Swainson’s Thrush in Flight
This is an advanced course designed for experienced needle felters who are ready to refine realism, control, and feather layering at a high level.
In this class, we create a life-sized Swainson’s Thrush with a focus on accurate proportion, subtle color transitions, and complex feather structure. This bird is not simplified. We lean into detail. We pay attention to direction. We build depth one layer at a time.
You will explore:
• Building a balanced armature for a true-to-life bird
• Sculpting form with intention before surface detail begins
• Creating and modifying structured feathers for realistic layering
• Achieving soft chest transitions and clean wing definition
• Working from reference to capture posture and movement
This course assumes you are already comfortable with foundational felting skills such as shaping, blending, and basic feather construction. We move quickly through fundamentals and spend our time on refinement.
At the end of this course, you will leave with a life-sized Swainson’s Thrush and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of how to approach complex birds with confidence and control.
This one requires patience. It rewards observation. And if birds feel like home to you too, you’re going to love this process.
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 *
What's included with each lesson
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
Swainson’s Thrush in Flight
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