Tutorial for Forest Friends (Gecko, Beaver, Bear)

🧶 Wooly Nest Basic Felting Guide

(Gecko • Beaver • Bear Set)

✨ What You’re Making

  • Gecko
  • Beaver
  • Bear

All three use the same simple felting method — just shaped differently.

🪡 Tools Needed

  • Felting needle
  • Felting pad
  • Wool pieces (included)

🧠 Before You Start

  • Poke straight up and down (don’t bend the needle)
  • Start soft, then slowly firm it up
  • Don’t rush — shaping takes time 🙂

🧱 Step 1: Make the Base Shapes

Gecko (Long & Slim)

  1. Roll wool into a small ball
  2. Stretch into a long oval body
  3. Add a thin tail and gently curve it
  4. Keep it slightly soft for shaping

Beaver (Round & Chubby)

  1. Roll wool into a large ball
  2. Slightly flatten the bottom so it sits
  3. Keep the shape round and full

Bear (Tall & Chunky)

  1. Roll wool into a large oval
  2. Make it a bit taller than the beaver
  3. Flatten the bottom so it stands

🎨 Step 2: Add Details

Gecko

  • Add tiny legs (small rolled pieces)
  • Attach gently to the sides
  • Add small toes if desired

Beaver

  • Add small arms and feet
  • Add a flat tail on the back
  • Add two tiny front teeth

Bear

  • Add round ears on top
  • Add arms and legs (slightly bigger than beaver)
  • Keep everything thick and soft

😊 Step 3: Add the Face

For ALL characters:

  • Use small pieces of black wool
  • Lightly poke to create:
    • Eyes
    • Nose
    • Mouth

👉 Try different expressions:

  • Gecko = happy
  • Beaver = relaxed
  • Bear = grumpy or sleepy 😄

🔒 Step 4: Firm & Shape

  • Lightly poke the entire figure
  • Smooth out loose fibers
  • Adjust shape as needed

🎉 You’re Done!

Each character should feel:

  • Soft but structured
  • Slightly fuzzy
  • Full of personality

💡 Pro Tip

Don’t aim for perfect —
the charm comes from how each one turns out a little different.