Artist Feature April 2026 - Diana Runniff - Crafty Pals

In this very first of a series of upcoming artist features, we're delighted to introduce the work of our long-term customer Diana Runniff.

Diana is the maker behind Craftypals, and creates beautifully detailed needle felted animal portraits inspired by a love of wildlife and the special connection we have with our pets. Using carefully selected fibres and a great deal of skill and patience, her work focuses on capturing not just the likeness of an animal, but its personality and spirit.

Having worked together for number of years, we’ve been inspired to see the beautiful works Diana has created, using our fibres to beautiful effect. We’re very pleased to be able to share a little more about her work and creative approach.

In her own words:

Hi, my name is Diana and my art is dedicated to capturing the wonder, character, and gentle magic of wildlife and nature. I specialise in creating pet portraits, recreating your special fur babies using the art of needle felting.

Capturing your best friends in wool, I’m just a human with a needle and a dream — transforming photographs into tiny masterpieces, one poke at a time.

Alongside pet portraits, I also create 2D animal portraits and whimsical 3D sculptures by layering and sculpting wool fibres with a single needle. My favourite supplier for fibres is, naturally, Sweet Pea Dolls.

Each piece is a labour of love, designed to capture the unique spirit of your pets and the beauty of the natural world — from miniature replicas to more imaginative creations.

Find Diana’s work

You can explore more of Diana’s creations or get in touch about a commission here:

• Website: https://craftypals.shop/
• Facebook: Craftypals
• Email: craftypals1@gmail.com