Oh my goodness, I love all of them. You are so talented! Thank you for sharing your latest creations. You are a true artist.

Oh my goodness, that backpack!!!!

I always get excited when I see you’ve posted about your felting. And I’m always gobsmacked at the detail and beauty of your pieces. WOW!

Wow, wow, wow ... I just love your work! I still have the kit for the llama on my counter, I had thought I would have time during the summer to try it. But I have a new knee and could actually spend lots of time in the garden, so I haven't had any time besides work, gardening & other outdoor things ... so this winter when the snow flies, I'll definitely have time to try felting my llama.

That backpack was FUN and easy. I just made a different style, but had to sew much of this one by hand, as for some reason, my glue gun hot glue, would not stick to this piece of faux leather, which is exactly like the red above, but just a different color. I haven't sewn the strap on yet, because I want to size them correctly for the wearer... which in my mind at the moment, might be a schoolboy mouse, wearing a sweatshirt, and carrying books - maybe 'leather' bound books, as I have more colors. :-)

Your creativity and detailed work never fails to amaze me. Each piece is a work of art.

Could I please have them all??!! They and you are amazing.....I especially love the expressions you give them. The new scarecrow is just adorable! Thank you for sharing.....

Well clicking on this link sure made my day! I got enthralled by felting last summer but all I have managed to do is find some patterns for some felt bird ornaments. Nothing like your 3D or portrait work! However, I was particularly entranced by the pumpkin house! I have this dream of someday being able to purse my life long love of fairy gardening and make some garden vignettes for the yard. I could imagine making a ceramic pumpkin and decorating it in a similar fashion . . . Oh, and the whole process of fashioning the "K.K." mouse was a real hoot! Your art is so near and dear to my heart, my late mother did a lot of felt crafts with me when I was a kid, and I always wished to take it to another level. However, I am not very artistic nor do I have a lot of dexterity.

You sweet ladies are going to make my smile lines even worse. Since I work here with 3 dogs, and typically no one sees my creations, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your comments. I started what I have decided will be a standing bunny, wearing a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers, plus a sweatshirt once I plot out how to make it, to wear the tan backpack above. I got the body done yesterday, worked on the head for 3 hours this AM, before I was satisfied, and now will do the sweatshirt. I don't know if I have shown you how the dogs 'help', but Riley customized this mouse ornament -

BEFORE (and re-done like this after the pic below this one)

He apparently liked it better THIS way -

Pamghatten, if you should see this, I'd love to see your llama kit! I'm going to make one on my own, and hopefully it will be recognized as a llama!

Oh, no! LOL Oh, well, so is living with pets!

Just love your animals, true art. Such personality!

Here you go My3dogs, sitting Llama, supposedly an easy project for a beginner.

Hmm .. didn't load the second picture ...

That is adorable - Where did you get it? I'm working on a llama now - my first! I printed out a pic of 'real' llama to try to get the head and ears the right shape, and trying to decide whether to do fiber feet or clay feet. I have a close-up of a llama foot, and they are very 'different'.

" Llamas do not have hooves like horses, cattle, sheep or goats. Their feet have unique structure which enables them to be very sure-footed and cause minimal damage to the environment. Each foot is made up of two toes (the third and fourth digits) which have a toenail and pad. The toenails extend off the front of each toe and curve to point towards the ground. The toenails will need to be trimmed occasionally if the llama does not wear them down naturally."

WOW! My3Dogs, I'm in love with your work! Thank you so much for sharing with us. You really are amazing.

I had no idea llamas had feet like the Wicked Witch of the West! I'm always looking at their cute faces. LOL

You've convinced me to do wool fiber feet, Allison; they are kind of scary looking, aren't they? Just like the face on my 'sullen schoolboy bunny', which is going to get reworked after I finish my current projects!

But I wanted to make something to use my second backpack. I make jeans from an old pair that friend gave me, which were too far gone to repair, and I snagged the Carharrt brass button closure, and the leather Carharrt tag to add to the back. The 'fly' on his jeans is a piece of the side seam cut to size,and the t-shirt and sweatshirt are made from ribbing.

The book he's holding is The Intelligent Gardener, and his carrot is needle felted.

Amazing work! You should have a gardenweb crafting retreat and teach us all! Although it would take some time to become as proficient as you and well, I'm just not that creative, sadly. I do appreciate them as an art. Would you ever consider taking commissioned work?

Sure, I'd love to see what you have in mind. I'm no expert, and did my first 3D piece in March of this year, but I love doing it.

