Pick images or illustrations from children's books, coloring pages or clip art images. Simple images are easier to turn into flannel board characters. If the image comes from a book or coloring pages, trace an outline of it onto tracing paper with a pencil. If the image comes from a computer or the Internet, print out the image or trace it onto tracing paper.
Place the tracing paper over a piece of felt that corresponds to the image. For example, use yellow felt when making a chick. Trace the outline of your character again using a permanent marker. The marker will bleed through the tracing paper and on to the felt. If you are good at drawing freestyle, then you can skip Steps 1 and 2 and draw directly on the felt.
Cut out your felt character. If you cut on the outside of the permanent marker lines, your illustration will look like it's outlined. If you prefer a cleaner look, turn over the felt cut-out and use the opposite side. You can use the permanent marker to add features to your felt image, such a face or hair, or add lines to indicate texture like feathers or fur.
Use steps 1 through 3 to trace and cut out accessories for your character such as clothes, tools and equipment. You can also trace and cut out props and background images like trees, houses or the sun.