About Ethelwerx
From VFX artist to heartfelt creator of needle-felted portraits.
A Personal Loss Sparked a Creative Journey
In 2023, I lost my beloved dog. I wanted something more than a photo—something I could see and hold to feel close to her. So I created a clunky little felt ornament for my Christmas tree. It wasn’t perfect, but it became a meaningful "touchstone" of love.
When a friend saw it, she asked if I could make one for someone she knew. That small act of sharing grief and beauty turned into something bigger. I began crafting felted portraits for others—and with each one, I saw how much joy and healing they could bring.
Craft Meets Heart
As an artist trained in fine arts and sculpture, I bring a deep love of form and expression to every piece. I studied at OCAD, spent a year in Florence, Italy refining my skills in proportion and observation, and later earned my B.F.A from the University of Guelph.
After graduation, I studied computer animation at Sheridan College and went on to work in visual effects. It was rewarding—but over time, I found myself craving something more tactile, personal, and emotionally true.
Creating these portraits is a return to the creative spark I had as a child—mixed with the skill and care I’ve built over a lifetime.
Why Ethelwerx?
“Ethelwerx” is a nod to old English craftsmanship—handmade work that lasts. It’s also named in honour of my maternal grandmother, Ethel, who was incredibly creative with sewing and felt. She made me my one and only Christmas stocking—something I still cherish to this day.
Each needle-felted portrait I create is a one-of-a-kind piece, sculpted from natural and synthetic wool, often posed on a symbolic object (like a bone or fish), and designed to reflect the unique spirit of your pet or loved one.
These pieces are more than ornaments—they’re love touchstones. Tiny sculptures that help us hold onto the essence of those we love most.