Maria Filipe Castro, affectionately known in the creative world as Droolwool, enchants audiences with her whimsical needle-felted creations. Settled in the UK, this Portuguese artist demonstrates an irresistible ability to transform mere wool into the most adorable, animated characters imaginable. Her felted friends burst with personality, each one a manifestation of her boundless creativity and dedication to her craft. Castro’s love for both cartoons and the Japanese art style of kawaii is evident in every detailed piece, as she cleverly combines elements of humor and charm that appeal to a wide range of admirers. Her creations often blur the lines between art and play, inviting interaction and igniting imagination.
The magic behind Castro’s creations can largely be attributed to her favorite subject matter: food and nature. These themes serve as endless wells of inspiration, fueling her creativity as she needle-felts her characters into vibrant life. Under her brand “Droolwool”, Castro crafts characters that aren’t merely cute — they’re infused with a ‘delicious’ aura, evoking both nostalgia and novelty. Whether it’s a petite plush pastry or a whimsical woodland creature, each character promises to elicit a smile and a sense of wonder. With each new piece, Castro continues to push the boundaries of her art, securing her place as a beloved figure in the world of playful, cartoon-inspired artistry.
Since I’ve discovered needle felting, It became my favorite medium to work with. Food and nature are my favorite subject. Under the name ‘droolwool’ I create ‘delicious’ and funny characters, that are inspired by cartoons and the kawaii style.
Maria Filipe Castro