Santa must have read this recent post
because he left one of Domenica's dog kits for me under the tree.
Included is a cloud of grey wool plus a small amount of other colours for features and collar, two very sharp needles (the kit is not for unsupervised use by children under 12) and full instructions.
Perseverance seems to be the key with needle felting, so Domenica suggests having plenty of tea breaks while you work and using your own dog(s) for reference as you go!
I don't believe I'll be able to make anything remotely as good as these masterpieces, but I'm certainly looking forward to trying.
Has anyone done any needle felting? Any tips/advice?
I don't have any advice but I am glad that someone was paying attention when you wrote about these dogs not long ago! Good luck and I can't wait to see the result!
Posted by: Deirdre | 27 December 2011 at 04:29 PM
!
Posted by: Dark Puss | 27 December 2011 at 07:39 PM
The instructions make it look 'easy'. We'll see!
Posted by: Cornflower | 27 December 2011 at 09:25 PM
I tried needle-sculpting _once_ - on a cloth doll - NO LUCK at all. Of course, the felt can cover up a lot of troubles such as I had on cloth.
Went to the site to see the large collection of "masterpieces" - I think she likes the Jack Russell terrier. :-) Of course, we do too since we have one. They were on the page labeled "Dog Sales" - but, I could not find any mention of cost there. I guess that if I really wanted that first one, I would have to email her to ask.
You have much more patience with handwork than I do. Looking forward to your results!
Posted by: Nancy | 27 December 2011 at 09:43 PM
I would suggest proper hand protection. A magnet to put the needles on, so they don't get flipped on the floor during tea breaks, etc. And find out what surface should be felted against, to protect yourself and your tabletop.
I can't wait to see your finished mini pooch. Bet it's better than my felted flat heart (I felted yarn with water, soap, and a needle inside a heartshaped cookie cutter).
Posted by: rj | 27 December 2011 at 11:53 PM
Actually Cornflower needle felting doesn't take too long, compared to some of the other methods I have tried.. Have a hard board under your work and place it on a flat surface or a piece of foam. As you are working keep the needles straight as you are stabbing the fibre. I love Domenica's dogs and I am looking forward to seeing your finished dog.
Posted by: Anji | 28 December 2011 at 02:19 AM
I'm not sure exactly how the sales work but as far as I know (from a mutual friend) people 'bid' for the dogs they are interested in and then Domenica draws lots as she is so oversubscribed. They sell for hundreds of pounds and are in great demand - hence the fact that the latest lot shown on the website are sold out. I'm sure there must be some sort of mailing list system so that potential buyers can be notified when there's a new lot of dogs for sale. I'll try to find out more.
Posted by: Cornflower | 28 December 2011 at 10:21 AM
Many thanks, rj and Anji, for your good tips - I'll bear them in mind.
Posted by: Cornflower | 28 December 2011 at 10:22 AM
This is AWESOME!!! Can't wait to see the finished product! :)
Posted by: Boo | 29 December 2011 at 08:12 AM