Kentucky Needlefelt Artist
Born and raised on a farm in Kentucky, Diana has always had a soft spot for animals, wide open spaces, and making things with her hands. After graduating high school and attending college, she spent some time behind the mic at a local radio station before settling into a long and lively career at Heaven Hill Distillery — where she worked for nearly 42 years before retiring in 2023.
She's been married to the same fella since 1981, raised two great kids, and now soaks up all the fun (and a little chaos) that comes with two grandkids. Life on the farm keeps her busy, but it’s needle felting that truly makes her heart happy.
In 2024, Diana was thrilled to be juried into the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen — and she nailed it on her very first try! These days, you’ll find her blending colors, poking wool, and bringing everything from beloved pets to rolling landscapes to life, one careful stitch at a time.
Her work is all about capturing the spirit and personality of the people, pets, and places we hold dear — with a whole lot of heart in every piece.
Diana McDonald is a Needlefelt Artist from Kentucky.
Needlefelting is so much fun!
There’s nothing better than taking a handful of colorful wool, a little imagination, and a lot of tiny pokes to bring a piece to life. Animals are my favorite subject — I love their personalities, their funny little quirks, and especially their eyes. Eyes are where the magic happens. Capturing that spark, that mischievous glint or soulful gaze, is always the part I enjoy the most.
Custom pet portraits are some of my favorite projects. It’s such a joy to take a beloved photo and turn it into something soft, colorful, and full of life. Every piece is made with a lot of heart (and a lot of poking) until it feels like it’s ready to jump off the wool.
Needle felting is a slow, happy kind of art. I mix and match colors, blend wool to get just the right shades, and work patiently until the right expression shines through. I hope when people see my work, they feel the same warmth and joy I feel while creating it.