Makiko Arai - Happy Wool Felt Animals: Needle Felt 30 Furry & Feathered Friends

First published in the United States in 2020 by Stash Books, an imprint of C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549 YOMO FERUTO NO HOHOEMU DO BUTSU-TACHI Copyright 2014 Makiko Arai/Magazineland. Original Japanese edition published by Magazineland, Tokyo, Japan English language rights, translation & production by World Book Media, LLC Email: Photography: Kohsuke Ugajin and Makiko Arai INTRODUCTION The first thing I ever needle felted was a small sheep. I have to admit, that first sheep had a strange shape, but I enjoyed working with wool so much that I havent been able to stop making needle felt animals ever since. To me, needle felting with wool is more similar to sculpting with clay than it is to doll-making because you can create any shape you want without following a paper pattern. This is both the most difficult and most rewarding part of working with wool.

If youre new to needle felting, I hope that youre inspired to make your favorite animals without worrying if they look like the examples in this book. Watching these cute creatures come to life out of a fluffy pile of wool will warm your heart! Ive included designs for some of my favorite animals, as well as needle felting basics and some more advanced tips and tricks. It would make me so happy if you find these methods helpful in creating your own needle felted animal friends. MAKIKO ARAI BROOCH BUDDIES As small as a flower or a nut, these miniscule brooches feature friends from the forest and the field. Anyone can make these, even if youve never needle felted beforejust stick wool roving to a piece of felt. Now, which one of you wants to go out into the world with me today? A TRIO OF CHATTY BIRDS Spring has finally arrived!
Look, I brought you a cherry blossom.
Im so happy that its warm now!
These colorful birds are chirping away.

Do you ever stop and wonder what they say? A FRIENDLY RABBIT A little rabbit stands in a field with his ears aloft and his back straight. He almost looks as if hes about to wave. I wonder if he is seeing me off. RABBIT A SHY SQUIRREL This sweet squirrel found a pretty purple violet. Maybe hes thinking of giving it to someone special. SQUIRREL MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF HIS OWN DRUM A DONKEY While out walking, this donkey discovered some leaves with an interesting smell.

Hes been eyeing them for a while and wondering if theyre edible. DONKEY A HUNGRY HEDGEHOG A happy hedgehog smells the sweet scent of a delicious-looking raspberry. Is it ripe yet? HEDGEHOG WITH ROSY CHEEKS A COCKATIEL This cockatiel has round red cheeks that look like little cherries. His hairstyle is pretty cool too, isnt it? COCKATIEL A PLAYFUL STRIPED KITTEN This adorable kitten may look sweet and docile, but watch outhes getting ready to pounce on that tempting ball of yarn! KITTEN DOGGY FRIENDS Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter how different they look, they can become friends very quickly. SHEEP BROTHERS Running in the field, play fightingthese sheep brothers are always getting into trouble together. SHEEP BROTHERS Running in the field, play fightingthese sheep brothers are always getting into trouble together.

Now be good until your mom comes back! SHEEP IN THE SUMMER A FAMILY OF DEER This sweet little fawn is learning how to be a deer from her mama. She feels strong and brave when her mom is around, but still gets a bit lonely when shes left home alone. DEER