This needle-felted sheep portrait is created inside a large round wooden bowl and features locally sourced Bluefaced Leicester sheep locks. The fleece is prepared by hand - washed, dried, and gently opened so the natural curls are preserved. Each lock is placed individually and secured using fine needle-felting techniques, giving the wool a realistic texture and a soft, natural flow.
 
The sheep’s facial details are sculpted from Corriedale wool, with darker fibres used for the ears, eyes, and nose to add depth and definition. Needle felting allows the form to build gradually, giving structure to the profile and creating subtle transitions in the wool. This slow, controlled method results in a strong, stable piece that holds its shape while keeping the natural movement of the fibres.
 
The wooden bowl has a smooth interior with visible grain.  We added a chameleon pigment called "Inferno" to the rim of the bowl which changes colour depending on the way the light hits it. The colours complement the warm tones of the wool and provides a clean frame for the piece. A hanging hook is fitted to the back so the artwork can be displayed on a wall, though it can also sit securely on a surface due to the depth of the bowl.
 
This is a one-of-a-kind artwork made slowly by hand in the Boyne Valley, Ireland. The combination of locally sourced fleece, natural wool fibres, careful bowl finishing, and traditional needle-felting techniques makes this a substantial, stand-alone piece suitable for collectors and anyone who appreciates detailed fibre art.