Name Tag: Sneaky

Someone mentioned that her name tag was really old and missing. I can’t seem to narrow down what I want to do, so let me look at replacing the missing tag for Ann. Now I hope I can finish it before she finds her old name tag!

Hum, what might Ann like? Sheep!  Ok, off to Google Image to see if I can find an interesting sheep. What kind of sheep might she like? The Sheep Ann has are mostly mixed with Rideau Arcott (developed at the Animal Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada), but I have heard her say she likes black sheep. Ok, let’s look for “black sheep”, “Sheep in barn door”, and  “sheep and wall”.

There was a profile photo of a Black Icelandic-looking sheep, which was very striking.

1.1) Icelandic sheep in profile. 1.2) sheep in barns

 It did not have as interesting background as I would have liked. Ann likes purples so maybe I could do a sort of purple sunset? After looking through many sheep, I narrowed it down to about 6 options but came back to the black Icelandic in profile.

Ann had mentioned that she found the nametag pieces I had cut were too big. So I should stiffen the background and then reduce the size.  To firm up the odd green felt I added more white wool (Corriedale). When I cut the nametag down, you can see the path of the needle, as it pushes the white fibre into the green felt.

 2) Showing the wool being pushed through the felt

3.1) adding more white wool to hide the cut (front View) 3.2) Adding a bit more wool to heal the cut edge (Back view).

4) Now to decide the scale of the image, to the size of the tag.

As usual, I am working from the background towards the front. In this image, there are only 2 plains, the background and the sheep! Again, I am using the template technique, which you have seen me use before.

5.1-5.2) Starting to add a background. background blocked in.

6) Background sort of blocked in, using a sharpie to outline the face and position the eye,  let’s see if can make a sheep

7.1-7.3) Adding the sheep starting with the head, and horn and then adding the body.

Not sure about the shadow under the chin, but let’s block in the horn, and come back to the shadow. As i worked i kept asking Ann for her input. She didn’t seem to suspect i was making this for her.

As you have likely noticed, I often have issues with keeping 2D flat….. so I am making an ear…..a sheep needs an ear!

8.1) making a black ear 8.2) ear attached

Oh drat,  good ear-age makes the horn look flat…. Got to fix that. I need to add more wool to create a more substantial horn to go with the ear. And the head is getting lost in the body…. Lest sift it lighter.

9)  Now we have a 3-D ear and Horn that looks better.

I added a magnet to the back so she didn’t need to have a safety pin or sew-on pin.

10)  Adding a magnet by sewing a small pocket of commercial felt to the tag.  The second magnet is in the background.

I went back, added a bit more detail, and got rid of the shadow that had been under his chin.  now he might be looking back towards you, rather than ahead.

11) that looks better, no chin shadow, lighter coat

OH NO! Ann Found her old name tag but said it was looking a bit ratty and needed to make another one!! I need to felt faster!!!  she has seen what I am working on but doesn’t seem to have guessed I am trying to make a name tag for her!

12) Ann’s old name tag had been found

I could not find a yarn that worked. But Ann offered a bit of her handspun yarn. Now What font?  “Ann” in Harrington font might work, it has a nice Art Neuvoue feel.

13) Ann in Harrington font which feels very Art Neuvoue

It’s hard to fit letters when the tag is smaller but let’s see if I can fit all of them. I had a few guild members wander over to see what I was felting but had my hand over part of the name. Maybe I am going with Jan with 2 N’s? Good thing we share letters!!

14) Ann’s Name tag done!

I hope I have not spoiled her fun by making her own name tag.

15) She did seem to be surprised. I hope she will like it.

I was trying to complete this before Ann found her lost, older name tag, and felted much faster than I usually do.  I usually pause, and debate options as I am working. I can already see a few tweaks I would like to do. I wonder if I can borrow it, for a quick touch-up?

Up Date 07/22/2024:

16) Ann’s name tag, before getting back to work.

I borrowed Ann’s Name tag when she arrived at the guild social and got back to work.

First I edged part of Ann’s letters in white, to help subtly pop the name. I checked in with Ann again and she wanted me to change the angle on the “A” crossbar. I can do that!

17) “A” crossbar re-angled at Left baser and added white edging shadow.

Now,  I need to add a bit more 3d-ness to face, and add a bit more shadowing on the horn.

18.1) – edging on letters added, nest to build up forehead, bridge of nose and nose. 18.2) adding dimension to forehead, losing ear, will fix that shortly.  18.3) – ear fixed head showing more depth.  18.4) added fiber to forehead, front edge of the sheep face and nose. then added a bit of dark to the horn as well as make it a bit firmer. I also straitened the horizon.

There that looks a bit better! Time to check with Ann,

19.1) She Likes It!!!

19.2)  Much more 3D!

I hope Ann and her sheep will be happy and she can use it at socials, Demos and workshops!

Now that I have made a name tag for  Glenn and one for Ann do I have a better idea of one for me or will I pick on someone else next?