Enjoy the detailed landscapes made by needle felting, and handmade jewelry designs of artist Sarah Mandell. To learn more about this versatile artist, visit her website.
“Jocassee Afternoon” Wool Fiber, 10” x 17”
Not a day goes by when I don’t create something. I balance my time between working as a commercial interior designer, writing fiction, and creating fiber art and handmade jewelry for my small business called Once Again.
Splatter Painted Necklace—Acrylic Paint on Clear Acrylic, Rosewood Setting, 3” x 2”
Having a variety of mediums to work in, a long list of new skills to learn, and inspiration pouring in from every direction, makes each day worth exploring to the fullest extent.
Splatter Painted Dangle Earrings—Acrylic Paint on Clear Acrylic, Brass Setting, 2” x 1/2”
Although I have a fine art background and consider myself a life-long maker, the two mediums I work with most are both self-taught skills I picked up post art school.
Painted Leather Cuffs—Laser Etched Leather and Acrylic Paint, 8” x 2″
My jewelry line ranges from modern leather cuffs to elegant acrylic earrings and pendants that feature original landscape paintings. I enjoy using recycled materials whenever I can because the backstory behind any given material can be the start of something unexpected. I work with a combination of basic hand tool and high tech equipment to create a mix of one-of-a-kind pieces as well as items that can be produced in higher quantities.
“Lowlands” Wool Fiber, 14” x 20”
The art of needle felting is something I discovered about ten years ago and have learned to love by practicing every day.
“Felt Cactus” Wool Fiber and Gold Leafed Concrete Planters, 4” x 6,” 6” x 7,” 4” x 8”
It can be, at the same time, both tedious and therapeutic. I started out making simple 3D sculptures of plants, then animals and other objects, and eventually challenged myself to work flat.
“Summer Crops” Wool Fiber, 10″ x 10″
“Painting” with wool fiber is one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever tried. Layering dyed roving, working for hours at a time to matte down the fiber with a barbed needle, then seeing a majestic mountain scene come to life out of nothing but fuzz—it’s really quite magical.
“Heather Fields” Wool Fiber, 6” x 9”
Many people have never heard of needle felting, and those who have likely consider it a hobby craft. Elevating needle felting to a form of fine art has pushed me to work larger, more detailed, and develop cohesive collections.
“Fibers of the South” Gallery Exhibition
My largest series called Fibers of the South consists of fifty landscapes showcasing scenes from all over the beautiful state of South Carolina.
“View from Bald Rock” Wool Fiber, 10″ x 17″
It took months of work, but seeing the collection exhibited in a gallery was an unforgettable feeling and has inspired me to continue with fine art wool paintings in the future.
Artist Sarah Mandell invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and her blog.
This seems like a complicated craft, one that requires so much dedication, time and effort but I bet it must be very fulfilling once done. Wonderful wool paintings.