Needle Felt Book Illustration — The Next Big Thing

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 Cozy Classics.

The Cozy Classics author/illustrator team of Jack and Holman Wang created a series of board books for little children, based on classics like War &  Peace and Jane Eyre. Each book has just 12 words, and endearing needle felted characters posed both outdoors and in miniature settings.

Pride & Prejudice from Cozy Classics

I wanted to illustrate a book for author Jewel Kats almost completely in wool with wool backgrounds and characters. It was uncharted territory. Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist is the second book I illustrated for Jewel. Loving Healing Press will publish the first later this year.  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. 

Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

This week, I was thrilled to see some needle felt illustration make its way into the mainstream with the announcement of the Caldecott Medal Winners.  Caldecott Honor Winner 2015 Yuyi Morales includes some needle felted characters in her book Viva Frida. Morales, who is an innovative illustrator and accomplished artist, uses a variety of media to tell the story of artist Frida Kahlo. 

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

I was also delighted to discover that Viva Frida and Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist  have something in common. Both books include a needle felted deer.

Another wonderful surprise this week, was the Google Doodle. 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^th birthday was created by Cozy Classics. What a thrill! The Doodle page also has a nice explanation of how the characters were created, which is similar to how I created mine. 

I was speaking to Loving Healing Press Publisher Victor Volkman 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 return to the handmade ethos,” he said.

The needle felt characters have a special quality. I think creating with fiber gifts from animals gives life to the characters.

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.

And a side note: Cozy Classics is working on a Star Wars series with Lucas Films/Disney. Looking forward to that!

First Ever Children's Book Illustrated in Felted 3-D Wool

A year ago, author Jewel Kats discovered my needle-felted animals and characters through my Etsy store. 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.

Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

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.

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.

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.

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 Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist.

The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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.

I am amazed to have created this illustration style. I'd love to hear your comments.

Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

I will include an Amazon link to the book when it is published. Here is some information from the press release:

Jewel Kats Tells Adventurous Tale of Hansel, a Brave Boy with Down Syndrome

Ann Arbor, MI – From the award-winning author of Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale comes another empowering children’s book, Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down syndrome Twist (Loving Healing Press, October 2014).

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.

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 childrens’ book illustration. 

Praise for Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down syndrome Twist

“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!” 

––Nancy Gianni, Founder & Gigi’s Mom, GiGi's Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

“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.”

––Shaila Abdullah, author of My Friend Suhana

Illustration from Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist