portrait

1. Product Introduction: What is a  Felted portrait?

Felted portrait is a three-dimensional artwork created entirely by hand using special barbed needles to sculpt and shape wool fibers. Unlike flat felt paintings, these are fully realized 3D forms that can be viewed and admired from every angle.

Through thousands of precise needle jabs, loose wool roving is transformed into solid, detailed shapes. This delicate process allows for the creation of everything from lifelike animal figures and whimsical characters to miniature replicas of beloved pets.

**Our Promise:**
*   **Fully Three-Dimensional:** Each piece is a complete 360-degree sculpture with detail on all sides.
*   **Incredible Detail:** Meticulous handwork captures subtle expressions, fur textures, and delicate features.
*   **Durable & Stable:** Firmly felted sculptures are robust and can last for generations with proper care.
*   **Unique Art Piece:** Every sculpture is a one-of-a-kind work of art, impossible to mass-produce.

#### **2. Production Time: The Art of Patience**

Sculpting with wool is a slow and meditative process. The complexity and size of each piece directly influence the time required.

*   **Small Figures (5-10 cm height):** Approximately **2 - 3 weeks**.
*   **Medium Figures (10-20 cm height, standard pets):** Approximately **3 - 5 weeks**.
*   **Large & Complex Figures (20+ cm, multiple characters, high detail):** Approximately **6 - 8 weeks or more**.

**Please Note:**
*   Timeframe begins after final design and photo approval.
*   Rush orders may be available for an additional fee, subject to artist availability.
*   We dedicate this time to ensuring every detail is perfect, creating a heirloom-quality piece for you.

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#### **3. Materials Used: Foundation of Quality**

We use only the finest materials to ensure the structural integrity and beauty of your sculpture.

1.  **Core Wool:** Undyed, coarse wool roving is used to build the sturdy internal armature and core shape. This provides a strong, lightweight base.
2.  **Top Layer Wool:** High-quality, imported Merino wool roving. Known for its softness and wide range of vibrant, colorfast dyes, it creates the smooth surface and detailed exterior.
3.  **Support Materials:**
    *   **Armature Wire (for complex poses):** A hidden internal wire skeleton for sculptures requiring specific positioning (e.g., a standing animal with one paw raised).
    *   **Glass or Plastic Eyes:** High-quality safety eyes add life and realism to animal figures.
4.  **Tools:** Professional-grade felting needles in various shapes and gauges for sculpting, shaping, and detailing.

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#### **4. The Craft: Sculpting with Fiber**

Our process is a blend of sculpture and fiber art:

1.  **Design & Planning:** We analyze your photos from multiple angles to understand the subject's form, proportions, and personality.
2.  **Building the Armature (if needed):** For posed figures, we create a custom wire skeleton to define the pose and provide support.
3.  **Creating the Core:** We tightly roll and needle coarse core wool around the armature to build the basic form and bulk of the sculpture. This core is felted until very firm.
4.  **Sculpting & Shaping:** Using finer needles, we add and felt layers of top-quality Merino wool to refine the shape, define muscles, and create contours.
5.  **Adding Details:** This is the most time-consuming phase. We add tiny amounts of wool to create features like noses, lips, toes, and expressive faces. Fur texture is achieved by needling wool in the direction of natural hair growth.
6.  **Finishing Touches:** Attaching eyes, smoothing surfaces, and ensuring the sculpture is perfectly balanced and stable.
7.  **Quality Check & Packaging:** A final inspection is performed. The sculpture is then carefully packaged with plenty of cushioning to ensure safe arrival.

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#### **5. Customization Process: Your Vision, Our Hands**

**Step 1: Initial Consultation**
*   Contact us to discuss your idea. Share the subject (e.g., dog, cat, original character) and your vision for its pose and expression.

**Step 2: Provide Visual References**
*   **Crucial:** Send **multiple high-quality photos** from different angles (front, side, back). Close-ups of the face and any unique markings are essential.

**Step 3: Quote & Agreement**
*   We will provide a price quote based on the projected size and complexity. A 50% deposit secures your commission and places you in our queue.

**Step 4: Work-in-Progress Updates**
*   We may share 1-2 progress photos at key stages (e.g., core shape completed, details started) for your feedback.

**Step 5: Completion & Delivery**
*   We send final photos and a video of the completed sculpture for your approval. Upon satisfaction, the remaining balance is paid. We then ship your artwork immediately with tracking.