TYA_KjNkbjOX4UiUiWMsreipApyy27s_iOFTUjNgGFrJNPGhn2hFGdl4OjbBEjHM4e1mlf74vAVOImvRaLaY7leR5dk/s1600/polar.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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BFL -- I love BFL, it has an incredible sheen. I use BFL for the dresses on some of my needle felted dolls. I also love it for wavy hair. When it is wet it curls up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8gDRDdARqzTeTxRkeX3hkHbhcwVV-bzpmU_nLEWUMPSng10u1OHpkBnDJEc8-PoaRcrsQrc3z2C90YUNBErjQT3zxoHMhzrKuxI_WicAxCGG0X7jCPDz2C5kL_z7ndTnjM-vqqyk0b0/s1600/madonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8gDRDdARqzTeTxRkeX3hkHbhcwVV-bzpmU_nLEWUMPSng10u1OHpkBnDJEc8-PoaRcrsQrc3z2C90YUNBErjQT3zxoHMhzrKuxI_WicAxCGG0X7jCPDz2C5kL_z7ndTnjM-vqqyk0b0/s1600/madonna.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Merino-- By far one of my most useful fibers. Merino is often the wool that finishes the dressses of my angels and fairies. I also use merino wool for angel wings. Merino is very soft and fine. I also use dark merino wool for some of my woodland creatures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q33RvHyPDVuPtFuSUwkM-IuIYkbHkDJfrhEXWrq2kF3K6fXy6L1tMp5-jbpApoYyoqdX5MTy8PaJ9X7iZXI_SaQIY6Zn4y38mSt8Z6nLOzUSMvNH0ScjZ4bSMqob0ExCmx0JSMz8trs/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q33RvHyPDVuPtFuSUwkM-IuIYkbHkDJfrhEXWrq2kF3K6fXy6L1tMp5-jbpApoYyoqdX5MTy8PaJ9X7iZXI_SaQIY6Zn4y38mSt8Z6nLOzUSMvNH0ScjZ4bSMqob0ExCmx0JSMz8trs/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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Alpaca -- My favorite fiber because it is the best of both worlds, easy to felt and luxurious. My woodland creatures wear coats of alpaca. It comes in a variety of natural hues, so often I don't even need to dye it. Suri alpaca also makes wonderful doll hair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtX3a8p6ddyoDjs_DniZVJgWVOb6-uVm8sDa5dv8Y-4DdGdN9LztX6tguV_sOYvl_6pERUXu2AfSY8M1OuMiDOzp7zWigPAAoHxPZKcL-D4etgFghNK2FDUxZ8E6h7ypqLZIXFWQu1g8/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtX3a8p6ddyoDjs_DniZVJgWVOb6-uVm8sDa5dv8Y-4DdGdN9LztX6tguV_sOYvl_6pERUXu2AfSY8M1OuMiDOzp7zWigPAAoHxPZKcL-D4etgFghNK2FDUxZ8E6h7ypqLZIXFWQu1g8/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtX3a8p6ddyoDjs_DniZVJgWVOb6-uVm8sDa5dv8Y-4DdGdN9LztX6tguV_sOYvl_6pERUXu2AfSY8M1OuMiDOzp7zWigPAAoHxPZKcL-D4etgFghNK2FDUxZ8E6h7ypqLZIXFWQu1g8/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Here are some books that may help you understand wool:<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612121780/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1612121780&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=7af23645141b3263029dd5e1a35def5f" nbsp="" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1612121780&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1612121780" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612121780/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1612121780&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=cda895c6c60f88463bd7c37e54296460" target="_blank">The Field Guide to Fleece: 100 Sheep Breeds & How to Use Their Fibers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1612121780" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603427112/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603427112&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=3288ccaac6084afb32f52ddd4e212498" nbsp="" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1603427112&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=claudialenart-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1603427112" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603427112/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603427112&linkCode=as2&tag=claudialenart-20&linkId=c4568ef70c2600a8916ffac3de12b165" target="_blank">The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers, from Animal to Spun Yarn</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=claudialenart-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1603427112" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8436955536448129509.post-74999936585501596192013-07-17T08:34:00.000-07:002013-07-18T07:29:20.651-07:00Photos are So Important for Etsy Artists<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52YECQLsDdoBXZ0b1eI3hb_N-K759w4p7EBY6vv3-xc23Es06kn6lChMgFsUqUDMk4HevpCftzBuGIoBndRfzwqijNpBTQOqR1op63CorcsglVrN3V9a0hlOOA75PjZFU24pYsQ4rQAo/s1600/IMG_0140+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52YECQLsDdoBXZ0b1eI3hb_N-K759w4p7EBY6vv3-xc23Es06kn6lChMgFsUqUDMk4HevpCftzBuGIoBndRfzwqijNpBTQOqR1op63CorcsglVrN3V9a0hlOOA75PjZFU24pYsQ4rQAo/s1600/IMG_0140+-+Version+2.