Pip’s Little Felt Heart

❤️A little pocket reminder that you are loved.

Welcome to the Together Wood Forest!

Have you ever missed someone when they weren't right beside you? Perhaps you've felt a little wobbly inside when saying goodbye, starting somewhere new or doing something for the very first time.

Pip the Possum knows that feeling.

Pip loves to juggle. Toss, catch, toss! But sometimes, when Pip feels nervous, even juggling can seem a little tricky.

When Pip goes to Miss Owl's Bush School, she carries a little felt heart in her pocket. Whenever she misses her family, she can look at her heart and remember that she is loved.

And now, you can make a little heart of your very own!

Let's make a little Pocket Promise

Miss Owl is here to show you how to make a simple felt heart to keep somewhere special.

It might be a little reminder of the people who love you, something to hold when you're missing someone, or simply a special little creation you've made together.

What you'll need

Two small pieces of red felt
A paper heart template
A pencil or fabric marker
Scissors
A needle and embroidery thread
A little stuffing, if you'd like your heart to be soft and puffy

Ask a grown-up to help with the cutting and sewing. Needles, scissors and small craft materials should always be handled with appropriate adult supervision. Keep small materials away from children under three.

Let's make it together!

Step 1: Draw your heart

Draw a heart shape on a piece of paper and cut it out to make your template.

Step 2: Cut out your felt

Place your template on the felt and ask a grown-up to help you cut out two matching heart shapes.

Step 3: Put your hearts together

Place the two felt hearts on top of each other, with the edges lined up.

Step 4: Start stitching

With a grown-up's help, carefully stitch around the edge of your heart. Leave a small opening if you'd like to add stuffing.

Step 5: Make it soft

Pop a little stuffing inside to make your heart soft and puffy. You can also leave it flat if you prefer.

Step 6: Finish your heart

Carefully stitch the opening closed and secure the thread with a grown-up's help.

There you are! Your very own little felt heart.

Keep it somewhere special, perhaps in a pocket or a little treasure box, as a reminder of the people who care about you.

A little conversation with your little one

Making something together can be a lovely way to start a conversation about feelings, belonging and the people who help us feel safe.

While you make your heart, you might like to ask:

Who are the people who make you feel loved?
What helps you when you miss someone?
Is there a special person you can talk to when you feel worried or sad?
What would you like your little heart to remind you of?

There are no right or wrong answers. Take your time, listen to your child and let the conversation unfold naturally.

Your child might want to talk, draw a picture or simply enjoy making something with you. All of those things are okay.

A thought from Miss Owl

“Hoo-hoo, little owlets!

Sometimes we feel happy, sometimes we feel sad, and sometimes our tummies feel all fluttery when we're doing something new.

Those feelings are all part of being human.

Your little heart can remind you that you are loved. And remember, if you ever feel worried or need a helping wing, it's always okay to talk to a grown-up you trust.

You don't have to manage big feelings all by yourself.

Until our next little forest adventure!”

Keep exploring the Together Wood Forest

Pip's little felt heart is one small way to bring the ideas behind The Hoot Hoot Way into everyday family life.

Through stories, songs, activities and conversations with Miss Owl, we hope to help children explore feelings, friendship, belonging and the importance of having caring adults who listen.

We believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard and valued.

Would you like to meet more of our forest friends?

Discover The Hoot Hoot Way and join us for more little adventures in the Together Wood Forest.