Making a needlefelt fox mask
- valerianfibres
- May 25
- 2 min read
There’s something quietly magical about bringing a creature to life using just wool, a needle, and a bit of time. In this video, I take you behind the scenes as I create one of my fox masks—from raw fleece to finished character.
As with most of my work, the process begins with locally sourced fleece. I particularly love using Dartmoor Greyface for its long staple, which is ideal for rolling into firm shapes—what I call the “logs” that form the bones of the face.
From there, it’s all about shaping and layering—needling in the contours of the cheeks and muzzle, the slope of the brow, the alert point of the ears. I tend to work quickly, partly because I’m impatient to meet the new creation. There’s always a moment of anticipation, of wondering who this fox will turn out to be.
The eyes are a turning point. I use a specially designed mounting pad behind the mask to display them, which helps bring out expression and gives the piece real presence. As soon as the eyes go in, the mask becomes someone, not just something. The finished piece is wearable, but also designed to be displayed on the wall when not in use—so the fox can remain present, even when resting.
Needlefelting is both a creative and grounding process for me. There’s a meditative rhythm to the work, and I often feel the mask reveals itself, rather than being fully planned. Each face feels like a discovery. I hope this video offers a glimpse into that quiet unfolding, and the quiet joy of coaxing character from wool.
If you're curious about my other animal and folklore-inspired masks, you can explore more on my website or follow along on social media.
Thanks for watching—and I hope you enjoy meeting the fox as much as I enjoyed making him. I made this particular fox back in 2023! My most recent fox is a vixen called Bella (she is a beauty!) and she is currently on sale in my online shop...
🦊
Valerie
Valerian Fibres
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