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a>I spend many hours creating my needle felted animals. It starts with research, either observing live animals or perusing through hundreds of photographs and studying the curve of the head, the shape of the eye. Next, I must find the right hue of fiber. Sometimes, as with my grey-brown bunnies and squirrels, I can use a combination of natural hued alpaca and other natural fibers. Other times, I must dye the fibers combining different colors to get until the perfect hue is achieved. Finally, the actual sculpting, and wiring of the poseable animals, can take days.<br />
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When the animal is complete to my satisfaction, my new friend is ready for a modeling session. Etsy artists know that photos are of the utmost importance if you want to be noticed. I photograph my creatures in a variety of settings, both outside and inside. Beware the windy day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec3iDjrEw_dXGT6WfiHrjxUprmt3IVNxz18vjcY1hnpd00zk6eWH9_s91OZrXeNEW7tl0AA4kWFovbhNGcwkCP7UcndorKXZgEi2mOhFNPm_tb0suxY4IUMek3xpHAXGLbFlodcgbDcw/s1600/wool+polar+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec3iDjrEw_dXGT6WfiHrjxUprmt3IVNxz18vjcY1hnpd00zk6eWH9_s91OZrXeNEW7tl0AA4kWFovbhNGcwkCP7UcndorKXZgEi2mOhFNPm_tb0suxY4IUMek3xpHAXGLbFlodcgbDcw/s1600/wool+polar+bear.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92879205/needle-felted-polar-bear-mom-and-cub?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=polar%2Bbear">Needle Felted Polar Bears</a></div>
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Sunny days aren't good either, they wash out the colors. If I need to take photos on a sunny day, I find a shady spot. And then there's winter. While a snowy background is perfect for my polar bears, it's not the best for a cottontail bunny.<br />
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With my smallest creatures, I like to include a photo of the animal in my hand so people can envision the size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboJao6_AAh5vcImX80TNxOBs27wCdVJY6lwi7Zb1isdajYqRWSt0HJ65oPQTXXYaA7nQ-aX_q3eRmQ8Q0lKlbBy5Oxkj_H0qf6KlgkqgFd2NW-jO-p4Ta6yx1mTaWPvlVeRiqfGjlKN4/s1600/DSC06804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboJao6_AAh5vcImX80TNxOBs27wCdVJY6lwi7Zb1isdajYqRWSt0HJ65oPQTXXYaA7nQ-aX_q3eRmQ8Q0lKlbBy5Oxkj_H0qf6KlgkqgFd2NW-jO-p4Ta6yx1mTaWPvlVeRiqfGjlKN4/s1600/DSC06804.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155751088/needle-felted-horse-miniature-chestnut?ref=shop_home_active">Needle Felted Miniature Horse</a></div>
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I generally shoot about 30 photos, then pick out my favorites, crop them and adjust the lighting. I often decide I need another pose and take another 10-20 photos. Some creatures are more photogenic than others, just like people. Sometimes I feel my photos don't see my creatures like I do.<br />
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I also like to create special photos for my Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaMarieFelt">Claudia Marie Felt,</a> like this one with my wool squirrel and raccoon celebrating 500 likes.<br />
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My needle felted fawn, looking like Bambi, is one of my favorite photos.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103324150/needle-felted-deer-fawn-white-tailed?ref=v1_other_2">Needle Felted Deer Fawn</a></div>
Claudia Marie Felthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09537184993881720641noreply@blogger.com0