Furzie’s Fantastic Felting

Michelle Hickman is the maker behind Furzie, a needle-felting artist known for creating woolly sculptures full of character, charm and a touch of humour.

Michelle discovered needle-felting by accident after spotting an article about realistic felted dogs. As a self-confessed animal lover, she was instantly hooked… even if her first weekend taught her two quick lessons: the needles are sharp and it’s not quite as easy as it looks! But she stuck with it, practised endlessly, and before long her creations started to come to life in a way that felt almost magical, as if each little animal was developing its own personality.

In 2014 she opened her Etsy shop and made her first sale within a week. Since then, her “Furzie friends” have travelled all over the world, and she’s also become known for commissions inspired by real pets and animals.

Michelle loves the simplicity of the craft, just a few tools, a bit of wire for the skeleton, and lots of lovely wool. She often sources fleece locally (sometimes from animals she’s actually met!) and has a soft spot for Gotland wool and alpaca fibre.

Now, with over a decade of experience, Michelle teaches needle-felting from her studio on the Dorset/Somerset border and at venues around the country, helping others discover just how relaxing, creative and addictive felting can be.

Come and discover her marvellous creations on stand 60 at Westpoint or get involved in her workshop.