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Inspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking Animals
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Inspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking Animals

I Use Upcycled Faux Fur Fabric To Create Realistic-Looking AnimalsInspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking AnimalsI Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking AnimalsI Create Realistic-Looking Animals From Upcycled Faux Fur Fabric (23 Pics)I Sew Realistic-Looking Animals From Upcycled Faux Fur FabricI Create Realistic-Looking Animals From Upcycled Faux Fur Fabric Inspired By NatureInspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking AnimalsInspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking AnimalsInspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking AnimalsInspired By Nature, I Upcycle Faux Fur Fabric By Sewing It Into Realistic-Looking Animals
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I’m Rachel Austin, a textile artist from The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Greatly inspired by nature and my beautiful surroundings, I love the challenge of working out how to cut fabric pieces, which when sewn together and stuffed, form realistic-looking animals. I mainly use unwanted faux fur fabric and hand sew it into tactile pieces of art. So far I’ve created animals from little birds to life-size badgers! I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoy making them.

If you would like to know more, pop over to my Facebook or Instagram.

Thank you for reading!

More info: Facebook | Instagram | Etsy

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Curious cub

Badger & the butterfly

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Peek-A-Boo!

By the riverbank

Swallows

Willow tit

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Kestrel in flight

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Unicorn head – sewn from a fleecy throw

Song thrush

Image credits: www.etsy.com

Howling wolf cub

Jenny Wren singing

Poseable baby fawn

Baby scrap dragon

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Meeting on meadows gate

Flying sparrow

Off for a hop about

Magpie

Blue-eyed baby

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Rachel Austin

Rachel Austin

Author, Community member

Read more »

Textile artist from Gloucestershire

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Rachel Austin

Rachel Austin

Author, Community member

Textile artist from Gloucestershire

What do you think ?
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Helen Rg Lockwood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel your work is truly stunning,so realistic and even more so when you see it "in real life",such a talented artist,i love your work.

Lisbeth Kolstad
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are fantatic Rachel, your animals is so real! Beautiful work!!

Sarah Brown
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are just absolutely fabulous!!!!! Love your work!! Can't wait to see more 🙂🙂

Brett Lewis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These creations are so realistic. Such painstaking work appears to go into each one. Really clever and amazing.

Yvonne Hughes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wish I had a small fraction of your talent. All of your work is amazing, including your books by the way. Excellent service too :-)

Patricia Conner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel’s work is amazing! So realistic from the fur/feathers to the eyes, nose, tails, colors, feet/paws, talons, beaks you would think you were looking at the real thing. Oh, and how she photographs them gives them an even more realistic look! I have purchased a hummingbird and am so happy With it. Her smaller figures have the most adorable expressions! Absolutely amazing!

Den Cross
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your work is amazing. I am amazed at how life-like and beautiful these animals are. They are a real work of art.

Bluebell Rizzi
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are adorable! So much talent, and the vision! I wish my mind worked that way! ^ ^ <3

Michelle Allgood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This lady is an incredibly talented textile artist! I’ve followed her work over the last few years and am always impressed but the clever use of wool and fabrics to create these fantastic works of art! Keep up the wonderful work Rachel!

David Crook
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel wow fantastic what you do you have a special talent there

Jane Upson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This artist is completely self taught, Her work is stunning and her creations are magical !

Kesyra
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That hare has stolen my heart! These are just magical!

Cheryl Davis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An incredibly intuitive artiste who captures the true personality of these delightful creations. Her work is of the highest standard and each creation puts that bar higher and higher.

Slune
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel you are a gifted artist! The results of your craftsmanship, patience and passion are stellar! And the extra benefit for recycling the not degradable "fun fur " you got 100 points from me :)) It makes me always angry when people / designer shouting out about genuine leather (100% recyclable)

Slune
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too fast... and use the synthetic materials without thinking twice.

Load More Replies...
Michelle Allgood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This lady has to be one of the most talented textile artists I’ve come across over the last few year. Very inspirational and a clever way of up cycling fabric! Keep up the fabulous work Rachel!

Ron Burton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw some of Rachel’s work a while ago, and thought at the time that it couldn’t ever get any better, but these latest creations have proved me wrong. Brilliant work, now with the added creative dimension of incorporating upcycled materials. Incredibly good work.

Richard Harper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your such a brilliant artist Rachel, your work is so beautiful , the animals are so realistic and they all have there own characters ! Wonderful !

