Exeter Fine Crafts Instructor, Libby Mortensen loves to work with natural materials, such as wool, horsehair for whiskers, grapevines and feathers for nests, and beautiful prints in cotton quilted fabrics for her fabric collages. Many of the needle felted birds and animals she creates are in view from her studio window in Durham, NH, where they keep her entertained and inspired.

An artist and crafter from early childhood, learning crocheting from her grandmother and sewing from her mother, Libby set out to create many practical and whimsical doll clothes and accessories with little concern for the actual outcome. The fun of the creating was what kept her coming back to learn as many arts and crafts as she could.

Love of design has been a common theme throughout her life. Most of her career has been in Graphic Design and Marketing after studying art and botany at Duke University. Following a move to New Hampshire, Libby decided to delve deeper into creative life. Her small needle felted animal sculptures have wire armatures to make them poseable. She uses beeswax for the feet and fingers, using accessories that add a touch of whimsy and personality to each creature. Libby’s fabric collage fits well with her interest in color and texture, using thread painting and free motion quilting in each composition.

In addition to teaching part-time at EFC, Libby also teached fabric collage classes at the Portsmouth Fabric Company. She is also a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen. You can find her delightful felted animals in League galleries throughout the state.