Whangaparaoa based fibre artist Melanie McMinn creates interactive functional art that makes you reach out and touch- from fanciful Shark Fin Soaps to part pet sheep, part handbag totes to sophisticated 3D shibori felted scarves.

"Since antiquity, people have transformed piles of wool into useful items with water and agitation. Each object I felt combines ancient techniques, sustainable local fibres and modern sensibilities with a touch of whimsy. "

Melanie, who immigrated to New Zealand six years ago, comes from a long line of practical artisans in the Southern USA. "My mother quilts by hand, my father creates beautiful woodwork and ties gorgeous fly-fishing flies. My grandfather can build or fix anything. A dab hand with a lathe, he currently creates unique pens from unlikely ingredients like kitty litter and whole cloves. My roots drive me to concentrate on creating art that can be used as well as admired."

Shop: http://feltedkiwi.artfire.com
Blog: http://frugalkiwi.co.nz
Twitter: http://twitter.com/feltedkiwi