For this week's guest post we are spotlighting Teresa Perleberg, owner of Bear Creek Felting. Be sure to read about her fiber arts journey. 

What first got you into fiber art? Tell us your fiber art life story!

When my daughter Libbie was 7 years old, she wanted to learn how to knit. To support her, I bought a book, learned to knit myself, and then taught her. For her 8th birthday, she asked for a lamb, so we got her one. The woman we bought the lamb from, Jan, invited us to join the next Woolly Women gathering, a group of women who meet monthly to spin, knit, weave, needle felt, laugh, and share stories about their fiber arts adventures.

At our first gathering, Jan taught Libbie how to needle felt while I learned how to spin. We had such a wonderful time that we continued attending the gatherings every month. Over time, I fell in love with all aspects of fiber arts, especially needle felting.

What does the process look like of creating a kit/ new design? 

When creating a new kit or design, I focus on making it beginner-friendly and enjoyable. My goal is to create easy projects that won't frustrate beginners but will make the process fun.  I'm inspired by pictures, animals, or animations. The most important aspect is giving the creations personality—something that will make you smile during the process of making. I aim to provide potential needle felters with kits that are both delightful and accessible, including clear instructions and enough structure to build confidence while allowing room for creativity and personal touches.

What does a typical day on the farm look like? 

A typical day on the farm varies greatly by season. In spring, we're busy with baby lambs, monitoring births to ensure everything goes smoothly, ensuring the lambs get the nourishment they need, and keeping an eye on their health. With over 300 sheep to manage, it's a hectic time.

In summer, the ewes and their lambs are on a rotational grazing system to improve the soil and keep them parasite-free. We rotate the sheep through paddocks every few days to prevent overgrazing and damage to the grass and vegetation.

In winter, since we're in North Dakota, the sheep stay close to the barn and are fed hay and ground alfalfa. Throughout the year, we continually monitor their health to ensure their well-being.

What’s your favorite design you’ve done so far? 

My favorite design for a needle felting kit would have to be the sheep. I've taught this design frequently in needle felting classes, and it never fails to bring joy to everyone who tries it. It's fascinating to see participants start with doubts about replicating my design, stressing over the details, only to end up with an adorable little sheep that brings a smile to their face and fills them with pride. The sheep design is both super easy to make and incredibly cute.

Are there any exciting developments or new kits coming that you can share with us? 

I am currently working on a forest animal collection of kits that should be coming out in a few months. Hopefully in time for the holidays.

We hope you enjoyed this week's guest post and we'd love to see you for the next one. Be sure to check out our selection of Bear Creek Felting's products.

Bear Creek Felting Kit - Sheep

$38.00

Bear Creek Felting Kit - Sheep Learn how to needle felt with the highest quality wool for felting and easy to follow instructions. This needle...… read more

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Bear Creek Felting Kit - Chicken

$27.50

Bear Creek Felting Kit - Chicken Learn how to needle felt with the highest quality wool for felting and easy to follow instructions. This needle...… read more

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Bear Creek Felting Kit - Black Sheep

$38.00

Bear Creek Felting Kit - Black Sheep Learn how to needle felt with the highest quality wool for felting and easy to follow instructions. This...… read more

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Bear Creek Felting Kit - Bear

$31.50

Bear Creek Felting Kit - Bear Learn how to needle felt with the highest quality wool for felting and easy to follow instructions. This needle...… read more

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