Needles, Wool, Mistakes, Advice and the One Tip - Anna Leonard from Fabulous Felts by Anna Leonard

 

1. How did you discover needle felting, what inspired you to have a go and what was the first thing you made? 

I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and animals which have been a big source of inspiration for me. I first tried needle felting 10 years ago when I went to fiber fest. I really enjoyed it and so decided to collect materials to give this wonderful craft a good try. I made a mouse. After that I was addicted.

2. Do you have a favourite needle felting artists whose work you follow? 

I have always admired Megan Nedds as an Artist and Cindy Lou Thompson.

3. Which projects do you find the trickiest and what has been the hardest thing to learn?

When working on dog's paws on a 3d sculpture. I often find the definition on each pad a little tricky.

4. What are your favourite needles to use?

I like to work with most needles. I use Heidifethers at the moment as they are colour coded which is really handy and quicker to find a specific needle.

5. What is your favourite type of wool to work with?

I have always preferred batting to work with on my projects. Quicker to felt and define. Merino for wet felting.

6. What is the worst piece of  advice you keep hearing for needle felters?

Not wearing finger guards when you're a beginner and being too heavy handed with needles. Take your time and practise makes perfect.

7. What common mistakes do people make when they start out?

Felting the wool too firmly so there's no room to add, blend and adjust shape if needed. 

Being too heavy handed with the needle.

8. What is the one thing a beginner could learn today that would  make a difference to their work?

Take your time with your project. Read up and research a little. It's not a race but a steady process of improvement.

About the artist:

You can find Anna Leonard’s work on Instagram @aleonard338 (Fabulous Felts by Anna Leonard), and on Facebook (Fabulous Felts by Ann Leonard)