Needle felting fun, since 2007

2025-05-11

Beginner Needle Felting: Easy ABC Tutorial Series

This series of beginner needle felting tutorials guides newcomers through essential techniques and materials needed to create wool art. Led by experienced instructor Kay Petal, the workshops cover simple projects like mushrooms and pixies, ensuring learners gain confidence and sk

2024-11-01

Presidents

I have needle felted Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Best regardsInger KristensenDenmark

2024-10-19

Wizard & witch

This is two of the witches and wizards I have made since I started felting. I have also enjoyed watching your videos. Especially the green witch! I am living in Denmark.

2024-05-21

A Message to Felt Alive Needle Felting Students

Welcome New Needle Felting Friends! I’m so happy you found your way to my woolly world of Felt Alive and are ready to dive into my tutorials. Scroll Down for Links to Materials & Supplies I found true creative joy when I first stabbed into the wool back in 2007. It’s led me on… C

2024-03-06

Needle Felting Explained: Wool Storage

You’ve shopped all over, gathering fiber from here and there and now you need to figure out how to store it. Storing it so it is readily available for those creative moments is really important. Not to mention, an organized stash will inspire you. A tangled mess, not so much. Woo

2024-03-04

Needle Felting Explained: Caring for Your Felties

I’ve been creating and collecting needle felted creations for nearly 20 years. I’d say I have a pretty extensive collection and I’ll give you my best advice for caring for your felties.

2024-02-11

Needle felted dog portraits

My favorite thing to felt are dog portraits The first on is the Chihuahua of a friend of mine.I felted him for her and waited that she would regonize her own dog and she did.😀 The second one is also fir a friend of mine’s daughter, it was her birthday present ,from her new puppy…

2024-02-10

Needle Felting Explained: Why Do My Felting Needles Break?

Are you tired of hearing the dreaded snap when your felting needles break? Helpful tips to help keep your needles in tip-top shape.

2024-01-29

Felt Alive Needle Felting FUN Blog

2020-04-29

Boris

Boris returns to No 10 Downing Street

2020-03-01

My life before and after Kay Petal!

Hello everyone, Some time ago I bought a book revealing the mysteries of felting. I decided to start ‘easy’ and make a simple cat. 🙂 After struggling with needles breaking one after the other, poking for hours – I might be exaggerating 🙂 – without fibers even having the slightest

2020-02-10

Needle Felting Explained: Roving or Batting?

Shopping for wool for needle felting can be tough. Whether it’s roving or batting, understanding the differences can make it easier.

2020-02-01

Needle Felting Explained: Felting Needles

Felting needles are essential for creating 3D sculptures and textiles through needle felting. While they may seem confusing at first, understanding the sizes, blade types, and personal preferences will help you find the right needle for your projects.

2019-12-20

Baby Yoda

My kids are obsessed with Baby Yoda, so I made one now all my friends and family want one!

2019-12-10

Needle Felted Elf

This is only my 2nd needle felted project and I couldn’t have done it without watching your amazing videos. I’m enjoying them so much! My elf has so much character thanks to your instruction. Thank you for sharing your talent so freely.

2019-01-18

First little felted friend

Thank you so much for providing such a user friendly experience. From buying the needle variety pack and wool bundles to your amazing tutorials, making my first project was all I hoped for and more. This site is truly a treasure.

2019-01-18

Popeye the Sailor

I made this Popeye for a friend of mine who is a sailor, he was very happy with it> I tried to remake another but that didn’t work at al. One of a kind.