Ames C
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love watching your creative journey unfold, your natural talent bloom over the years. You truly have the gift of combining whimsy with realism. Each character’s personality seems to shine through, telling of their adventures. And the incredible attention to detail by incorporating up-cycled materials highlights the underlying message of caring for our one & only planet. I’m always looking forward to seeing what emerges next from your hands. Because from across the pond, it brings a smile to my day. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with all of us by pulling us into your magical world.

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jenny wren stole my heart for the reference and the lovely workmanship!

Elaine Simpson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just love your work just when I think it can’t get any better it does, amazing x

Jill Callender
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel’s work is fantastic and so realistic. I am in awe at what she makes. I am lucky enough to own one of her mice and the workmanship is fantastic. I look forward to see what she makes -BRILLIANT ARTIST

Daniel Smith
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of My favourite animals are hares. Beautiful. Reminds me of Hartley the Hare when I was young

Adz King
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love your passion Rachel, its amazing to have such vision and to follow it through with such dedication and recreate beautiful gifts from mother nature is mind blowing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sue Davidson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're all amazing but I love the badger most of all and then the hare! It's not real fur though is it?

Kate Clempson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful woodland creatures. They are all wonderful but the Hare has my heart ❣

Kate Clempson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel, I love your woodland creatures. Absolutely magical !! I love them all but the Hare has my heart ❣

Jenny Marchant
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful sculptures, so realistic with eyes that follow you around! Need to see more of these beautiful creatures

Sally Gorman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow what a great way to upcycle! Makes me want to dust off my sewing machine! 😅

SirPatTheCat
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are the bird legs? Painted wire? (Also these are really good!!)

Leonnie Fisher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel I cannot get over how incredible your creations are. I think these should be used in a campaign, something like “why use real fur, when you can use faux fur” it could really go a long way to saving animals who are killed for their fur. X

Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leonnie thank you! What a great slogan that is! Any awareness raised against animal cruelty from my little creations would be amazing xxx

Load More Replies...
Paul Hill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

amazing works of art, using nothing but unwanted items ……..Bravo

Angelica Pasquali
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is an ossum way to upcycle and a reminder that even though it's not real fur, we shoulnd't wear this amazing animals :) very well done and very creative!!

Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! Most of the faux fur coats / clothing I have been given because they had slight ‘damage’ and most likely destined for landfill 😬 so I’m glad I could make use of them and transform them into something others might enjoy 😀 ❤️

Load More Replies...
Milena
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing and lovely and heartwarming! Thank you for sharing your inspiring art and craftsmanship.

Paula Tongs-Ketteringham
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love your work Rachel, you have inspired me to try my hand at needle felting 😀

Phil Boswell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are gorgeous, but did the "swallow" and "willow tit" pictures get swapped?

Margo Connors
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i swear, rachel, your work is nothing short of magic. you are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie Benjamin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you upcycle real fur? Or would that be weird? This is way better than taxidermy. True works of art!

Paul Hill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

absolutely awesome work, its amazing how you can recycle these unwanted items into intricate works of art

Tracy Steen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow these are just adorable and beautifully made! I’m in love and I hope that you’ll sell these because I’d buy them in s heartbeat!

Michelle Muirhead
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am astounded as to how realistic your animals are. I want to smoosh them all.

Helen Rg Lockwood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel your work is truly stunning,so realistic and even more so when you see it "in real life",such a talented artist,i love your work.

Lisbeth Kolstad
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are fantatic Rachel, your animals is so real! Beautiful work!!

Sarah Brown
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are just absolutely fabulous!!!!! Love your work!! Can't wait to see more 🙂🙂

Brett Lewis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These creations are so realistic. Such painstaking work appears to go into each one. Really clever and amazing.

Yvonne Hughes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wish I had a small fraction of your talent. All of your work is amazing, including your books by the way. Excellent service too :-)

Patricia Conner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel’s work is amazing! So realistic from the fur/feathers to the eyes, nose, tails, colors, feet/paws, talons, beaks you would think you were looking at the real thing. Oh, and how she photographs them gives them an even more realistic look! I have purchased a hummingbird and am so happy With it. Her smaller figures have the most adorable expressions! Absolutely amazing!

Den Cross
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your work is amazing. I am amazed at how life-like and beautiful these animals are. They are a real work of art.

Bluebell Rizzi
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are adorable! So much talent, and the vision! I wish my mind worked that way! ^ ^ <3

Michelle Allgood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This lady is an incredibly talented textile artist! I’ve followed her work over the last few years and am always impressed but the clever use of wool and fabrics to create these fantastic works of art! Keep up the wonderful work Rachel!