Why are you going to redo his face? I think he's adorable!

I like how you "scuffed" the knee of one leg of his jeans. Perfect.

Oh my gosh, these are adorable!! You are so talented. They all make me smile. LOVE.

I always love to open your posts. Your felted creatures are just amazing-truly works of art!

Your talent is amazing! I would love to hear the story of how you got started felting.

My3dogs, I got the kit on Etsy. Can't wait to see your llama.

These are just amazing - the details are letter perfect - the Carhartt tag, the button, but the little red sneakers are too much. And the hoody and the tiny book - It's incredible, and you've only been this for 6 months! How on earth do you make those little fingers?

Hi, everyone! I'm poking away on my llama, and I'm making it a young one, with the curly coat that they have.

Schoolhouse, I didn't have to scuff that 'knee' area - the jeans were like that and I just chose that are of them to use. My young friend is a carpenter and is very tough on his clothes, which is fine with me, as I have a never ending supply!

Allison, I thought he might be more appealing with a happier face, but a few people have said that he looks like a typical teenager would at times. I have crafted for years, although needle felting is new to me, and I have supplies that I bought 20+ years ago in plastic drawer units in the cellar. It's so fun to go through them and find something to use. I LOVE making the clothes for whatever I'm making, and have a supply of fabrics that would last me 3 lifetimes!

maire_cate, I make the fingers/hands,and at times, feet, from Sculpey. It's a 'clay' that comes in many colors, which I sometimes blend to get the color I want, and then it gets baked for about 20 minutes.

I don't think I've posted these from earlier this year - my own design 'Mattress Mouse', as I had some striped fabric to make the mattress with, and then made her up as went along.

The slippers make me laugh, and you can see she's reading cat magazines and eating a cupcake in bed!

I made the mouse with the pumpkin back in August, as I wanted to try a pumpkin, but just couldn't do one and let it sit... The ripped jeans friend gave me the old bandana to cut up.

I know that I've mentioned it already, but I need to say it again, M3Ds, you are a wonderful, very talented, true artist! These felted creations here are fantastic! Have you considered creating a book for yourself with photos of them all in? The reason I ask, is that I've just recently created one myself for each of my now-adult kids with photos of the many Halloween decorations I've made over the years and photos of them with them. Because they both live in other states now, I thought it would be nice to be able to remember Halloweens past here where they grew up. I've made others in the past using either Shutterfly or Snapfish. Both are very user friendly, and have a fast turn-around time. They also send out discount and freebie offers from both pretty much every month. Anyhoo, I just think that your creations are so wonderful, that they should be saved in a book for posterity, for family, and just for you to enjoy.

Those slippers! :D

I think that's great, especially for a first time!!

Jojoco, WOW!!! I have been felting away and haven't been to the board for a few days, but that is AMAZING for a first try! I can't imagine what you'd do with some GOOD roving. Altho I do see that their Dimensions roving is wool. I know that some 'roving' that Hobby Lobby sells is actually 100% polyester, as a friend sent me a bag, and it was like trying to work with pot scrubbing pad.

Are you working with just a needle, or do you have one with a handle? To me, the wooden handle I use makes a HUGE difference. This the one I use, and shipping is free, although the description is copied from her multi-needle holder, so don't let it confuse you.

Single Needle felting tool wooden handle

Message me, will you PLEASE????? Think of the Christmas ornaments you could make! I'm not kidding when I say that your first effort IS just incredible. I started out with 2D (flat-ish) ornaments that I made with oval of wool felt with a few layers of batting, and used a blanket stitch to close them, and put a gold thread or 1/4" ribbon at the top for hanging. I used some clear glass beads to give a look of ice.

And, since you're a dog lover, too, I will tell you that I snuck some of my sweet Ginger's red hair into the chipmunk below, inside the red ovals!

I got some 5 x 7" frames at Michaels when they had a 50% off sale, and you can frame pieces, too.

You're so sweet. I love what you have done and I am definitely inspired to keep trying. But I have to say, you have an artist's eye. It is obvious in all that you do. Me, I'm more of a sculpy kind of girl. I think the details will do me in.

I'm still housebound (my dog's staples come out Thursday) so I keep tinkering. I decided to make it more realistic, so I added real dog fur. (Is that crossing a line? My dd reminded me that my felt dog will now shed.) It is more realistic, but weirdly frizzy. I think I got the undercoat in the brush, lol. I bought the three pointed needle and a couple of loose ones. I didn't like the multi one as I felt the needles weren't all straight, and it can make too much of a TB inoculation shot look. I've been using just the single one.

