Zebra

Bear Creek Felting Safari V

September 2–9, 2026 • Fort Ransom, North Dakota

Settle into Fort Ransom — a small, scenic town tucked in a lush valley where rolling hills, winding rivers, and golden fields make the perfect backdrop for creativity. For seven slow, joyful days, we’ll gather around the tables, laugh, learn, and bring a zebra to life—stripe by stripe—while sharing stories, good food, and the kind of easy companionship that only comes from creating side by side.

We arrive as strangers with a shared love for felting, and by the end of the week, we’ve woven something far richer—a lasting bond that’s hard to leave behind.

🚫 This Retreat Is Currently Sold Out

All available spots for the 2026 Felting Safari have been filled.
If you’d like to be notified if a spot opens, you’re welcome to join the waitlist below.

Join the Waitlist

What to Expect:

For seven wonderful days, we’ll gather in the heart of Fort Ransom, surrounded by rolling hills, winding river bends, and the easy rhythm of small-town life. Each morning begins with the aroma of breakfast from Chef Libbie’s kitchen, followed by long stretches of creative time spent felting together at the Fort Ransom Community Hall, just steps from Teresa’s studio.

Our main project for the week will be a lifelike zebra sculpture — a challenge both exciting and rewarding. Teresa will guide you through every stage:

  • Building a strong firm sculpture

  • Sculpting and shaping wool to the correct proportions

  • Adding those distinctive stripes and finishing details

But this retreat is more than just learning a technique — it’s about slowing down and connecting. During felting sessions, we’ll share laughter, stories, and wisdom gathered from years of creativity.

When we are not felting you’ll have time to explore the charm of Fort Ransom — a quiet town tucked along the Sheyenne River, known for its friendly faces and beautiful surroundings. You might take a peaceful kayak ride, enjoy a hike through Fort Ransom State Park, or relax in the cozy comfort of your lodging.

Guests staying at the Rockstad River Inn will enjoy private rooms, each with its own bathroom and a warm, homey atmosphere just across the street from Bear Creek Felting and a short walk to the Community Hall. Those staying in the State Park will experience the simple joy of rustic comfort and waking up to the sounds of nature. Anyone staying at the Airbnb home will cross the Sheyenne on a beautiful walking bridge to join us each day. 

One evening, we’ll visit Teresa’s farm, meet the sheep who provide the wool for your creations and the dogs that gaurd them, and end the night with a campfire under the prairie stars. Another night, we’ll venture out to one of Fort Ransom’s local favorites — the Fort Tavern & Steakhouse or the Dry Hollow Saloon & Grille — to enjoy a taste of small-town hospitality.

Every day is a balance of creative focus and easy friendship, where conversation flows as smoothly and the hours disappear in a blur of wool, laughter, and good food.

The Heart of the Safari

There’s something truly special that happens when a group of creative souls gathers around tables filled with wool, laughter, and imagination. We arrive as strangers who share a love of felting—but after seven days together, we’ve created more than just a sculpture. We’ve shared stories, meals, and wisdom, forming bonds that feel like lifelong friendships.

Every Safari becomes its own little family. We celebrate progress, laugh over wobbly legs and wonky stripes, cheer for each other’s breakthroughs, and end the week with hugs and promises to meet again next time. It’s hard to leave, but the memories travel home with us—woven into every fiber of what we’ve made.

🎥 Hear From Past Participants
Watch what past Safari guests have to say about their experience—how much they learned, laughed, and loved being part of something truly special.👉

When you join us in Fort Ransom, you’re not just signing up for a class—you’re joining a community that keeps growing with each Safari.

The Food — A Feast for the Senses!

At every Felting Safari, the meals are as memorable as the felting. Chef Libbie, Teresa’s daughter, fills each day with fresh, homemade dishes crafted from local ingredients and served with love. Guests often say, “I came for the felting, but I’m coming back for the food.”

Each meal is a moment to slow down, share stories, and refuel for another creative day. From hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners, Libbie’s menus are designed to nourish both body and spirit — and every dish is made with the same care and creativity that goes into your art.

We understand that some guests have dietary restrictions or allergies that affect their health, and we’re happy to accommodate your needs whenever possible. Simply let us know when you register, and Libbie will ensure you’re well taken care of throughout the week.

Good food, great company, and a table full of laughter — the perfect ingredients for creativity.

Lodging & Retreat Details

After a full day of felting, laughter, and good food, you’ll settle in for the night surrounded by the calm of Fort Ransom’s valley. Whether you prefer the comfort of an inn, the charm of a historic home, or the peaceful seclusion of the State Park, there’s a place here that will feel just right.

All-Inclusive Package — Rockstad River Inn

For those who love convenience and community, the Rockstad River Inn is just across the street from Teresa’s studio and a short walk to the Community Hall.
Each cozy room includes its own private bathroom,  two rooms feature two queen beds, and one features 2 queen beds and a twin, perfect for sharing with a friend.

  • Includes lodging, all meals by Chef Libbie, and full access to the felting workshop

  • $1,488.75 per person

  • Six rooms total (two with double queens for shared stays)

  • Each room has a private bathroom

  • Please note: The Inn is not Handicap accessible — some rooms are located up a spiral staircase or in the lower level

  • No pets allowed

Workshop & Meals Package — Find Your Own Lodging

Prefer a bit more privacy or traveling with friends? Join the full workshop, enjoy every meal, and stay where you feel most at home.
$893.75 per person

Here are some beautiful nearby options within a few miles of the Community Hall:

🏠 Airbnb House in Fort Ransom

This modernized home blends rustic charm with comfort.
Two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sleeping space for up to six guests.

