Felt Your First Five™

July 20 – 24, 2026 • Fort Ransom, North Dakota

Discover the Joy of Needle Felting — One Project at a Time

Felt Your First Five™ is a peaceful, hands-on retreat designed especially for beginners who want to learn needle felting the right way. Over five days in the quiet charm of Fort Ransom, you’ll create five progressive projects that build your skills and confidence step by step.

You’ll learn directly from Teresa Perleberg using wool raised on her own farm and processed in her nearby fiber mill — a true pasture-to-project experience.

Whether you’re brand new to felting or simply want a stronger foundation, this retreat gives you the time, space, and guidance to grow.

What to Expect:

The retreat begins Monday, July 20 at 3:00 pm and concludes Friday, July 24 at 1:00 pm, giving you four nights in Fort Ransom and five immersive felting sessions. Each day focuses on a new project that gently builds on your skills — firmness, shaping, detail, and expression.

You’ll leave with five completed felted pieces and the confidence to continue creating at home.

This retreat is perfect for:
• true beginners
• early-stage felters wanting a stronger foundation
• anyone who enjoys learning in a calm, structured way
• those looking for a peaceful creative getaway in a beautiful rural setting

No previous felting experience is needed

Nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley, Fort Ransom is a quiet, friendly town that provides the perfect backdrop for creativity and relaxation. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and spend your days learning something new with a wonderful community of fellow makers.

The Food — A Feast for the Senses!

At every Felting Retreat, 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

  • 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.

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.

Felt Your First Five — Pricing & Payment Setup

Each package includes 5 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
$1,200.00
  • 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, four nights’ lodging, and a full 5 days of felting instruction.
  • Total: $1,200 | Deposit: $300 | Balance Due: $900
Reserve with $300 Deposit

All-inclusive Package

Shared Room for Two
$1825
  • 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, 4 nights’ lodging, and full felting instruction.
  • Total: $1,825 | Deposit: $500 | Balance Due: $1,325
Reserve with $600 Deposit

Workshop & Meals Only

Find Your Own Lodging
$725
  • Join the felting and the food but stay where you wish! This package includes the 5 days of felting instruction, all meals, and materials — just find your own accommodations nearby.
  • Total: $725 | Deposit: $200 | Balance Due: $525
Reserve with $200 Deposit

What’s Included

✅ Five days of felting instruction with Teresa
✅ All materials and supplies
✅ All meals prepared by Chef Libbie
✅ Four 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 Felt Your First Five Retreat.
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 →