2018-09-11

Felting Classes in Southern Oregon

Here are some recent felting projects from my weekly felting classes. We have been wet felting and needle felting, both magical and fun. Needle felting ornaments over wool balls (I had made ahead of time in the washing machine) was a blast! Everyone made several original and fun

2018-08-13

Wet Felted Wool Painting Class

The wet felted wool painting class was so much fun! It was a creative afternoon filled with laughter as we explored techniques for layout, design and finishing – all of our results were a fun surprise! See the current schedule for felting classes in my home studio in southern Ore

2018-07-30

Nuno Felting Class – Seamless Handbag

Yesterday I taught a FUN Nuno Felting class! It is wonderful to watch each of my students discover a new outlet for their creativity as I introduce them to the endless possibilities of felt making in weekly felting classes here in my home studio. From traditional flat felt-making

2018-07-26

Learning to Fly

Needle Felting has been such an amazing creative journey for me. This video was made back in 2008 – only a year or so into my needle felting journey while I was still learning how to needle felt. Yet even today, I’m still discovering the magic of needle felting and it still makes

2018-07-19

Felting Class – Needle Felted Goddess Sculptures

Learning to needle felt vibrant Goddess sculptures using colorful wool and art yarn in this fun workshop in southern Oregon.

2018-04-22

This is Spinal Tap – Felt Alive Needle Felted Dolls

England’s Loudest Band I’m so happy to introduce the members of Spinal Tap – Felt Alive needle felted dolls based on characters from the cult classic movie, This is Spinal Tap, a hysterical mockumentary about England’s loudest fictional band. Meet (l-r) Harry Shearer as Derek Sma

2018-04-16

Needle Felting Explained: Video – How to needle felt full lips.

I’ve been asked how to turn a basic needle felted mouth (like I teach in the dolls workshop – smiling with no upper lip color) into a mouth with full upper and lower lips. We made a little video with some tips and advice. You can also learn how in my new Fairies workshop. It’s… C

2018-04-15

Needle Felting Explained: How much wool do I need for needle felting????

How much wool do I need for needle felting? It’s a question I get asked often. Wool is typically sold by the ounce – and since I primarily use wool batting (rather than roving) I’ll talk about that. An ounce of lofty wool batting will fill a 2 cup measuring container. Depending o

2018-04-15

Needle Felting Tip – Bag the Head!

This needle felting tip is a trick I’ve developed over the years to protect the head/face of my needle felted dolls while I’m finishing up their bodies. I always completely sculpt the heads of my dolls off the body and don’t attach it until the body is nearly complete. After hour

2018-03-07

Li’l Dr. John

Needle Felted New Orleans Blues Legend by Kay Petal This guy was a commission from a fan of Dr. John. I grew up listening to his music and it was a fun and challenging project to bring to life in wool. Update: Sad news ‘Dr. John’ Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (November 20, 1941 – Ju

2017-08-27

Dial ‘M’ for Man in the Moon

My (slightly greenish) tribute to Alfred Hitchcock …in the moon.

2017-08-27

PSY – Korean Pop Singer

Felt Alive Gangnam Style This guy’s Gangnam Style dance moves are sweeping the nation.

2017-08-27

Li’l Mick Jagger

Do you realize how much wool it took to get those lips right? Li’l Mick Jagger caricature doll was a fun challenge to needle felt!

2016-11-27

Li’l Whoopi II

When a producer from The View called inquiring about my original Li’l Whoopi doll (that I had previously made on commission.) They were working on an upcoming segment and needed a small Whoopi. Since the original was not available, I found myself saying “sure, no problem, I can w

2015-08-21

The Dude Abides at Felt Alive

The Dude Doll. That’s right, I needle felted Jeff Bridges as The Dude from the motion picture The Big Lebowski. The process of needle felting The Dude from The Big Lebowski was an absolute blast! I had to rewatch the movie multiple times to really nail down the character. I got t

2015-08-11

Li’l Coneheads

Needle Felted Wool Dolls by Kay Petal This just might be the most fun I’ve had needle felting caricature dolls to date. I’d like you to meet Li’l Beldar and his wife, Li’l Prymaat, They come from Felt Alive. As a kid in the 70s, I laughed ’til I cried watching Dan Aykroyd and Jan

2012-08-16

The Pond: Needle Felted Caricature Dolls

Big Pond, Li’l Pond Earlier this year I was contacted by UK folk singer, Kathryn Williams, about making dolls for the CD cover of her latest project called The Pond – a collaboration with Simon Edwards and Ginny Clee. I’ve always wanted to see my dolls on a CD and this project wa

2011-11-08

The Late, Great Freddie Mercury – in needle felted wool.

