This Fiber Friday featured’ dog is another one from “the vaults,” and was my first Australian Shepherd. I must admit, i was nervous when i accepted this commission. Bella’s markings are just so intricate! Her “mom” requested her laying in this demure pose which was fun to sculpt and i think the results were great.
*Note: Bella is a great example of one of my ‘earlier’ Friends: smaller, slightly less detailed and maybe less firmly felted. My current Friends tend to be running slightly larger (5 inches long vs 4, though i’m trying to keep them tiny they seem to sculpt themselves at times!) and are very firmly felted and more sturdy. We all improve over time, right?
Fiber Friends make awesome gifts, especially for the ‘hard to shop for’ person. Fiber Friends are great for a college student heading away from their childhood pet for the first time, service-folk overseas missing their state-bound buddy or as a soothing reminder to someone whose lost their best pal to the rainbow bridge. Bella was a Valentine’s day gift as i recall (or maybe a birthday?) In any case, her dad seems pleased as punch with his little Bella Friend.
Fiber Friends on the road: If you’ll be in the Sisters, OR area this weekend come on out to the Around the Block Fiber Arts Stroll! Tons of vendors (quilters, felters, spinners, you name it) will be available with wares to sell and skills to demonstrate. I’ll be at Sundance Shoes with Pocket and we’d love to meet you in person and show you some felting basics! Noon-4 this Sunday (July 7th, 2013).
Bella is beautiful!