Handcrafted gift
Maker & location details

unique pet portrait felted paintings of the animals you love

Max "We absolutely LOVE our beautiful felt of Max, it looks amazing and is so obviously Max, even down to the smudge on his white nose. Thank you so much, we know how much care and effort went into this and it's the perfect keepsake for when the old boy is no longer with us (he's 12 so getting on a bit)." Lynda and Buzz B, Scunthorpe

Winnie "I'm so thrilled with my portrait. It absolutely captures Winnie's beautiful eyes and the silvery sheen of her coat. In fact the detail is amazing right down to the little scar on her nose. Really pleased I decided on felt as the medium. It's purrrfect (sorry) for immortalising any pet who holds a special place in your heart. Thank you! Thoroughly recommend." Kenneth M, London

Topper "Love it, love it, love it" B

Catty "Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for my Catty felt, I love him! It looks just like him, I almost cried! His little paws are the cutest thing - honestly, just the same as his actual paws were. Really appreciate all the effort put into it, just the best." Anna E, London

Description

Bespoke wet felted pet portraits with plain coloured background of your choice. Mounted on artist stretched canvas, worked from your personal photograph. Handmade in Camberwell, London from merino wool tops and other fibres with or without pet groomings. Felt, through its tactile qualities instantaneously triggers and connects to the act or memory of stroking your beloved pet. If photographs capture a moment in time and paintings depict more of a story, felt provides a tangible memory. It’s this sensory response that makes felt absolutely perfect for pet portraits. Sizes 40x40cm or 25x35cm standard or chunky depth frame. Worked from photographs it's really important you choose a great reference photo(s). It/they should best portray your pet but also not be blurry (unless you're looking for an abstracted portrait), be well exposed and a high resolution. I welcome being sent a selection of photos as this helps me get to know your pet. Most portraits take between 1 and 3 weeks once the reference photo(s) have been chosen. Please contact me for information on the best type of photo.

How this was made

All my felted pet portraits are made in London by hand using the wet felting technique from merino wool tops (the finest longest fibres from the wool making process). Felt is a non-constructed textile created from wool. Fibres making up the textile are matted together into a non-constructed fabric that unlike woven or knitted cloth, when cut won't fray. It's made by adding hot soapy water to wool fibres layered in alternate directions and then applying lots of friction. Pets come in all shapes and size; dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters - the two things in common with my pet portraits are they're all commemorating a special friendship with a beloved pet and fur. If you wish, I can incorporate hair groomed from your pet into the piece.

What's included in the price?

Felted pet portrait wrapped over a stretched standard or chunky canvas. wrapped in tissue and tied with red string. If it's a gift I'll wrap it for you and tie with double satin ribbon and attach a tag with your message on - just let me know.

Duration

Maker

Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops: wet felting

with Craft Courses since 2017

Message the maker

Heather Fiona Martin is a graduate of Goldsmiths College, University of London. She is an experienced felt maker who for over a decade has worked in educational and community settings. In addition to her community work she runs Purr & Wag It, fine art felted portraits. Heather holds an enhanced DBS certificate for children and vulnerable adults.