Serendipity: While taking a Sunday drive we spotted a person in a furry costume with a sign that said Farm Open. We followed the sign to a Suri Alpaca Farm and decided to stop in to see if I could find some hair for the doll I’m working on – Freddie Mercury, the late, great… Cont

2011-07-14

Making Whoopi! A Needle Felted Doll

A fan of Whoopi Goldberg commissioned me to create this little needle felted caricature doll.

2011-07-01

Li’l Bob Dylan – Needle Felted Wool Doll

I just finished this cool cat – he was a custom commission and my second version of Dylan.

2011-06-22

X-treme Felt Alive Motor Sports with Li’l Conan & Li’l Trump

My needle felted Conan O’Brien Doll and Donald Trump Doll on an off-road adventure. Li’l Conan & Li’l Donald Trump tearing it up on Li’l Conan’s li’l ATV for a high-octane off-road adventure. And check out The Li’l Donald’s comb-over! My needle felted dolls are pretty tough – it’

2011-05-23

It’s a Worm’s Life – Felt Alive Needle Felted Worms

I made some needle felted worms today over wire. I rarely use wire but this was easy and fun! UPDATE – You can learn how to make these silly little creatures and more in my new FUN, Easy (and free) needle felting video workshop. Garden Art

2011-03-26

New Li’l Willie Nelson Doll – Needle Felted in Wool

Li’l Willie Nelson c. 2011 I’m happy to introduce my needle felted li’l Willie Nelson Doll. I made him on a custom order for a HUGE Willie Nelson fan. He is about 12″ tall and stands on his own. He is solid felted wool (no armature) and he flexes and bends nearly like he’s alive.

2010-10-26

The Who

John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick – legendary keyboardist for The Who As a longtime fan of The Who, this project was such a thrill for me – and would you believe that I didn’t know Rab owned a red and black western shirt until I saw these photos? Uncanny, is what I say! The story I heard… C

2010-09-27

Felt Alive Needle Felted Witch

Yes, Shakespeare said “wool of bat”! I didn’t use bat wool, but I did use wool batt. 😉 This Needle Felted Witch has so much attitude! She is definitely influenced by the witch I grew up with watching Wizard of Oz. She stands on her own and is about 14″ tall – no wire armature,… C

2010-06-27

Li’l Lyle Lovett – needle felted wool art doll

Lyle Lovett has such an interesting face so I thought he would be the perfect subject for a recent workshop where I taught advanced needle felting techniques for working from photographs. It was the first time I’ve shared my techniques for bringing wool to life as an actual liken

2010-06-01

The Li’l Boss – Needle Felted Springsteen Doll

Yes, I made a needle felted caricature of Bruce Springsteen. Li’l Bono was happy to share the stage with The Li’l Boss! Li’l Bruce Springsteen is 100% needle felted

2010-04-14

Li’l Bono – A Needle Felted Wool Doll

He’s just too cool. He stands about 12″ tall and is solid needle felted wool with the exception of his glasses. I cut those out of a plastic water bottle which worked perfect.

2010-03-09

Li’l Ellen DeGeneres

Today I am so happy because I get to unveil a new Felt Alive Li’l Celebrity. Ladies & Gentleman…….Li’l Ellen DeGeneres!!! And it seems the rest of the Felt Alive stars were pretty excited about her arrival on the scene. Li’l Spock likes these guys but disco dancing remains illogi

2010-02-26

The Universal Language of Felt

I have video workshop customers all over the world but most of them speak English very well. I was so pleased to receive this email from a student in Hungary who was able to follow along in my 10 hour long Doll Making Video without being fluent in English! I suppose we speak the

2010-01-07

Incredible emails

An unexpected perk that I get from sharing needle felting is the amazing emails I get from people just discovering this amazing craft. I got a great one the other day that I am compelled to share. Hi Kay! My name is Michelle and I asked for your four disc workshop for Christmas a

2009-12-27

You’re Felted!

