Happy Shiba Inu Needle Felting Kit by Wizardi F07N8-W41

Felt the Happy Shiba Inu, a needle felting kit by Wizardi. Eyes closed, tongue out, arms up: this shiba inu is the happiest dog on the shelf.

Dog lovers say every puppy has one ear that never quite matches the other, and felters agree: a slightly lopsided ear is what makes a felted pup look alive.

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. Dog owners often make one that looks like their own pup, changing a patch of color here and there.

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 1.6 x 1.6 in (7 x 4 x 4 cm). Keep it on a desk or bookshelf, clip it to a bag or keys, or give it to a dog lover 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.