I added real dog hair to my chipmunk just above. I think it's wonderful, especially where you're creating one of your dogs in miniature! I TRULY am amazed at your first effort. From what you've done there, you could probably do some great little Christmas things.

If that is your first effort, you have just discovered a hidden talent that you could have a lot of fun with, and people really appreciate homemade gifts, from food to cute felted mini dogs!

I’m definitely enjoying it and will try another one soon. I need ideas!

For some reason, doing a whole body feels easier than a picture. The picture feels more like “art“. The whole body is more forgiving I think. This dog was supposed to be standing up, but the proportions on the legs were so off that I tucked them under him or her. The front legs are still too short, and there’s no dewclaw, but oh well. At one point, I thought I would make the ubiquitous “dog digging a hole” because the head was giving me so much trouble, but I persevered.

This really is my first attempt. I don’t think of myself as particularly crafty, although I used to knit sweaters and I do love me a gingerbread house project. I would make them every year with my kids, usually an attempt on a local house that we liked.

Do you use wire in your figures? The legs on the dog are wires.

Thank you everyone for indulging these conversations. My3dogs, I will send you a message.

jojoco, that's just adorable (and impressive!). Keep it up!!

Let's all cheer on jojoco!

Yes, I do make my figures over a wire frame; it lets you pose them in different positions, if they are conducive to that. My bird feet are also wire, with florist's tape over them, and then painted with acrylic paints.

Here's a laugh for you; I have my semi-annual dentist appt. earlier this month, and I saw an unusual framed photo as I sat in the chair. A professional photographer was having his teeth cleaned by the beautiful hygienist, and asked if he could take a pic of her teeth. He returned weeks later and gave her this pixelated portrait of her smile! It's huge and hung on the wall so her patients look right at it.

That gave me an idea, and I whipped up a little something for her and delivered it yesterday - 2nd pic below. The whole office loved it, and they are like family, as I have been going to this dentist since I was a teenager!

Jojo - that's amazing, especially for your first attempt.

And that smile has to bring another smile to all who see it.

What amazes me though is how you and My3dogs manage to make your soft sculptures in the right proportions. If I tried it I'm sure mine would be weirdly lumpy or have exaggerated legs and unrecognizable. As my kids would say you have a 'good eye.'

Maire

Wow - amazing - both of you!

LMAO! great.

I love your work and would be very interested in commissioning a dog portrait ornament for my husband. His soulmate Leonberger died this past June, and he has taken it very hard, so I know he would love receiving such a special memento. If you would be open to working on something like this, what would be the best way to contact you?

bf1324, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's dog. I adore mine, and they are with me all day here in my my craft room. Pets are a HUGE part of people's lives. I know that I will always have rescue dogs for as long as I am here on earth.

If you meant me, the originator of this post, you can message me through Houzz to start. Go to Your Houzz page, and you'll see Messages. Go there and send it to My3dogs. Once I get it, I'll respond and give you my home email address, and you can send me some good pics of his dog. Thank-you for this opportunity, and I will do my very best to capture his friend for him.

bft1324, just wanted to say that Leonbergers are one of the most beautiful breeds out there. People down the road from us have two, and I always slow down to see them. I really want them to sit perfectly still on either side of the home's entrance, but they have other ideas in mind evidently.

Jojoco, not only are they beautiful, they can be the sweetest and most gentle dogs; wonderful family members.

Jojo, your little dog is incredibly adorable! I just love him! I cannot fathom how you sculpt these little creatures, but I'm intrigued.

I just found this online, and while it's showing how to create a very basic cat, I still found it fascinating! I had NO idea that this is how this is done -- I thought there was a lot of sewing involved, but this seems to indicate that it's a matter of shaping and joining pieces by repeated jabs of a needle. Is this correct?

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTOEWLF0PMNkDBLnR1OkRrzk49yxQ%3A1572012616834&source=hp&ei=SAKzXb2UMMKwtQWbsqrQCQ&q=how+to+needle+felt+a+cat&oq=how+to+needle+felt+a+cat&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l3j0i22i30l7.824.7688..8058...2.0..2.401.4904.2j13j7j2j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i131j35i39j0i10j33i299.ka2Oihji0NM&ved=0ahUKEwi92Oysy7flAhVCWK0KHRuZCpoQ4dUDCAs&uact=5#kpvalbx=_UwKzXaeBN8PwsQWO45P4Dg18&spf=1572012627765

How would one get started with this craft? I mean, what all would I need to purchase to give it a proper go, and where do you find supplies? Apologies if this is mentioned upthread ... clearly, I've just jumped right in with a new found excitement and haven't read all of the responses above.

