I have talked a few times (here and here) about my buddy Alice, who makes miniature needle felted dogs. Her work can be seen on her etsy shop. A while back, Alice told me she was putting her knowledge into a booklet. Her plan was to create an instruction manual that could lead anyone, no matter how unfamiliar with needle felting, through the process of making their own miniature dog.
When Alice asked if I would be her guinea pig to see if I could learn to make a dog from her instructions, I’ll admit it — I was intimidated. But I shouldn’t have been. Her instructions were well written and there were lots of pictures. I was surprised that making my dog basically involved stabbing the project until it took shape. And then stabbing it some more. Not as dainty a process as I thought it would be. I especially enjoyed making making his nose from clay (as taught by the manual) and making sure my miniature Miles was anatomically correct (my own stylistic addition). You can see a few pics of my process here. And of course, the finished product is well documented above.
Alice is now selling the instructions on her etsy shop as a downloadable/printable PDF. This is a great ‘after hours’ project, or gift for anyone who enjoys hands on activities.
Well done 🙂
Amazing!
Emma, the Mini looks fabulous! I am so excited 🙂 You did an excellent job — I am off to share tee hee WONDERFUL!
Wow, I want one! So beautiful!
Love it, I'll need to pick up that booklet!
How long did it take you to make?
Thanks everybody 🙂
Danielle, my goal was to keep track of exact hrs, but of course that didn't happen. Maybe around 3 relaxed/longer "after dinner" sessions, plus a shorter "finishing touches" session?
Emma – I am so proud of you……what a great job of Miles…and what a nice way to promote Alice's tutorial……
Its been forever that I've been here….feels so good….Will connect soon.
Wow, I'm impressed. I admire people with the creative talent. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, Emma! Love your Mini Miles… I have seen other's and always wanted one of Chester. SO cute! Saw your name on the WTCA list of possibles. Good Luck! Maybe I would see you at Montgomery 2013!
Great job. Does your friend have an Airedale or Welshie template? All I could see was the greyhound download.
Hi there Baby Rocket Dog, Hootie & People,
It is great to hear from you guys!
Since every dog is different, with their own shape and markings (even within breeds as specific as Welsh and Airedale terriers), Alice has left that part up to us. Her instructions detail how to make a needle felted dog, and they are general so that you (the person who knows your pups the best) can shape the fine details to the specifics of your beloved canine companions. The greyhound in her tutorial is just an example.
With that said, if you are about to start making your own minis of your beloved pooches, and need some guidance, who better to ask questions of than me? I made a mini Miles, and am happy to provide detailed pointers. 🙂
– Emma
I have had a few Welshies over the years. The last one just before he went to the rainbow bridge, I saved a bit of his hair. Comforting to smell it now and then. Would I be able to use it for felting as well?
Absolutely!! Please contact me if you have questions, I’d be happy to explain.
Can I buy one. Would love to have. Looks just liks my puppy.