We’re back starting Tuesday, Sept. 2! The weekly Artistic Crafts & Gifts Tuesday craft show at the Recreation Center Ballroom is from 9 a.m. to noon and will continue through May.
ArtisticCrafts.org will give you a glimpse of our very talented crafters and artisans. The group started back in the early 1990s, and the show has grown to over 50 tables on Tuesdays. Over 100 crafters are online with their virtual presence, offering unique and custom designs. All resident crafters are welcome to sell virtually on our website and inquire about a table at our Tuesday show.
This month, we’re featuring Linda O’Keefe, who started her needle felting hobby three years ago after seeing someone post a picture of a dog they made. She fell in love and knew with all her heart that she would study and learn as much as possible. Her dream has been to design wool miniatures for people who love their furkids.
Linda’s first project was to create a mini version of their Tinker and Roxy. Having worked on these two for months, she learned so much by trial and error. She was thrilled with the results and is now 100% addicted to felting!
The next project was a likeness of her Babycakes, their little girl for 17 years, and this became a delightful tribute to her. By incorporating some of the dog’s fur that Linda saved, she included a tiny heart embedded inside the crafted likeness, which holds some of the beautiful keepsake fur.
By then, Linda knew that she loved this felting process, and it became a creative venue that she could eventually do for others.
Through reading books on needle felting animals, watching YouTube channels of people who love creating fiber arts, and following Facebook groups, Linda learned from many people who were willing to share their experience.
Jumping in wholeheartedly, she purchased a variety of supplies like wool roving, needles, wire for armatures, glass, plastic eyes, and noses. Eventually, she learned how to substitute her style for eyes and noses.
Linda and her husband moved here a little over five years ago, while her dad was here. She loves her job as a business development person for a steel company, which has spanned over 20 years, and enjoys the flexibility of working from home. Eventually, when she is completely retired, Linda plans to travel to statewide arts and craft fairs with her animal “felties” in all shapes, sizes, and variety of breeds.
Each creature Linda creates has a special place in her heart. She finds it both fun and truly rewarding to see them come to life!
If you have an artistic endeavor you wish to sell, please contact us through our website ArtisticCrafts.org, where our coordinator, Marion, can answer all your questions.
