In 2018, Gurney hit a stage in her artistic career where she was striving to experiment with something new—whether that be a new material or new subject.
"I was not changing my subject—my greatest inspiration, and the best friend of all time—my dog Drift. Drift was aptly named after being found in a snow drift along the side of a road in West Virginia," the artist explained.
"Obviously when I learned about needle felting, I sculpted my boy. Creating a sculpture using just wool and a needle lured me in at its simplicity. Who knew the two materials, when combined, could create magic loved by thousands," she added.
What started as a heartfelt hobby has grown into a thriving business with a star-studded client list that includes Kelly Clarkson, Paris Hilton, and Michael Strahan. Alyson’s work — and her touching bond with Drift — has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, BuzzFeed, The Daily Mail, Insider, and more, capturing hearts with every tiny, felted face.
These days, Gurney also offers Little Felted Canvases — charming 3x3” two-dimensional pet portraits displayed on miniature wooden easels. And for those eager to try their hand at felting, DIY kits are coming soon!
When asked about the most challenging part, Gurney revealed that every dog, cat, or horse has a special sparkle in their eye.
“Their humans are deeply connected to them. It is my job to capture this essence—whether that be thru the way they hold their head, the little smile, or even the tiniest eyebrow raise,” the artist explained.
“I try to match every detail, from the paw pads to the smallest freckle,” she noted.
After creating thousands of felted pet portraits, choosing a favorite is no easy task — but for Gurney, a few commissions still hold a special place in her heart. Her custom slots often sell out in a flash, a testament to the love people have for her work.
“One lovely customer ended up with two slots — one was a surprise gift from her significant other for the same dog,” Gurney shared. “She noticed a comment on one of my posts from someone who had just lost their best friend and was heartbroken to miss out on a memorial spot. Without hesitation, she reached out and gifted her extra slot.”
“It’s little moments like that,” the artist added, “that remind me what a truly special community we’ve built in this tiny, felted world.”
As for inspiration, Gurney shared that it hits her daily— particularly at the dog park.
"When I greet other dogs, I find myself taking note of their features, special traits, different styles of ears, and overall presence. Each and every one is unique," she said.
While Gurney has sculpted countless golden retrievers, Labradors, or Yorkshire terriers, she has never met two that she can’t distinguish.
"Greeting new dogs daily, while going on adventures with my dog, keeps the creative river flowing," the artist added.
Gurney has always believed that the love and connection we share with our pets transcend the ordinary—and that’s exactly what she strives to capture with her felted sculptures.
"I started crafting my Little Felted Friends in 2018, inspired by the bond I saw between people and their pets. What began as a fun way to bring joy to friends quickly became my passion, and now, it’s my way of celebrating those special relationships one felted creation at a time."
