THE STORY OF WOOLYBELLS

Handmade with Love

My journey into fibre art began a few years ago when I was teaching in an elementary Waldorf school, a setting where art is a priority, and to my surprise, where needle felting is often taught to young students. My first experiment came through the inspiration of a simple sunset. I instantly became lost in carefully placing the fibers, and delighted in the unique feeling of shaping the wool with a single tiny needle. It was strangely gratifying to feel the fibers transform into fuzzy version of the sky, a unique interpretation that before could only exist in dreams... Eventually, I began playing with creating 3D animal sculptures, and over time, tried out beautiful silks, camel top, wax, and more. I love discovering the way different kinds of fibers "react" to the needle, and the way they mesh and layer together. Sculpting makes me feel in some way connected to my Papaw. I only knew him for 11 short years, but his handcrafted art has lived in my home for far longer, as my most treasured possessions. He was an entrepreneur, a gardener, a quiet family man, and a talented wood carver. I believe that is why I derive joy from crafting these little creations...

I feel that his spirit lives on.