Meet Ann Therie | Fiber Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Therie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After having worked a corporate job until 2020, I needed an outlet and first started crocheting as a hobby. For my miniature dogs, I needed to find something to create realistic noses and stumbled upon needle felting. I loved the process and then saw people making 2D artwork with needle felting. After following 2 online courses and having sold a few pieces, I was hooked and started the process of creating my own business for it. That was in 2023 and I haven’t looked back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the most special thing about my art is the medium, wool. It allows me tl create paintings, by stabbing it with a special barbed needle. This is the art of needle felting or dry felting.
To this day I am still amazed by the amount of detail that can be created with wool and it fills me with so much pleasure seeing the dogs’ portraits come to life and getting so many wonderful reactions from the recipients.
Up until today, most of my commissions come from the dog community on Instagram, where I am an active member with my dog’s account as well as my business account @furry_yarns
What I learned is that having meaningful connections with people, being friendly and honest, is what people appreciate and are essential when conducting a business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Belgium is great and offers lots of history, great food and chocolates as well as plenty of different beers.
When showing people around, I would start the tour at Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North. Next I would go to the Belgian coast, Antwerp and then Leuven. Since it’s a small country, it’s easy to get around and also stop at some of the many castles around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few artists that inspire me a lot. First of all Dani Ives, who taught me the art of needle felted dog portraits. Then there is Rita Spiegel and Stephanie Keita, who I met online through our love for dogs and art. Both of them create amazing watercolor paintings.

Instagram: @furry_yarns

Linkedin: @anntherie

Facebook: @furryyarns