Hamster with a Sunflower Seed Needle Felting Kit by Charivna Mit V-135C

Felt the Hamster with a Sunflower Seed, a needle felting kit by Charivna Mit: a round golden hamster with bead eyes clutching a big black sunflower seed.

Hamsters carry their food in stretchy cheek pouches that reach all the way back to their shoulders, and a big sunflower seed is their favorite prize.

Why this kit: there is no sewing and no pattern to count, just colored wool, a barbed needle and a clear color scheme, so even a first-time felter can follow along. With just 4 wool colors it is a quick, forgiving project for a first try. Czech Preciosa beads add the eyes and a little sparkle.

Kit includes: 4 colors of New Zealand wool, Czech Preciosa beads, chenille wire, 2 felting needles, a color scheme and instructions. Made in Ukraine. Not included: a foam felting pad to work on and small scissors for trimming stray fibers.

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 the head, legs and colored details, following the color scheme. Then add the bead details and the wire parts as the instructions show. Work on a foam pad, keep your fingers clear of the needle tip and store the needles safely after use.

Finished size: about 11.5×8.5 cm (4.5×3.4 in). Stand it on a shelf, desk or windowsill, or give it as a homemade gift for pet lovers, teens and friends; the kit itself is an easy present for teens and adults. Recommended for ages 14 and up; the felting needles are very sharp, so keep them away from young children.