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Intermediate/Advanced

Bird Dog Tutorial

Take your felting skills to the next level with this highly detailed, advanced course. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create a realistic, sculptural bird dog—a piece that captures both the form and spirit of a working hunting dog.

But we don’t stop there. Alongside the dog, you’ll also craft a miniature Hungarian (gray) partridge, adding scale, story, and authenticity to the final piece. This course guides you through:

Armature building and advanced sculptural techniques for lifelike anatomy.

Layering and blending wool to achieve hyper-realistic textures and coloration.

Fine-detail finishing for features like eyes, nose, and feathers that bring your work to life.

Composition and storytelling—how to pair the dog and partridge together into a dynamic, naturalistic scene.

This course leans heavily toward advanced techniques and is designed for felters ready to challenge themselves with realism, detail, and complexity. By the end, you’ll have not just a sculpture, but a centerpiece that demonstrates mastery of the craft.

Join and get access to every tutorial Rustic Fiber Academy has and so much more. 

Or purchase the course individually and have full permanent access to it. 

* Supplies not included *

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What's included with each lesson

Every lesson at Rustic Fiber Academy is thoughtfully crafted to provide you with a comprehensive and fun learning experience.

Our lessons are designed to nurture your creativity and help you master new techniques with ease. 

Dive into detailed guides, group discussions, and start your next needle felt creation!

Step by step instructions

Detailed instructions that guide you through the creation of each project from start to finish, ensuring you don't miss a single step along the way!

Group discussions inside each course

Ask questions and share progress for focused group discussions. Separate from the larger membership board, each project fosters its own tight-knit bunch!

Tutorials in video and written information

Each project features a mix of both video and written tutorials to suit different learning styles and techniques, all delivered by our expert Rustic Fiber Academy teachers!

Supplies list

A curated list of all the materials you'll need for each project, making it easy to gather everything you need before you start.

Meet Your Instructor

Patrick Jones - Course author

Christie Lower

Needle Felt Artist, Teacher & Founder of Rustic Fiber Academy

Hi, I'm Christie Lower, the artist behind Rustic Fiber. My journey into the world of needle felting began nearly five years ago, when I was seeking a creative outlet to balance the demands of motherhood and find a sense of calm. What started as a simple hobby during my son's activities evolved into a deep passion for needle felting and textile sculptures.

Inspired by the animals and nature surrounding my home in Eastern Oregon, I sculpt lifelike birds and wildlife using wool, a needle, and sometimes a base or metal structure. My work pays homage to my beloved Grandma, who had a special kinship with birds. After her passing, I used her leather gloves to protect my hands while felting—a serendipitous gift that made me feel connected to her. My series on the birds of North America is a tribute to her love for these beautiful creatures.

Recently, my exhibition at Art Center East, titled "Fiber and Flights," showcased my signature style of vibrant and detailed fiber sculptures, capturing the essence of birds in flight. From barn owls to kestrels, each piece reflects my craftsmanship and artistic vision. What sets my work apart is my dedication to creating full-scale sculptures, blending techniques and materials to blur the lines between sculpture and textile art. I often paint my sculptures to achieve striking details and lifelike appearances, using a full palette of differently colored wool to infuse each piece with vibrancy.

Through Rustic Fiber Academy, I share my techniques with a global community of fiber art enthusiasts via online classes and workshops. My platform fosters creativity and skill development, providing a space for learning and collaboration among aspiring artists. Rustic Fiber Academy is more than just a platform—it's a tribute to my family, heritage, and the transformative power of creativity.

Take your craft to the next level

Bird Dog

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