Hopalong Hollow....

Hopalong Hollow, where the Blueberries grow sweet, and the moss feels soft beneath your feet.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Endeavoring to create a cat's face..

 I have struggled with making cat's faces for over a year in my fiber work.
Cats have a flat face, essentially, with a subtle profile. I find sculpting them much trickier than making a creature with a definite muzzle and nose, like a rabbit or a mouse.
So, in my determination to build a better cat, I started to practice on four faces. 
I really did start with a pretty flat surface. Upon that surface I built up the facial structure, bit by bit.

Fur was added to the face, small tufts at a time.
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Kitty #1
 
   Kitty # 2

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Kitty #3









Kitty #4

The Calico in the front


 The Salt and Pepper Kitty looks like a fly has landed on his nose! He is very surprised about it.

Everyone is wide-eyed, except the Tabby... but I find this a frequent expression on all the cats I've known and loved.


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 I'm pretty pleased with the way they turned out.
 I do have my favorites. Isn't that always the way it is with cats?

27 comments:

  1. They look cute, and so real. Great job you did on them.

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  2. By jove, I think you've got it! They most definitely look like cats! If you put a mustache on the black and white wide-eyed, startled cat, you'd have Jack--Susan Branch's cat.

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    1. Well, the black and white is actually a copy of my old kitty Peepers... she passed on last year. But they do look real, don't they?!

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  3. Oh my gosh, I love them all! Great work as always dear Jeri ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I followed the method use by a fantastic Japanese felting artist and it worked!

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  5. You are an honest to goodness (I almost typed goodnest!!) artist in the finest sense of the word. I really love how kitty #2 has those little cat hairs on his ears-so lifelike. I know he's my favorite-I love that expression! Wonderful!!!

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    1. He's pretty cute! I like him a lot with those wide open eyes.

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  6. Darling kitty cats, Jeri. I'm looking forward to seeing them all full bodied. ♥

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    1. I didn't have time to finish them before my last shows.... oh well, Now they can live with me for a much longer time.

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  7. Those are pretty catty looking cat heads alright! I think you've got their little flat faces down pat. You should fashion a fly or wasp and sit it on the salt and pepper cat's nose that would be perfect!

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    1. That's exactly what I'm going to do...maybe a small butterfly.

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  8. Jeri.... As usual...they are absolutely wonderful. Some how you always manage to capture the essence of the animal...bringing it to life! I so enjoy your creations!!

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    1. Bev, It's because I know animals so well having loved them all my life.... like you do!

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  9. By George, I think you have done it! Jeri, these cats are amazing.. It would be difficult to pick a favorite, they are all so sweet, but the salt and pepper makes me giggle. Beautiful work....
    I can't wait to see the finished cats!


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    1. Penny, I like the Tabby best....but it is difficult to choose. I put the heads in a basket on my table at the last show and people wanted to buy them without the bodies! But I said no way! I couldn't send them out into the world without their bods.....

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    2. Now that is funny! You have to know you are really good when someone wants the head with no body. I am with you. Cannot send them out into the world without their body!
      Thank you so much for your kind words about my relief.. I just finished this evening, and hope to post tomorrow.. This really was a journey.
      Blessings dear friend
      Penny

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  10. Oh Jerri these are just purr...fect kitty faces. Love them all. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hugs!

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  11. Thank you Jeri, for your beautiful comment on my Angel. Oh to have them in a medieval cathedral... How wonderful that would be. You asked how I see her. I felt she looked pensive. She was on my table for quite some time.
    I hope you are enjoying the holiday season. I am sure you have been very busy at shows, yes?

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    1. Shows are over! Nothing to do tell February so I'm finishing up 2 books. Only have to do the book cover on Pippity and a few paintings for the garden book. I love it!

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