Tutorial for Storybook Characters (Bear, Pig, Donkey)

🧶 Wooly Nest Basic Felting Guide

(Storybook Bear • Little Pig • Donkey Set)

✨ What You’re Making

  • Storybook Bear
  • Little Pig
  • Donkey

All three follow the same simple felting method — just different shapes and features.

🪡 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
  • Work slowly — shaping is the most important part 🙂

🧱 Step 1: Make the Base Shapes

Bear (Round & Classic)

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

Pig (Small & Upright)

  1. Roll wool into a small oval
  2. Keep it slightly taller than it is wide
  3. Leave space for ears and snout

Donkey (Tall & Lean)

  1. Roll wool into a long oval
  2. Shape into a slightly slouched sitting pose
  3. Keep the body slimmer than the others

🐾 Step 2: Add Body Features

Bear

  • Add round ears on top
  • Add small arms and feet
  • Keep everything soft and chubby

Pig

  • Add two large pointed ears
  • Add a small round snout to the front
  • Add tiny arms and legs

Donkey

  • Add long ears on top
  • Add a long snout to the face
  • Add a small tail on the back
  • Add a tuft of wool on the head

😊 Step 3: Add the Face

For ALL characters:

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

👉 Keep expressions simple:

  • Bear = calm
  • Pig = friendly
  • Donkey = slightly sleepy or shy

🔒 Step 4: Shape & Refine

  • Lightly poke all over to:
    • Firm up the structure
    • Smooth loose fibers
  • Adjust shapes as needed

🎉 You’re Done!

Each character should feel:

  • Soft but structured
  • Slightly fuzzy
  • Unique and handmade

💡 Pro Tip

Small imperfections make each character special —
that’s what gives them their storybook charm.