I needle felted Donald Trump Here he is in-progress. Did I ever mention that needle felting is a crazy, cool craft? They all have a whole lot of fun together!

2009-09-19

Felt Alive Posters

Just for fun!

2009-08-22

My New Needle Felting Video Workshop on DVD!

I’m just so excited to announce the release of my new needle felting video on DVD. After teaching an online needle felting workshop with students following written/illustrated instructions, I have to thank my amazing students for giving me the idea and the courage to create this

2009-07-30

Li’l Spock – Needle Felted Vulcan

Li’l Spock came to life in needle felted wool. Illogical

2009-07-18

Daisy – A Felt Alive Needle Felted Doll

Little Daisy is my latest needle felted doll. She stands about 7″ tall and is solid needle felted wool. Her hair is made from handspun wool yarn. Those of you familiar with my work know that I rarely offer my dolls for sale. As living conditions for my needle felted collection ge

2009-07-06

Will Ferrell – ELF!

Will Ferrell might just be the goofiest character I’ve needle felted. My husband requested a Will Ferrell caricature, my nephew suggested the Elf costume – I think it all worked out although I must admit, this li’l dude sort of gives me the creeps. He looks like he is up to no go

2009-07-01

I Pity the Fool! Mr. T – needle felted

Li’l Mr. T my latest needle felted wool caricature doll. Besides his bling, he is solid sculpted wool. I captured my Li’l T is the outfit that BA wore in the opening sequence of The “A” Team.

2009-06-30

Li’l Travolta Sightseeing in Alaska

I had to make a Li’l Travolta Saturday Night Fever style! Boy does that take me back. I have to find a place with a disco ball for his official photo shoot but in the meantime we took him out sightseeing here in Alaska. When we stopped in at McHugh Creek along Turnagain Arm he… C

2009-06-03

The Man in Black needle felted wool

I must say, I’m pretty smitten with my Li’l Cash – he looked like Sean Connery for so long while I was working on him. Li’l Sean was NOT who this guy was supposed to be (not a bad idea, though.) So, like I usually do at that one special moment where my character comes to… Continu

2009-05-16

Clementine

I made Clementine for a VERY special project. She made a long trip to China to a doll manufacturer to study her for possible mass production of my designs. Well, it was no big surprise to learn that they cannot be easily reproduced – the style does not lend itself to the assembly

2009-03-13

Li’l Elvis in needle felted wool

The wool practically sculpted itself – Li’l Elvis really wanted to come to life. This creation was a lot of fun – right down to the Elvis snarl.

2009-03-13

Lil Marylin Monroe in needle felted wool

She looks tragic to me – I find it strange that most of my characters have a spark of joyfulness to me, but not so with Li’l Marilyn. This one was a real challenge -She turned out very balanced and stands all by herself on her little red shoes. Elvis and Einstein better watch out

2009-02-26

Li’l Bob Dylan in needle felted wool

I am really happy to introduce my newest li’l Felt Alive celebrity – Li’l Bob Dylan! I just love how the wool can take on the look of a rugged face and a steely-eyed expression. And curly sheep’s locks seemed like the perfect choice for Dylan hair.

2009-02-18

Needle Felted Stop Motion Animation

“Hey, Aunt Kay, can you make a polar bear for your Conan doll?” I never know what they are scheming but it’s always fun. Check out the video and see their idea come to life.

2009-02-01

Needle Felted Heads are Rolling

My nephews (Nick and Ben) got a hold of some of my unfinished needle felted heads and put together this funny little video.

2009-01-30

Li’l Elton John Doll in Needle Felted Wool

My Li’l Elton John doll was SO FUN to bring to life in needle felted wool. Even his li’l glasses are made of wool – I didn’t even have to use wire. My proudest accomplishment is the lenses – they are wool, they are felted and you can see his eyes through them. I just… Continue re

2009-01-05

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

My Little Willie Nelson! Willie is about 12″ tall and is 100% Needle Felted Wool. His hair is a blend of Alpaca and Icelandic Wool. Like all my characters, I start with a basic body structure using what I call “core wool” which is basically wool batting that has not been dyed. Th

2009-01-03

Willie Nelson Doll In Progress -a needle felted caricature doll

Well, I started a new needle felted creation and decided to share a glimpse of my little Willie Nelson doll in progress. When starting a caricature I have to take charge of the wool in ways that I don’t have to do when just developing a character out of my imagination. I start ou

2009-01-01

Happy Felting in 2009!!

