1st Place, Professional Non-Original with Instruction
The Exemplary Award
The Dolores Andrew Award

Astrid and Artemis 3D bunnies are the creation of needlepoint designer Brenda Stofft. During the four-day class (per Bunny) you learn to sculpt the face, arms and feet by needle felting directly onto the painted needlepoint canvas. Previously, judges assumed I purchased the face, hands, and feet and were not aware I had hand sculpted them. The various stitching techniques are reviewed and explained during class period. A wide variety of surface embroidery and Stumpwork is included with the canvas stitches. I completed the entire finishing process myself, taking over a month per rabbit. Artemis’ basket is full of Stumpwork and lampwork beads, and was a challenge to attach and decorate with handmade flowers and butterflies. Astrid’s staff contains silk ribbon work and beads along with a baby bird in a hand-felted nest. Her dress and hat required yards of hand rouching using a variety of silk ribbons. These bunnies are a labor of love.