Hamster with Strawberry Needle Felting Kit by Wizardi F07N8-126

Felt the Hamster with Strawberry, a needle felting kit by Wizardi. Pink cheeks, a brown stripe on the forehead and a strawberry almost as big as itself: this little hamster is ready for a snack.

Felters say the eyes always go in last, because the moment a little animal can look back at you it becomes very hard to keep poking it.

Why this kit: if you have never felted before, this is a small, forgiving first project, with no sewing and no pattern to follow, just colored wool and a barbed needle; most people finish it in an evening or two. Small and round, it is quick to finish and easy to make again as a gift.

Kit includes: wool roving in the design colors, felting tools and step-by-step picture instructions. Not included: small scissors for trimming stray fibers, which are handy but optional.

How to felt it: pull off small tufts of wool, roll them loosely and jab them with the felting needle, turning the shape as you go so it firms up evenly. Build the body first, then add the colored details and the face, and set the eyes last. Work on a foam pad or felting mat, keep your fingers clear of the needle tip and store the needles safely after use.

Finished size: about 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.6 in (7 x 5 x 4 cm). Keep it on a desk or bookshelf, clip it to a bag or keys, or give it as a small homemade gift; the kit itself is an easy stocking stuffer for teens and adults. Recommended for ages 14 and up; the felting needles are very sharp, so keep them away from young children.