Yorkshire Sheep Art – Original Felt Art – ‘You’re Not My Boss’ FRAMED size: 71 x 63cm

Yorkshire sheep artwork, “You’re Not My Boss” is an original felt landscape artwork inspired by the beautiful countryside near Burnsall in North Yorkshire. It captures a memorable standoff between a determined sheep and a collie, set against the rolling Yorkshire countryside.

‘You’re Not My Boss’ Yorkshire Sheep Artwork, Burnsall

MEDIUM: Original felt landscape artwork using merino wool and mixed fibres
STYLE: Yorkshire felt landscape and sheep art
LOCATION: Burnsall, North Yorkshire
SUBJECT: Yorkshire sheep art / Yorkshire countryside landscape

The Inspiration for My Yorkshire Sheep Artwork

This piece explores the character and heritage of the Yorkshire sheep industry. It was created for an exhibition at Leeds Industrial Museum, in collaboration with the International Feltmakers Association (Region 10). The exhibition reflected on the impact of industrialisation on both rural life and the natural environment.

The artwork captures a striking moment: a sheep and a collie dog locked in a quiet standoff. This interaction became the inspiration for the title “You’re Not My Boss”.

My Personal Connection to the Artwork

Where possible, I enjoy incorporating my four childhood pet sheep into my work. This piece is especially personal, created using a photograph I originally took during my GCSE photography course in the 1990s.

In reimagining the scene, I have integrated my four childhood sheep into the landscape, set against the rolling North Yorkshire hills near Burnsall.

I have also replaced my father’s mixed-breed farm dog from the original photograph with a collie, reflecting the traditional working sheepdogs used in the Yorkshire sheep industry.

Featured in the Yorkshire Post

This artwork has also been featured in the Yorkshire Post, recognising its connection to Yorkshire’s rural heritage and storytelling through felt art.

A Little Poem to go with the Yorkshire Sheep Artwork

Burnsall, a Yorkshire beauty spot,
With rolling hills of green.
Where sheep graze freely in the fields,
A peaceful, timeless scene.

So many walks for all to enjoy,
With views to restore your soul.
De-stress with every step,
As nature makes you whole.

One ewe stomps with a stubborn glare,
She stamps her feet and does declare,
“You’re not my boss!” She lowers her head,
The sheepdog admits defeat instead.

About the Yorkshire Sheep Artwork

This original felt landscape artwork is handmade using merino wool and mixed fibres. I build the landscape by layering and arranging coloured wool fibres, using the wool much as a painter would use paint.

Each felt artwork is individually handmade, making every piece completely unique.

Colours may vary slightly from the photographed artwork.

Artwork Details

TITLE: “You’re Not My Boss” – Burnsall, Yorkshire Sheep Art
MEDIUM: Original felt landscape artwork
APPROX. ARTWORK SIZE: 50 × 40cm
FRAMED SIZE: 71 × 63cm

Professionally framed using acid-free double-thickness mountboard within a white wooden frame and fitted with museum-quality anti-reflective glass.

Colours may vary slightly from the photographed work.

The Process

Drawing on my Fine Art degree, I create my felt landscapes using merino wool and mixed fibres as a painter would use oils or watercolours. Layers of coloured wool fibres are carefully arranged to build the landscape before being transformed into felt using the traditional wet felting technique.

Hot soapy water and friction open the tiny scales on the wool fibres, allowing them to bind together. During this process, the wool naturally shrinks by around 15–20%, creating one piece of felt.

Once the felt has dried, I use needle felting to refine details and add texture to the finished artwork.

Click here to read more about the process.

A Meaningful Yorkshire Gift

This Yorkshire sheep artwork would make a unique and thoughtful gift for anyone with a love of Yorkshire, sheep, farming heritage or the countryside.

It could make a special birthday, wedding, anniversary or Christmas gift, or simply a lovely piece of original artwork for someone who has a connection with the Yorkshire Dales.

Postage and Delivery

UK: Your original artwork will be carefully packaged with card and bubble wrap to ensure it arrives safely. It will be sent via Parcelforce / Royal Mail Tracked 24, fully tracked, insured and signed for.

International: The artwork can be purchased and shipped via Royal Mail / Parcelforce tracked and signed-for international delivery. Please contact me to arrange this.