CurlyJoCreation
Dive into the intricate world of Jo Hobbs, a self-taught needle felter from Hemel Hempstead, UK, creating lifelike sculptures of animals and pets with meticulous attention to detail and passion.
Edition 4 Feature
Words by: Jo Hobbs
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK
Photo Credit: ©Eamonn O’Reilly
I’m a self-taught needle felter, sculpting creatures great and small using a wired armature, pure wool and silk. I hand-craft each component. Each eye is painted using watercolours, which are then placed behind glass cabochons. I use wool and wax to create the tiniest paws, claws, noses and tongues.
All of this is achieved in my small dining room at home. When I first began, I had very basic resources: core wool, a couple of needles and some topcoat merino wool. I am now bursting at the seams with every type and colour of wool and a wide range of felting and other crafting tools. Although my workspace is limited in size, I still thoroughly enjoy sitting peacefully looking out to my garden while needle felting. My craft is my business, but it is also my way of relaxing and winding down from my day job managing a children’s day nursery.
