Meet Harley, the adorable Chihuahua-Yorkie mix. This one-eyed wonder is not only my first custom commission, but also my debut into the world of lifelike pet replicas! Bringing this beloved pup to life (in felted form) was a true labour of love. Crafted with photos as reference, his mini-me is brimming with personality.
Mini Harley’s first step into existence was his head; this was sculpted from core wool and pipe cleaners. After, a small plastic nose (a subtle hint of his future personality) was nestled into place.
Next, an artistic dance of needle and wool commenced. Mini Harley’s body, sculpted from the heart of fleece, took form. A single, artfully placed plastic eye glinted with personality. But the truest transformation lay in the fur. Blending countless colours and shades, I meticulously mimicked Harley’s unique coat. Every needle-felter knows the transformative power of wool, and although Harley resembled a lion with bedhead at this stage, I trusted that the real pup would emerge soon.
The next act of creation arrived with a with a pair of scissors. With measured snips, Harley’s face was sculpted, each trim revealing an adorable face. This artistic choreography continued across his body, the blending of colours detailed a miniature replica of his fur.
Finally, Mini Harley received the finishing touch that grounded him in reality: his paw pads. I’m trying hard to get better at a more realistic style of animal feet.
And Mini Harley was finished!
Mini Harley’s journey culminated in a triumphant homecoming, where he posed proudly with his life-sized twin. This heart-warming scene wasn’t just captured in a photo; it graced the pages of the county newspaper, earning Harley the prestigious title of Pet of the Day!
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