Nicole French The Artful Felter – Needle Felting Journey

1️⃣ How did you first discover needle felting, and what was the first thing you made?

I first heard about needle felting on an artists’ group page. As soon as I saw it, I was fascinated by the idea that wool could be sculpted. I just felt it was something I could do.

I desperately wanted a sculpture of my border collie, so I decided to try to make her. I found a fantastic kit with everything I needed as a complete beginner and tried my hand at this new art.

2️⃣ What kind of projects or subjects do you most enjoy creating now?

I love making realistic 3D wildlife and I am now moving into creating dogs, especially collies.

I have also explored 2D work and really enjoy that as well.

3️⃣ What materials or tools are you loving at the moment?

I use Heidi Feathers needles. It is important to have very good needles and a variety for different stages and uses during a project.

Equally important, perhaps even more so, is top quality wool. I use Corriedale, Merino, and the beautiful variety of wools available from The Felt Box, which I discovered on Amazon when I first began buying my own supplies.

4️⃣ What inspires your work or keeps you motivated to felt?

Nature and wildlife are my greatest inspirations. I love seeing wildlife when travelling in my motorhome, and I especially adore dogs — border collies in particular, with dachshunds a close second.

The colours found in landscapes, sunsets and seascapes often inspire my 2D pieces. It amazes me how wool can be blended almost like paint to achieve endless shades. The texture of wool lends itself beautifully to rugged, wild scenery.

While walking, I often collect natural driftwood from loch shores and observe any wildlife I encounter. Those small moments frequently spark new ideas.

5️⃣ What advice would you give to someone just starting out in needle felting?

Use all the wonderful resources available. YouTube has many generous needle felting artists who freely share their knowledge. Felts by Phillipa, Sarafina, and Faelanda Fiber Art are just a few I enjoy watching.

Join felting groups on Facebook. There is so much support available, especially for questions and sharing your first creations.

Try not to start with a very cheap kit. Many inexpensive kits include poor quality needles and unsuitable wool, which can discourage beginners. Instead, choose a subject you truly want to make and buy from a reputable independent felting company. It may cost a little more, but it sets you up for success and provides tools you can build on.

6️⃣ What have you learned or improved on recently that has made a real difference?

I have learned that different needles truly do make a significant difference depending on the task. Understanding which needle works best for each stage has transformed my process.

I also make sure to study reference photographs frequently rather than guessing. It makes a noticeable improvement to the finished piece.

7️⃣ Where can people see more of your work or connect with you?

You can see more of my work here: