Meet Tilly, a Springer Spaniel with a tail that wags even in felted form! Bringing this photogenic pup to life in miniature was my second custom commission, and every poke of the needle was a celebration of her infectious charm.
Before Mini Tilly sprouted her playful coat of fur, she existed only as a delicate skeleton of twisted pipe cleaners. This wire armature, my canvas for lifelike proportions, ensured a sturdy stance.
I then sculpted a body from core wool – using photos of Tilly to get the shape of her body right.
Tilly’s nose, a captivating blend of brown and blush, posed a delightful challenge. I sculpted her snout with meticulous pricks, and the result surpassed even my own expectations – a testament to the magic of wool and a first attempt to be truly proud of.
Defying the limitations of plain wool, I craved curls as springy as Tilly’s spirit. I twirled Merino strands around knitting needles, dipped them in boiling water, and watched in awe as they sprang to life. From limp ropes to playful coils, Mini Tilly’s character and charm were soon to be captured.
One ear complete! I repeated this process for the other ear. What a learning curve Tilly was turning out to be!
Mini Tilly’s body was finished off with a white layer of wool, markings added with pen and, of course, her paw pads! Mini Tilly now lives with Big Tilly in her forever home.
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