I'm having a hellacious time trying to reply to you. I've put in a post with photos, and it just won't post!

Check your messages and see if there is something there! I'll try one more time without the two pics I put in the post -

Yay, Ida!

You're right - it's stabbing wool into shapes with barbed needles. The needles come in various sizes; I use a 36 (fairly fine) for most of my 'stuff', but they come in many sizes.

I'd suggest that you watch a few videos. Here is a link to some - Needle felting for beginners

Because I have crafted for most of my life, I didn't watch any, and just dove right in. I did buy a book AFTER I started called Painting With Wool by Dani Ives, 16 projects to needle felt. I 'reserved' a copy before it was published, and paid $24.99. You can get it now on Amazon here for $11.15! Dani Ives book

The only thing I've made from the book are some of these 'Bunny Brooches' for friends. I like to do animals more than anything else, and there is also a Panda in a hoop in the book, shown below my bunny brooch.

A good way to start, if you are still interested after watching a few videos, would be to buy a kit. There are some on Etsy HERE I recommend a kit, as it will have the needles, the felting pad, and the wool colors that you'll need.

Well, without the pics, it posted! Let's see if the pics will now appear below - my bunny brooch and a panda that have instructions in the Dani Ives book.

My3dogs - I received your message, but unfortunately this nutty Houzz system is not allowing me to respond in a PM. Grrrrrr! Anyway -- Thank you SO very much for sharing info with me! I will absolutely watching some YouTube videos this weekend to learn more. I just did a search on Etsy for the kits, and there are so many adorable choices! The link you sent isn't showing up for me; do you happen to recall the name of the Etsy shop that you recommend? I wouldn't know which little critter to start with. My niece has a thing for llamas, so was thinking I might try my hand at making her one … but I like cats, and am very much drawn to the little characterful mice (but they look quite to be quite detailed).

Is the actual process of needle felting a relaxing one? How do you think it would affect slightly arthritic fingers (as I seem to be developing)? I love to knit, but only do basic things like scarves because I lack the patience to read a pattern as I go. However, I am really drawn to learning more about needle felting, as it's completely different than what I expected it to be. Your creations are the best I've ever seen though. How long have you been doing this? You have absolutely mastered the craft!

can I chime in (again)? First of all, My3dogs has been a gem sharing her knowledge. with us here. I was so inspired by the work she posted that I wanted to try it. I went to craft stores and bought a bag of neutral colored "roving" wool, some needles, a pad, and a few bags of assorted colors. I then grabbed a hunk of the off-white wool, rolled it into a log, and started poking it repeatedly, turning it as I went to form a rough dog body shape. I added the rest of the body parts from there.

I find it to be fairly relaxing as you are focused, but not tensely so, if that makes sense. It is time consuming, but in a good way. And it is also forgiving. If something isn't going according to your ideal vision, you can just pull it off (or take scissors to it depending on how tightly felted it is.) The dog I did had a head transplant. And at one frustrating I-can't-make-a-head point I thought I would make a "digging dog" so that I wouldn't have to make the darned head. Oh, and it was supposed to be standing, but the legs were weirdly proportioned so I made it lying down instead.

Go for it. It is a fun way to while away the hours.

Grrr, this site is maddening today! Hi, 'Ida'! I couldn't recommend a shop on Etsy - but this llama IS awfully cute and would be easy, since it has no legs! DO get the one with the needles and 'cushion' as she calls it.

Llama Felting Kit - Needle Felting Kit - DIY Kit - Craft Kit - Felting Supplies - DIY Craft Kit - Starter Kit - Needle Felted – Beginner

Luckily, even though I'm certain that I'm older than you, I have no arthritis. My right arm did bother me briefly, but it was months after I started (in January of this year) and just lasted a few days, so it may have been from yard work.

Wow - I just noticed this kit for kittens (You can buy a kit for 1 or all 4) and it's VERY inexpensive, comes with all you need (can't speak to the quality) and it comes from China.

Cat Needle Felting Kit with Brooch Decoration with Enough Materials to Finish Detailed Instruction for Beginner $8.99+

Jojo, you make me laugh! I am just finishing a Santa Mouse, and at one point Wednesday PM, I cut the lower half of its face right off, and immediately felt MUCH better when I shortened it up.

Ida, check your messages again....