  • King bedroom with private bath

  • Queen bedroom upstairs with deluxe bath, jetted tub, and Keurig

  • Living room sofa converts to a queen bed

  • Fully equipped kitchen, dining, and living spaces

  • Walking distance to retreat venues
    👉 View Listing on Airbnb ›

🌲 Fort Ransom State Park Lodging (2 miles away)

If you’d like a little more solitude, the State Park offers several cozy, full-service stays nestled among trees and trails. A vehicle is required for transport.

Pederson & Redetzke Yurts – $135–150/night

  • Each sleeps six (two bedrooms, loft, pullout couch)

  • Full kitchen, bathroom, heat, and A/C

  • No pets

Bjone House – $135–150/night

  • Restored 1879 pioneer home overlooking the Sheyenne River

  • Three queen bedrooms, full kitchen, and deck

  • Sleeps six comfortably

Percheron Wagon – $100–115/night

  • Unique wagon-style stay with king bed and twin bunks

  • Heat, A/C, fridge, and microwave

Nils Olson Cabin – $45/night

  • Simple one-room cabin for two

  • Futon, small fridge, recliner

  • Seasonal availability

🪶 Please Note:
All State Park lodging requires guests to bring their own bedding and towels.
Light cleaning (sweeping and trash removal) is expected before checkout.
No smoking or pets are allowed in any units.

Getting Here

  • Most guests will fly into Hector International Airport (Fargo, ND) — about an hour and fifteen–minute scenic drive from Fort Ransom.

    I recommend renting a car if possible so you can explore the Sheyenne River Valley at your own pace — it’s a beautiful drive through rolling prairie hills and winding river roads. Having your own vehicle also gives you freedom for short trips or a stop at the nearby state park during the week.

    If you prefer not to drive, I can arrange an optional airport pickup or drop-off for your convenience.

    • $85 per person, one way

    • Must be reserved in advance

    • Group pickups may be arranged if arrival times align

    After you register, I’ll send a short travel form where you can share your flight details or transportation plans.

    Either way, you’ll be fully supported — whether you’re taking the scenic route on your own or joining one of our pickup groups.

Whether this will be your first Safari or your fifth, you’ll find yourself part of something truly special — a creative community that keeps growing, one sculpture and one friendship at a time.

 

Spaces are limited, and this retreat fills quickly each year.
Come for the felting, stay for the friendship — and head home with a zebra and a heart full of joy.

2026 Bear Creek Felting Safari — Pricing & Payment Setup

Each package includes seven days of instruction with Teresa, all felting materials, Chef Libbie’s delicious meals, and an unforgettable week of creativity and connection in beautiful Fort Ransom.
Choose the lodging option that best fits your needs below.

All-Inclusive Package

Private Room – One Guest
$1,413.75
  • One booking for one guest
  • Enjoy a peaceful stay in your own cozy room at the Rockstad River Inn. Includes all meals by Chef Libbie, seven nights’ lodging, and a full week of felting instruction.
  • Total: $1,413.75 | Deposit: $300 | Balance Due: $1,113.75
Reserve with $300 Deposit

All-inclusive Package

Shared Room for Two
$2,456.75
  • One Booking for Two Guests
  • Perfect for friends or family traveling together! One booking covers both guests in a comfortable shared room with two beds. Includes all meals, seven nights’ lodging, and full felting instruction.
  • Total: $2,456.75 | Deposit: $600 | Balance Due: $1,856.75
Reserve with $600 Deposit

All-Inclusive Package

Shared Room for Three
$3,309.75
  • One Booking for Three Guests
  • Share the experience with two friends! One booking covers three guests in a room with three beds. Includes all meals, seven nights’ lodging, and the full felting experience.
  • Total: $3,309.75 | Deposit: $900 | Balance Due: $2,409.75
Reserve with $900 Deposit

Workshop & Meals Only

Find Your Own Lodging
$893.75
  • Join the felting and the food but stay where you wish! This package includes the full week of felting instruction, all meals, and materials — just find your own accommodations nearby.
  • Total: $893.75 | Deposit: $200 | Balance Due: $693.75
Reserve with $200 Deposit

What’s Included

✅ Seven days of felting instruction with Teresa
✅ All materials and supplies
✅ All meals prepared by Chef Libbie
✅ Seven nights of lodging (if all-inclusive)
✅ Evening campfire at Teresa’s farm
✅ Optional kayaking, hiking, and town exploration
✅ A small, close-knit group experience

💛 North Dakota Residents

If you live in North Dakota, you may qualify for a Professional Development Grant through the North Dakota Council on the Arts that can help cover part of your Felting Safari cost.
This reimbursement grant offers up to $1,000 toward arts learning experiences like this retreat.

👉 Learn more and apply on the North Dakota Council on the Arts website.

(Apply at least six weeks before the retreat; final deadline May 31, 2026.)

Cancellation & Refund Policy

A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for the 2026 Felting Safari.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat begins.

  • Cancellations made 30 days or more before the retreat will receive a refund of any amount paid beyond the deposit.

  • Cancellations made within 30 days of the start date are not eligible for a refund.

  • If Bear Creek Felting must cancel due to low enrollment or an unforeseen event, participants will receive a full refund of all money paid.

  • You may transfer your registration to another person by emailing teresa@bearcreekfelting.com.

  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of illness, emergencies, or travel delays.

View full Terms & Conditions →

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