Tatyana Barakova is an artist living in St. Petersburg, Russia who has a unique skill for crafting animals from a very common material: wool. Unlike taxidermists, who stuff real animal skin to accurately portray his or her subject, Barakova’s creations are made entirely from scratch using 100 percent sheep wool (other than the glass eyes, of course). She uses needle felting techniques. If you’d like to learn more about the basics of needle felting, there are many great tutorials for beginners looking to pick up the craft.
This little hedgehog captured our hearts the moment we saw it.
By staging her animals in nature, Tatyana brings an extra level of reality to her work.
We still aren’t entirely convinced that this isn’t a real pug.
These otters are double trouble.
Disney should hire Tatyana to make their Dumbo dolls.
We give up. This is too cute. Look how small it is next to those leaves.
These puppies are wondering why you’re still reading this article and not on a plane to Russia to buy one of these lovely animals.
Aw, she even made a little hat to go with it.
This baby panda is full of wonder.
What a nice scarf. Honestly, Tatyana could make a good living designing miniature clothing for dolls.
She perfectly captures that guilty look we’ve seen on our pet’s face so many times.
Good luck finding a real piglet who will sit still long enough to wear a tutu.
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