21
May
13

Needle Felted Beauty and the Beast

Run Red Run Needle Felted Beauty and the Beast Belle

For weeks and weeks I’ve been working on a secret project. Normally, my work isn’t classified top-secret, but this time it was a secret commission for a friend.  Here’s the story…  My friend Lisa and her husband Dave — both of whom I’ve known since they first met in high school — are celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary this month.

Dave approached me about constructing a one-of-a kind gift for Lisa. He told me Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a favorite of Lisa’s, and that he wanted to recreate the characters as seen in the ball room dance scene with Belle in her yellow ball gown and Beast dressed in tails (I’m sure that’s a pun).  PLUS, Dave wanted it to be a surprise.

It’s been hard keeping the project a secret, but the gift has been given and now I can share it with you!

For this specific project I used wool from different sources than I usually do and ended up really liking the Merino Wool Top from Marr Haven Wool Farm (marrhaven.com).  Barbara ships out the orders super fast and has a great product! Thanks Barbara!

I also sculpted each figure around a wire armature, Beast’s goes right through to his tail to help him stand.

Happy Anniversary Lisa & Dave! You’re great friends and I’m honored that you allowed me to be some small part of your celebration!

See more photos in the gallery!
12
May
13

Needle Felting Hits the Big Time: Web Comics!

murdercake_wolverine When I tell people what I do, I often get confused looks and I have to explain what needle felting is.  Lately, though, it seems more and more people are becoming aware of needle-felting and that makes me happy.  Recently, a friend of mine came across a comic on the web that actually mentioned needle felting.  I enjoyed it so much (actually laughed out loud!) that I thought sharing it was a good idea.  Of course, this is the only episode of murdercake (by Steven Lewis) that involves needle felting. But finding even one is practically a miracle. Feel free to check out the rest of murdercake (murdercake.com) for Lewis’ off-kilter gags and dark humor.  He also has a fun, family-friendly comic about monsters called creepy crowley at http://creepycrowley.com.  Take a look! There’s some funny stuff on both sites!

16
Feb
13

Needle Felted Princess Leia

Run Red Run Princess Leia Boy, I’ve been gone a long time. After taking a break for the holidays, it’s been hard getting myself back on track.

I’m kicking off 2013 with a tribute to Star Wars. Standing around 5½ inches tall, the force is strong in this little woolen Leia. The design of this piece is simple, but I think it captures the character… especially her hair. Who doesn’t recognize that double bun coiffure?

 

25
Dec
12

Merry Christmas!

13
Nov
12

Tuesday Tip: Armatures

Run Red Run Needle Felt ArmatureSometimes, a felted design might have extensions or extremities that stand out from the body of a piece — arms and legs, for instance. It is possible to construct them totally from wool, but to make them rigid, positionable, or weight bearing, an armature solves the problem.

I’ve had some projects where I’ve had to use an armature to make it work.  My Daredevil horse never would have been able to stand on those spindly legs without one. An armature is a simple frame of twisted wire that acts as a skeleton for a sculpture. A trip to the local hardware store will get you all the supplies needed to build one: a pair of needle nosed pliers and wire in a gauge appropriate to your project. Pipe cleaners or chenille stems can be used instead of wire, but I find them to be a little too light duty for my needs; they support less weight and tend to break easily.  I usually felt some core wool around the wire, being careful not to stab too hard so I don’t break the felting needle.

Not every project is going to need an armature, but incorporating a skeleton into your work can sometimes be the answer to realizing your design goals.

13
Oct
12

Day of the Dead Needle Felt

Run Red Run Day of the Dead Dia de los Muertos Needle Felt Needle FeltedI have a special fondness for Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos holiday.  Maybe it’s because it’s so close to Halloween (my favorite holiday), maybe it’s because skeletons are creepy. I like creepy.

To honor the festival in my own way, I’ve sculpted a calavera… technically, she’s a my interpretation of the Catrina figures that are popular in Mexican culture.

To add a layer of spookiness I went to a local graveyard to snap some of these photos.  I think that they turned out nicely.  You can see more of them in the gallery!

If you like the figure, I hope to have her up for purchase soon at my Etsy shop, RunRedRunShop.

10
Oct
12

RunRedRunShop at Etsy!

Run Red Run Wolfman werewolf etsy HalloweenWell, it’s been a long time coming, but I finally have my Etsy shop, RunRedRunShop, up and running! Woo Hoo!

I only have a few pieces up right now.  I’ll be adding more felties over the coming days and weeks. In addition to pre-designed pieces, I’m also going to be taking custom orders through the shop.  So, if you have an idea for a feltie that you’d like to bring to life for yourself or as a gift, I’d love to help you see it through!

Contact me through my shop or email me directly at runredrun@ymail.com to discuss design, pricing, and time frames for the production of custom work. I look forward to working with you!




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