This process takes many hours.
I shape an armature with coated wire and wrap with sheep's wool.
This becomes my bone, muscle and sinew.
The fur is created with the needles and the wool.
After poking the wool about a gazillion times with the barbed needles, the form of the feet and legs develops.
I add more fur, stitching Mohair into the wool with needle and thread.
He is not ready to hop away, just yet....
Tomorrow I can attach his strong legs to hold up the rather stout and hefty body.
Hey, thanks for following along!
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ReplyDeleteSorry about the delete. I think my brain was on vacation.
ReplyDeleteOh what a handsome fellow he is! Now that is a boat load of work, Jeri.
This is really enjoyable watching your progress.. Thanks so much for sharing.
Question. Do you keep track of your hours on each piece? I always intend to do so, but sometime I forget to jot it down.
I love him!
Penny, In the past, I never kept track of the time spent because I usually work on more than one at a time, you know, make 5 heads at a time, then make several sets of armature, etc, etc. With this guy, I'm counting the hours as he is the only one in progress this week. I'm really liking him too... ooooooh, what if I don't want to part with him??!!!!
DeleteI can't even imagine the hours spent on him thus far.. Yes, it would be difficult to calculate the hours when working on so many.
DeleteWell, I can see how you would not want to part with him. So when finished, look him in the eyes and I think you will know.
He is quite handsome with lots of personality Wow!
ReplyDeleteIts interesting seeing the many details that go into making one creature.
May, He is standing on the table in front of me right now. The photos don't capture his total HANDSOMENESS and charm!
DeleteHe is expectantly waiting for you to finish him up so that he can do the 'hoppy' dance. I love the look on his face.
ReplyDeleteHappy Creating ~ Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady
Rainy, He will be dancing today... he has 3 female rabbits waiting in line for the honor of tapping a toe with him.
DeleteOh how nice of you to share your process and the details. I would never have thought of using electrical wire (is that what it is?) for an armature-but what a great idea!!!! He surely is a sweet bun!
ReplyDeleteDebra, I've tried all sorts of wires for armature, even thick copper wire...that was a pain. The coated wire is great because it doesn't break the needle tips when I felt the wool on top of it.
DeleteThis is just fascinating. I always knew that making something like this was complicated but never knew just how complicated. How did you learn to do it? Thanks for showing us the whole process.
ReplyDeleteVic, Believe it or not, I developed my own methods for making these. I'd seen wire being used as armature in needle-felting for the limbs, most doll-makers do that, but my way of making the bodies is quite different from most. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention and I learn new methods each time I make a character.
Deletehe is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHe would fit right into your wonderful fall decor, in fact, he is standing in front of a huge pumpkin right now!
DeleteJeri, I continue to follow this fascinating series of views with great interest. This bunny is going to be splendid. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along..he's a wonderful bunny...or will be
ReplyDeletesuch a talent i have never seen
ReplyDelete