2009-01-01

Conan O’Brien – Needle Felted Wool

Conan O’Brien came to life in needle felted wool.

2008-12-22

ladies and gentlemen…The Beatles

That’s a lot of fingers to needle felt onto their hands. I form the wool over popsicle sticks to get them into shape. Have I ever mentioned how fun it is to Felt Alive ?

2008-11-05

Photographing My Work

I have been up against a challenge ever since I started needle felting of learning how to capture my work in the best light. I am finding that nearly as much as I love creating needle felted characters, I love taking pictures of them. My favorite lighting is natural lighting and

2008-09-09

The Felt Alive Hilda Challenge

I challenged myself to capture the essence of Hilda – A vintage plus-sized pinup caricature by artist, Duane Bryers.

2008-08-25

Felt Alive at the Alaska State Fair 2008

I entered several of my characters into the Alaska State Fair – I was beyond thrilled with how well they were received by the judges in the different categories I entered them in. My Einstein doll even won Best in Show in the Fleece and Fiber Division Needle felting is such a new

2008-07-20

Cyrus

My largest needle felted doll to date. Cyrus stands 23″ tall

2008-07-20

Tree Droits

It started with one needle felted Droit (the little white one,) and they just keep multiplying. They really do have fun playing in the trees. UPDATE This little guys are so fun to make, I decided to teach you how. Felt Alive DROITS is a great way to learn the basics of sculptural

2008-07-18

Escape to the Mountains

My nephew and his girlfriend stole away into the Talkeetna Mountains here in Alaska the other day with several of my characters in tow. They returned with the most fabulous photos! My Felt Alive DROITS seemed to have the BEST time! You can learn how to make these magical creature

2008-07-16

I caught some Droits!

I can only seem to catch these little critters if I stay up very late at night. I’ve been told they are called Droits! They are sweet but very full of mischief – especially the little red one Poor Grandpa George – his dentures went missing. Guess who took them? Grandpa George got

2008-06-09

Doc Treeboat – a needle felted soft sculpture

This is my latest needle felted soft sculpture. This guy was so fun to create! I used undyed wool batting for his core body parts. The fun adventure for me was blending 4 colors of Norwegian C1 wool batting together to give him this wonderful skin tone. He is anatomically correct

2008-05-30

Latest Addition to my Felt Alive Family

Meet Mindy! A sweet little felt alive needle felted doll. She is solid needle felted wool and she flexes and moves nearly like she is alive. Mindy loves to play outside in the yard! She is an adventurous little thing; climbing trees and dreaming of sailing away to explore far awa

2008-05-19

Rufus – My first soft-sculpted canine!

This is my first attempt at needle felting a dog without the use of a wire armature. He is soft and flexible and seems nearly alive.

2008-05-19

Little Gladys an original Needle Felted Art Doll

This is little Gladys! She is such a silly little thing! As I’m learning to create needle felted art dolls, I am discovering the magic of blending colors for blush and shading to really bring the wool to life. Little Glady’s is about 12″ tall and stands on her own (with a little

2008-05-16

A Dude Named Alice in Needle Felted Wool

This is Alice. He looks like a laid back old surfer dude to me and I just love him! It never ceases to amaze me what comes to life in needle felted wool. I started out (as usual) without knowing what or who I was going to create. Needle felting is fun for someone like… Continue r

2008-05-13

He’s Totally Crackers! Needle Felting a Character Doll

I sat down with the intention of needle felting a character doll. Not just any doll, but a buddy for another doll I just finished. I was so in love with Alice, I had to make him a buddy. Let me introduce Crackers (on the left.) A fun loving Australian beach dude livin’ it up… Con

2008-04-16

Mac – Extreme Needle Felting – developing a needle felted character

Meet Mac! He is my crazy little Scotsman with a penchant for Irish Whiskey. Developing a needle felted character has its challenges. What I planned to create was a grumpy little man in a wool suit and what actually came to life is a Scotsman named Mac with a bit of attitude. When

2008-03-30

Needle Felted Moon Men

These needle felted moon characters were SO FUN to create. They are each roughly 8 inches tall and are 100% wool. They are both rather soft and flexible.

