Sometimes, life throws you a curve. or, in my case, it was 3 enormous bags of raw fleece. Never one to test the waters slowly... I jumped in with full enthusiasm.
I have been dabbling with fiber for a little while. But, this wasn't a mere dabble. This was 75 pounds of dirty, stinking raw wool. A huge mountain of fleece, blocking all paths through my studio.... and an ecstatic dog who has never smelled anything quite so intoxicating.
I did my research on its proper handling, then dug in. If you have never gotten your hands into raw fleece, then you are missing an indescribable experience. Having 3 sons, I always thought I knew the definition of "dirty". Oh boy... was I wrong. This is it.
You can't just throw raw wool into the wash machine and walk away leaving it to mechanical mercy, expecting to come back to a batch of clean fleece. Oh no. Nothing is that simple. Instead, I must sit and painstakingly sort through... removing grass, seeds and other substances best left to the imagination. It must be gently soaked... time and time again. Once air dried, it must be combed and carded. only then does it become that fluffy white substance of my dreams.
Now, what does an artist do with the finished wool? Easy. You use it as a means of creative expression.
Announcement! Stay tuned: I will soon be offering classes on needle-felting for the San Diego area!
Humphrey: A dapper polar bear. From his blushed cheeks to his belly button, he is a real cuddler.
Bella: A sweet ballerina bear, posing in a graceful split.
This is my take on a favorite childhood tale: "The Velveteen Rabbit".
What do you make with Alpaca? Why, a llama of course! Adopted!!!
Meet Olivia... another adorable teddy, made from the soft, blended Alpaca