Needle felting teddy bears for beginners

Now available in the States, this UK import will appeal to any lover of teddy bears who yearns for make-it-yourself. A simple process, needle felting requires only three kinds of materials: wool (or batts, carded fibers sold in sheets), a felting needle, and a foam board. Authors Dace and Balchin codify the how-to's, starting with a complete course focusing on the fabrication of a basic bear: from creating the body to joining, tufting, and adding a nose, a mouth, and rosy cheeks. More than 20 mini bears are costumed in almost any getup imaginable, including circus performer, baker, bride and groom, and burlesque bear. Each features step-by-step captioned color photographs to illustrate the elemental points of construction, along with "Teddy Tips," such as needling over the cover holes for buttons to avoid possible toddler mishaps. The finale? A teddy-bear picnic, complete with felted foodstuffs--cupcakes, breads, cookies, and cakes. One page of templates is appended; more specific patterns (such as the circus ball) are included in the appropriate instructions. These cuddly creatures are sure to please.