David Crook
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel wow fantastic what you do you have a special talent there

Jane Upson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This artist is completely self taught, Her work is stunning and her creations are magical !

Kesyra
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That hare has stolen my heart! These are just magical!

Cheryl Davis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An incredibly intuitive artiste who captures the true personality of these delightful creations. Her work is of the highest standard and each creation puts that bar higher and higher.

Slune
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel you are a gifted artist! The results of your craftsmanship, patience and passion are stellar! And the extra benefit for recycling the not degradable "fun fur " you got 100 points from me :)) It makes me always angry when people / designer shouting out about genuine leather (100% recyclable)

Slune
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too fast... and use the synthetic materials without thinking twice.

Load More Replies...
Michelle Allgood
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This lady has to be one of the most talented textile artists I’ve come across over the last few year. Very inspirational and a clever way of up cycling fabric! Keep up the fabulous work Rachel!

Ron Burton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw some of Rachel’s work a while ago, and thought at the time that it couldn’t ever get any better, but these latest creations have proved me wrong. Brilliant work, now with the added creative dimension of incorporating upcycled materials. Incredibly good work.

Richard Harper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your such a brilliant artist Rachel, your work is so beautiful , the animals are so realistic and they all have there own characters ! Wonderful !

Ames C
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love watching your creative journey unfold, your natural talent bloom over the years. You truly have the gift of combining whimsy with realism. Each character’s personality seems to shine through, telling of their adventures. And the incredible attention to detail by incorporating up-cycled materials highlights the underlying message of caring for our one & only planet. I’m always looking forward to seeing what emerges next from your hands. Because from across the pond, it brings a smile to my day. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with all of us by pulling us into your magical world.

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jenny wren stole my heart for the reference and the lovely workmanship!

Elaine Simpson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just love your work just when I think it can’t get any better it does, amazing x

Jill Callender
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel’s work is fantastic and so realistic. I am in awe at what she makes. I am lucky enough to own one of her mice and the workmanship is fantastic. I look forward to see what she makes -BRILLIANT ARTIST

Daniel Smith
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of My favourite animals are hares. Beautiful. Reminds me of Hartley the Hare when I was young

Adz King
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love your passion Rachel, its amazing to have such vision and to follow it through with such dedication and recreate beautiful gifts from mother nature is mind blowing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sue Davidson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're all amazing but I love the badger most of all and then the hare! It's not real fur though is it?

Kate Clempson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful woodland creatures. They are all wonderful but the Hare has my heart ❣

Kate Clempson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel, I love your woodland creatures. Absolutely magical !! I love them all but the Hare has my heart ❣

Jenny Marchant
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful sculptures, so realistic with eyes that follow you around! Need to see more of these beautiful creatures

Sally Gorman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow what a great way to upcycle! Makes me want to dust off my sewing machine! 😅

SirPatTheCat
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are the bird legs? Painted wire? (Also these are really good!!)

Leonnie Fisher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rachel I cannot get over how incredible your creations are. I think these should be used in a campaign, something like “why use real fur, when you can use faux fur” it could really go a long way to saving animals who are killed for their fur. X

Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leonnie thank you! What a great slogan that is! Any awareness raised against animal cruelty from my little creations would be amazing xxx

Load More Replies...
Paul Hill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

amazing works of art, using nothing but unwanted items ……..Bravo

Angelica Pasquali
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is an ossum way to upcycle and a reminder that even though it's not real fur, we shoulnd't wear this amazing animals :) very well done and very creative!!

Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! Most of the faux fur coats / clothing I have been given because they had slight ‘damage’ and most likely destined for landfill 😬 so I’m glad I could make use of them and transform them into something others might enjoy 😀 ❤️

Load More Replies...
Milena
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing and lovely and heartwarming! Thank you for sharing your inspiring art and craftsmanship.

Paula Tongs-Ketteringham
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love your work Rachel, you have inspired me to try my hand at needle felting 😀

Phil Boswell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are gorgeous, but did the "swallow" and "willow tit" pictures get swapped?

Margo Connors
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i swear, rachel, your work is nothing short of magic. you are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie Benjamin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you upcycle real fur? Or would that be weird? This is way better than taxidermy. True works of art!

Paul Hill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

absolutely awesome work, its amazing how you can recycle these unwanted items into intricate works of art

Tracy Steen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow these are just adorable and beautifully made! I’m in love and I hope that you’ll sell these because I’d buy them in s heartbeat!

Michelle Muirhead
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am astounded as to how realistic your animals are. I want to smoosh them all.

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