Standing Giraffe Needle Felting Kit by Charivna Mit V-92C

Felt the Standing Giraffe, a needle felting kit by Charivna Mit: a long-legged standing giraffe with rust-red patches, a brown mane and a tufted tail.

A giraffe's long neck has just seven bones, the same number as ours, and each one can be longer than a ruler.

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. 5 wool colors give it lifelike shading without being fiddly. Czech Preciosa beads add the eyes and a little sparkle.

Kit includes: 5 colors of Corriedale wool, 1 color of Czech Preciosa beads, a pipe cleaner for the frame, 2 felting needles, a color pattern and an instruction chart. 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 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 16×8 cm (6.3×3.1 in). Stand it on a shelf, desk or windowsill, or give it as a homemade gift for animal lovers, nature fans 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.