Overview

Learn how to make your own needle-felted mudskippers from the artist behind, Mangroves – Tales from the Tide exhibition.

You will be guided by Darwin-based and nationally renowned textile artist Melanie Tribe, who specialises in vibrant 3D needle-felted sculptures. Melanie is also an experienced educator and has taught beginners the art of transforming wool fibres into textured, lifelike creations.

Specialising in dry needle felting, Melanie Tribe sculpts vibrant 3D forms — such as mangrove crabs, lobsters, and mudskippers — using dyed wool fibres and wire frames, capturing the essence of Darwin's coastal ecosystems. Her work often reflects her deep connection to the local environment, particularly the mangrove forests, which inspire her detailed and tactile artworks.

Melanie's artistic journey is rooted in her passion for nature and community engagement. She collaborates with fellow artists on projects like the Mangrove Ecosystem Installation, which combines recycled materials and felted sculptures to educate audiences about coastal biodiversity. This project has garnered national attention and is exhibited at Questacon, Australia's premier science museum.