PDX Profile: Mel Orr, of haddy2dogs

So, it appears to me that crafters all over Portland are getting obsessed with needle-felting lately. And why not? It's so compelling! Case in point: Mel Orr's amazing needle-felted dolls and tapestries. They absolutely sparkle with these magical woodland personalities, and invite cuddling.

After you check out our interview, pay a visit to Mel's Etsy shop, haddy2dogs, and her new blog, too. You can contact her via Etsy for more info about her upcoming needle-felting classes.

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How did you get into needle felting, and how did you get so incredibly good at it?
Thanks for the compliment! I owned a gallery with a partner in Los Angeles. I was a painter and worked as a costumer in film and television. After my son was born, I didn't have time to paint. Of course I was itchy for an outlet, and saw a felted doll at a friend's house. I searched out the materials and was hooked.

I use my painting and apparel design background when I build my dolls. I spent a lot of time finding ways to get what I want. I teach the techniques I use in my workshops. What took me a year to figure out I can teach in 2 hours, and I love that.

Will you tell us a little about the Waldorf philosophy, and how it appears in your work?
The short answer is it is an artistic approach to education. In Waldorf school, storytelling is a major
component, and fairy tales help facilitate the imagination. How it specifically relates to my work is the idea of natural toys and open-ended play. My dolls do not have facial expressions.

Stepping off the Waldorf path, I also like that my faces allow for the viewer to react as they wish, deciding for themselves the mood or tone of the piece. I like to think my dolls express personality through body language, and don't need me to translate or spell out the story.

Aside from Waldorf, what else inspires you?
Everything - and sometimes, a need for answers.

Here is an example: my son is deaf, and when he was little, I went to a birthday party where they had 10 deaf kids and a pinata. I don't need to explain why you shouldn't blindfold a deaf child and hand him a large stick. I also noticed all the junk that poured out of the pinata. That day inspired my treasure balls. They are mini pinatas filled with natural toys and felted dolls. To open them, you play games like soccer or hot potato.

My students also inspire me. I love being in a room full of people sharing their creative energy.

A scientific question: just how many times have you stabbed your fingers by accident?
Yikes! If I kept count, I might scare you. When I first started felting, I just went for it stabbed myself quite a bit. Now I rarely do - only if I am really tired and multitasking. Who would have thought art could be so dangerous?

What do you think is the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
That is a hard question for me, since I somehow depend on instinct when I personally decide if something is art.

I think of art as the expression of creative skill, while craft more the skilled making things by hand.
Art simulates more complex dialogue and allows for each person to have a personal experience and
relationship with the piece. Craft is maybe learning step by step techniques from others. The great thing is, the line is always blurred when it comes to media and what we traditionally accept as art. I used to think scrapbooking was strictly craft until a student gave me the most beautiful book as a thank you. It was truly art. Of course, I can't pretend to really have an answer to that.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
SCRAP is always a great way to jump start a project. Gossamer is a new favorite of mine. It is really hard to find wool roving in Portland, and the owner has promised to stock up on plant dyed wool. The energy of her shop is just awesome. I used to love Chinatown, but sadly it has moved. I also volunteer teaching art and sign language at schools, I find children to be really creative and inspirational.