“Flatlay of colorful wool practice hearts for the Feltie Kits beginner needle-felting project.

Creative inspiration

What to Do With All Your
Practice Hearts


One of the sweetest parts of every Feltie Kit is the Practice Heart.

Each one comes in a surprise color, so if you’ve made a few kits, you might just end up with a whole rainbow of squishy little hearts. And while they’re designed to help you practice your needle felting skills, they quickly turn into something more—tiny keepsakes filled with creativity, patience, and a little bit of joy.

If you’re new to needle felting, the Practice Heart is where everything starts to click. It’s your low-pressure way to learn the basics before moving on to your main Feltie. But once you’ve made it… what do you actually do with it?

Let’s talk about that.

First—Why the Practice Heart Matters More Than You Think

Before we jump into ideas, it’s worth understanding why the Practice Heart is such an important part of your kit.

It’s not just a “test” piece.

It’s where you:

  • Learn how the wool reacts
  • Get comfortable with the needle
  • Practice shaping and smoothing
  • Build confidence

And because it’s small and forgiving, there’s no pressure to get it perfect.

That’s why every Feltie Kit includes one.

If you haven’t tried one yet, you can explore beginner-friendly kits here.

Watch Before You Start

Watch the full Practice Heart video tutorial below to see exactly how to make yours.

Pop Them in a Jar or Bowl (The Easiest Display Idea)

One of the simplest (and cutest) ways to use your practice hearts is to display them together.

Just place them in:

  • A clear glass jar
  • A ceramic bowl
  • A small decorative dish

As you make more Felties, your collection grows—and suddenly you’ve got a colorful, handmade display that feels personal and cozy.

It’s perfect for:

  • Shelves
  • Nightstands
  • Craft spaces
  • Desks

And every time you see them, you’ll remember the moment you made them.

Make a Heart Garland (So Cute It Hurts)

If you’ve collected a few hearts, turning them into a garland is such a fun next step.

All you need is:

  • Twine, ribbon, or string
  • A needle or small tool to thread through
  • Your finished hearts

Space them out evenly and hang your garland:

  • Above your craft table
  • Across a mantel
  • In a bedroom or workspace

It adds a soft, colorful, handmade touch to any space—and it’s one of those decorations that actually means something.

Turn Them Into Ornaments (Not Just for Christmas)

With one small addition—a loop of ribbon—your Practice Heart becomes an ornament.

And not just for the holidays.

You can hang them:

  • On a Christmas tree
  • On drawer knobs
  • On hooks or wall pegs
  • In a window

They also make adorable Valentine’s Day decorations or year-round reminders of something handmade.

Add Them to a Gift (The Sweetest Little Extra)

If you want to instantly make a gift feel more thoughtful, add a Practice Heart.

Tie it onto:

  • A wrapped present
  • A gift bag
  • A bouquet
  • A card

It turns even a simple gift into something personal.

And because it’s handmade, it carries meaning that store-bought add-ons just don’t have.

Share Them as Tiny Tokens of Love

This might be the most special way to use your Practice Hearts.

Leave them:

  • In a lunch bag
  • On someone’s pillow
  • On a coworker’s desk
  • In a friend’s car

Pair it with a small note, and it becomes a tiny moment of connection.

It’s simple—but it sticks with people.

Keep Them as a Memory of Your First Feltie

If your Practice Heart is your very first needle felting project, it’s worth keeping.

Because later, when you’ve made more detailed Felties—like the Salmon Sushi Feltie Kit or The Perfect Avocado Feltie Kit, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come.

Explore beginner kits here.

That first heart becomes:

  • A milestone
  • A reminder
  • A starting point

Use Them as Creative Styling Pieces

If you’re taking photos of your Felties (or even just styling your space), Practice Hearts are perfect little props.

Use them to:

  • Add color to flat lays
  • Fill space in photos
  • Create a cohesive aesthetic

They’re small—but they make everything feel more intentional.

Why These Little Hearts Mean So Much

At the end of the day, your Practice Hearts are more than just a warm-up.

They represent:

  • Trying something new
  • Slowing down
  • Creating with your hands

And those things matter.

In a world where so much is fast and digital, these tiny, handmade pieces feel different.

They’re real.

A Beginner-Friendly Way to Fall in Love With Felting

The Practice Heart is also what makes needle felting feel approachable.

You’re not jumping straight into a big project.

You’re starting small.

And that small win builds momentum.

That’s why Feltie Kits are designed the way they are—so you can feel confident from the very beginning.

Ready to Make More Felties?

Once you’ve made your Practice Heart, you’re ready for the next step.

And that’s where the real fun begins.

Explore the full collection of beginner-friendly Feltie Kits here.

Because every Feltie starts with a little fluff…and sometimes, a tiny heart.

 

FAQs

What is the practice heart in a needle felting kit?

It’s a small beginner project included to help you learn the basics before starting your main Feltie.

Do I have to make the practice heart first?

It’s recommended! It helps build confidence and makes the main project easier.

What can I do with my finished practice heart?

You can display it, gift it, turn it into decor, or keep it as a keepsake.

Is needle felting beginner-friendly?

Yes—especially with kits that include step-by-step tutorials.

How long does it take to make a practice heart?

Usually a few hours, depending on your pace.

Back to blog