Woolbuddies: 20 Irresistibly Simple Needle Felting Projects

by Jackie Huang

You can see how cute these woolbuddies are. You're not going to believe how easy it is to make them! Tired of searching for special toys that weren't mass-produced, former Lucasfilm animator Jackie Huang created the beloved Woolbuddy, a collection of all-natural stuffed animals that reflect his unique imaginative vision. He went on to capture fans at craft fairs, Comic-Con, and specialty boutiques. Here Huang teaches readers, using just some wool and a needle, how to needle felt a wide-eyed owl, a toothy shark, a fuzzy sheep, a towering giraffe, and more. With step-by-step instructions and helpful how-to photographs, crafters can create clutchable keepsakes to be instantly enjoyed and forever cherished.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, How To, Art, Animals, Adult

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

JACKIE HUANG moved to Los Angeles after high school to attend the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. She studied illustration at Art Center College of Design. There she found a new way of storytelling through her love of paper art and pop-ups. Whether it’s through an unusual story twist, or a pop-up unfolding, Jackie believes in the magic of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Jackie works in the film industry and is proudly illustrating children's books.

Reviews

[Anna Nesterovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book for a beginner--such as me--who never tried felting, but wants to. It goes over the fundamentals, including choosing the tools and materials, which made it easy for me to buy my first felting needles and wool. After the initial hustle is over, it provides plenty of small, interesting, cute projects to choose from and make. The projects are interesting enough, there are enough of them to find something you'd like; they are well illustrated, the instructions are easy to follow; and most important, they are easy, easy enough to get it right on the first try. Like I said, a perfect beginner's book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, “What you are Looking for Is in the Library”, by Michiko Aoyama inspired me to learn about needle felting. The instructions are simple and the adorable Wool Buddies in this book have convinced me to buy my own copy of this book, and start making these for my family!!! Too cute!!!

[carol shull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to follow needle felting book.

This is my favorite instruction book. The directions are easy to follow and each project includes pictures. When I use Mr.Huang's directions I make a solid animal that I am proud give as gifts. I also feel comfortable using what I have learned to make my own new animals as well.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here's the thing, these are terribly cute but i realized i dont want to make them i just want to have some so, if any of my friends out there feel like making me a woolbuddy i would really appreciate it, i would keep it on my desk and it would make me smile and i would think of you and love you as much as i love my woolbuddy :D

[Coreena McBurnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to learn needle felting and was lucky enough to come across this book — I absolutely love it.
It starts with instructions for the basic techniques and tools, something I found invaluable and easy to follow. Then there are 20 projects divided by skill level. There are photos clearly showing how to do each step. I also love the Woolbuddy projects — they are fun and interesting, and kind of cartoonish. Both kids and adults really like them and there is lots of room for variation and personal touches.
I highly recommend this book for beginners, especially if you are not looking for realistic looking projects. The techniques are all clearly laid out and there are a good variety of projects to choose from. This is now my go-to book when I’m looking for inspiration for needle felting.

[H Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend this book as a place to start if you want to learn the craft of felting! It taught me all the basics very quickly. There are tons of fun and easy projects for beginners. The projects get gradually harder as you go through the book. I was planning on doing every project, but I unintentionally stopped at a certain point because I got to the stage where I could improvise and figure out things for myself, including adding attachments!

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

These creatures are so adorable! The step-by-step directions and photos are clear and accessible. I think most anyone could be successful in recreating these felted projects. The author/artist has a real sensibility for cuteness. The eyes are placed perfectly and the details are so impactful. These pieces remind me of Aardman creatures of Wallace and Gromit fame, so, can't go wrong with that! Although I won't be making anything from this book, there's a ton of inspiration here.

[nancy flack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and easy.

This is a very clever and challenging book. It has a lot of interesting and adorable animals to do. The instructions are simple to understand and could be adapted to your own ideas. Well done .

[Liz Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

A cute book with lots of creative ideas and lots of pointers for everyone from beginners to those looking for a challenge. The designs are whimsical and the instructions are easy to follow. There are also resources in the back of the book.

[Jemma Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

The instructions were pretty good with lots of practical advice, but I didn’t like the style of the specific wool buddies themselves. So 5 stars for information but considerably fewer for style.

[Jacki Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for beginning 'felters'. I recently made one of the animals from this book, and it was quite easy; the instructions were clear, and the photos helped me along my way.

[Marie Foulk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read

Look so easy to make. It gave me confidence to make a few. The instructions is easy to understand for beginners.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some day!

[Christy Morris-Colley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed instructions and loads of great ideas.

[Brianne Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to follow

As a newbie to needle felting I loved this book. Easy to follow along. The owl was my favorite first animal.

[Tricia Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great felting book. The directions are for a beginner and the ideas give lots of inspiration.

[Marlene Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend!

Even if I never make any of these, the creatures are so weird it made me laugh. Seriously though, lots of good instructions and photos to go with that.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable! It makes me want to felt wool, and make such cute animals.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the bugged-out eyes look, but this is a great place to start for beginners. I might try the littlest penguin. Beyond that, these patterns aren't to my personal taste.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

My gorgeous husband gave this to me for Christmas this morning and on first glance I was a bit hesitant, after all, do I really need another craft....
YES I DO!!!!
This book is so awesome, there are many photo's throughout the whole book that show you a variety of tools you can use and how to use them.
The 'Buddies' are separated into Simple, Moderate & Challenging and every one of them has detailed written instructions and lots of great photo's for the steps too.
They are all the cutest looking critters and I have just been online to order some tools so I can get started right away to make my own.
Even my husband is keen to have a go.....
I would recommend this book if you have looked at wool felted items and wanted to have a go, you will end up with some very cute critters that you can keep or would make great gifts.

[Jenny Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen these, seen kids doing this, and thought "Hmmm, I wonder..." but never really looked into it.

Reading this book did two things for me:
1) Made me realize how simple it truly is, and increased my desire to pick up the craft
2) Made me realize that despite number 1, I do need to wait until we move into a place that at least has a table, to preserve what knitting hasn't destroyed of my upper back.

Looking forward to making these this summer, though...great Christmas present ideas!

[Angela Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is hands-on adorable! If you are looking for your next craft or hobby, this it it! Learn the art of felting with a needle to create the cutest wool animals ever! The book is accompanied with step-by-step instructions and pictures to teach the beginner how to make the shape of the body and detailed aesthetics. Can't wait to get started!

P.S: Way easier than knitting.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific introduction to needle felting. Step by step instructions, excellent photos and very cute little projects to get you started. Each project has a detailed material list and clear photos of the process. The kits for the projects are also sold on the books website. An appealing book.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute - just not my wool craft right now!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Yolanda Derstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best needle felting books for those wanting to create whimsical toys.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the very peak of cuteness and I want to try it right NOW. I'm coming for you hobby lobby. Let the needle felting begin!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't make any of the projects - just put them at the bottom of an infinite to-do list.
But there were many cute animals, and if I ever make any, the round ones would be adorable cat toys.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make these fun cute little critters!! Someday.

[Irma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good beginners book.