Felting

Felting is the process of compressing wool fibers to create a dense, often three-dimensional object. Wool is a natural fiber that is sustainably harvested from sheep and other livestock.

Needle-felting requires the use of long barbed needles. As wool is poked repeatedly, fibers are caught within the barbs, drawing the fibers closer together. Many felted pieces contain a wire armature, or a thin skeleton, giving the pieces structure and allowing them to be bent and posed in different positions.

Wet felting allows for the creation of two-dimensional works via the addition of pressure, friction, hot and cold water, and soap to wool.

Painting

I strive to use natural pigments, binders, and mediums when possible. I source many of my painting materials from Natural Earth Paints, an innovative company based in Oregon which offers sustainably harvested rock and mineral pigments and natural binders like walnut oil. To my knowledge, they are the only company to have developed a plant based acrylic medium (rather than petroleum-derived). It is really excellent paint. They also share many helpful paint-making recipes. I encourage any artist or hobbyist to check them out.

Fairy Houses

Fairy houses are made primarily from hand-collected bark, twigs, and dried moss. Decorations often include dried or pressed flowers and leaves, pinecones, acorns, and dried berries.