Using the ancient technique of felt making, Kristina Foley creates art and textiles that

infuse nature, warmth, and a wild opulence into everyday life. Since the domestication of

sheep over ten thousand years ago, felt making has evolved as an art form centering both

utility and beauty. Kristina honors this millennia-old relationship between human and

animal by celebrating the natural qualities of wool, infusing each piece with the essence of

the animal without compromising on ethics.

Kristina’s connection to the land as expressed through natural fibers and botanical color,

is reminiscent of the Dutch artist Claudy Jongstra, yet rooted in the vast, untamed beauty

of the American West. By building relationships with small, regional farms and mills to

source wool, she is part of a broader movement that begins with land stewardship and

connects to a domestic supply chain prioritizing regenerative farming practices, animal

welfare, and the safety of farm workers while collaborating with designers, artists, and

educators. A deeply personal sense of place shapes Kristina’s practice and

unwavering commitment to sustainability. The transparency of her artistic process emphasizes the

authenticity of the materials she uses. Like industry leader Stella McCartney, Kristina shares a commitment to animal

friendly design and chooses local and Responsible Wool Standard-certified wools for their

renewable, biodegradable, and enduring qualities. Her technique allows the raw beauty of

the fiber to emerge and transform through felt making, resulting in works of art that invite

a respectful, reciprocal connection with the beauty, utility, and spirit of the animal. Kristina Foley was introduced to

felting wool while completing a BFA in Fiber Structure and Interlocking at Syracuse University (2005), and continued her practice in Italy after

graduation. The artisan culture of Florence, along with her professional work for knitwear designer Boboutic,

has deeply influenced her craft. Kristina’s felted pieces highlight the incredible wool available from small

farms in the PNW and multi-generation fiber mills across the country.

Photos: Christine James

Photos - Christine James