# Felt-Made Fauxidermy Figures Kiyoshi Mino Combines Special Taxidermy and Eco-Friendly Art By Brandon Bastaldo | Published 2013-03-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-taxidermy References: [kiyoshimino](http://www.kiyoshimino.com/) & [kiyoshimino.blogspot](http://kiyoshimino.blogspot.ca/) In the age of the all-mighty Internet, activities like taxidermy have become nearly outdated, but now designer and burgeoning farmer Kiyoshi Mino's special taxidermy project is breathing some environmentally-friendly fresh air back into this outdated hobby. By definition, taxidermy involves hunting, preparing, stuffing and then mounting the skin of a dead animal. Although well practiced for hundreds of years, inventions like movies, photos and even the Internet began to replace people's desires to have exotic or never-before-seen animals above their fireplaces. The beauty of Kiyoshi's special taxidermy artwork is that his skillful [needle-felting technique](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-famiglia) on this collection of [faux animals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog) looks quite realistic, sometimes scarily authentic, while causing no actual harm to the [majestic creatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fahlo) these figures are modeled after. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Eco-friendly Taxidermy:** Opportunity for designers to create realistic, cruelty-free taxidermy figures using innovative techniques. - **Needle-felting Art:** Artists can explore needle-felting as a sustainable alternative to traditional taxidermy, offering unique and realistic creations. - **Reviving Outdated Hobbies:** The rise of eco-friendly taxidermy projects presents a chance for individuals to bring new life to previously declining interests. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can explore and capitalize on the growing demand for eco-friendly taxidermy artwork. - **Home Decor:** The home decor industry can benefit from offering cruelty-free taxidermy figures as unique and sustainable decorative pieces. - **Eco-tourism:** The eco-tourism industry can incorporate needle-felted taxidermy in wildlife exhibits and educational programs as a more ethical option. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Pet-Inspired Decor Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-pets.md) - [Felt-Made Novelty Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourdon-street-chippy.md) - [Sustainable Creative Craft Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fyrn-studio-series.md) - [Unique Hybrid Mystery Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-x-vegetable-gachapon.md) - [Furry Mycelium Sustainable Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aifunghi.md) - [Tiny Pet Habitat Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-animals.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Fluffy Organically-Shaped Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fallwinter-21-minimo.md) - [Reimagined Monolithic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fossil-furniture.md)