miniature animals

Welcome to FeltedPaws by Tatiana – highly detailed needle felted miniature animals that capture a moment in time forever, made in New Zealand by internationally recognised artisan needle felter Tatiana Kalnins (PhD). My works have appeared in several New Zealand art galleries, in two regional publications (‘Valley Voice’ and’ South’) and one national publication (‘New Zealand Woman’s Weekly’). It has also been a huge privilege to be invited to appear in the international teddy bear magazine “Teddy Bear Times and Friends” issue 247. I have works in homes all over the world, including Australia, Canada, the UK, Germany, Hong Kong, the USA and of course New Zealand.

I use my background in animal behaviour and zoology (MSc in animal behaviour) to inform my creations so that they are more than just replicas on animals: each is alive with it’s own unique personailty and energy. I have also spent many years involved in training my blue heeler (and instructing dog training) in canine freestyle and other dog sports and this also informs my work.

My works are intended to be artistic fibre sculptures, and I try to create as much of my animals out of fibre as possible, and so tongues, teeth and lips are generally felted. The exceptions are the eyes which are custom made and the noses which are polymer clay.

Needle felted miniature animals take many many hours to perfect (on average a week per miniature in my standard size; one and half to two weeks for the large ones). All miniatures have a strong, stainless steel wire frame which will not rust. I use fibres sourced from all across the world such as merino, corridale, alpaca and mohair and silk to create and finish the miniatures as realistically as possible. The cost of commissions is dependent on size/complexity of the animal; factors like colouring, general proportions and face shape (brachychephalic breeds are more complex to make for example) all play a part in determining how much time a miniature will take, and subsequently their cost to make. Below is a rough guide on sizing/pricing – feel free to message me a photo or two for a more specific quote.