2008-02-23

Jammie Kids! Needle Felted Baby Dolls

I’ve just made some adorable needle felted baby dolls. It was a challenge, but I love making them. Check out my creations! Also, I have a 10-hour tutorial available.

2007-12-03

It’s Santa!

This is Santa during his off time. He is wearing his red Union Suit and wool socks. He is about 20 inches tall and is very soft and huggable. I think I captured the twinkle in his eye!!

2007-12-03

Little Girl

I think her name is Hazel. She just jumped off my felting pad today. She is really difficult to photograph and is SO much cuter in person. She is another example of a wool soft sculpture – she is so soft and huggable. In her seated position she is about 8 ” tall. Make sure… Conti

2007-12-01

Young Love – Needle Felted Dolls

One thing I’ve noticed is that needle felted dolls are a curiosity to most. It’s a very unfamiliar medium with lifelike characteristics. Plus, they are funny and people always seem to have suggestions about what I should make. My friend, Pat, was visiting while making this couple

2007-11-27

Chieder The Elf

Here is my latest character to leap off my felting pad. His name is Cheider and he is the largest I have made so far. He stands about 20″ tall to the tip of his hat. He is made of 100% wool with no wire armature. I wet felted his hat and it is removable.… Continue reading Chieder

2007-11-22

Needle Felted Zaftig Doll

This is Cookie! She knows that a curve is the sexiest distance between two points and she is proud of her voluptuous figure. From a Yiddish word meaning ripe and juicy, Zaftig has come to be understood as pleasantly plump. Cookie is needle felted out of 100% wool. She is very sof

2007-11-03

Workshops with Birgitte Krag Hansen

Hi everyone! I’d like to share my fantastic experience that I recently had. In late August, I learned that my needle felting idol, Birgitte Krag Hansen would be in Alaska in early September putting on needle felting workshops. I was so lucky to be able to take not one but TWO wor

2007-05-06

Bjarney The Icelandic Night Troll.

This Bjarney! He is an Icelandic Night Troll. Icelandic legend has it that these mischievous trolls come out at night. They must be well hidden during the day as even one ray of sun can turn a Night Troll into stone. Bjarney sits about 7″ tall. With the exception of his hair, Bja

2007-05-04

Mush!!

Finally! I finished my little sled dog team. It’s Grandpa Harry out for a Sunday drive with his pups. Grandpa doesn’t race anymore but he still loves to train and run his dogs. The pups are just mastering their sport. Grandpa taught them well as they navigate the trail like old p

2007-04-19

Jackrabbit Slim

This was a fun little guy to make. I used local wool from a little Shetland sheep that lives in Palmer named Shiska. Her beautiful, course wool gave JR Slim a very primitive feel. I think he looks so proud against his gorgeous background. The photos were taken outside my home stu

2007-02-24

Life In Pink

This is Sylvie, a lovely French gal who is young at heart. I created her for a felting challenge at feltingforum.com. The challenge is Felt Me a Tune. Her song of inspiration is La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf.

2007-02-10

New Felt Creations

This is Queenie!! Queenie is a gem in the rough. We are still working on her fingers and toes! She has a bit of attitude so I have to be sure to get her right! She still resides on the foam pad, needing some attention. She is the first one that has no wire armature… Continue read

2007-02-03

New felt creations

This is Skye. She stands about 12″ tall and is my first completed and dressed doll. I spent countless hours needle felting over a wire armature. Not bad for a newbie!! Having a blast with this needle felting stuff! Here is a work in progress – Her name is Gertie – she stands abou