Greetings and welcome.

DO form the head and install some eyes. You will be glad you did. I have seen articles about using Papier Mache to fill the head. If you are really clever, you might use insulation foam ( Great Stuff) but I don't know how you would.

I believe that it is advisable to detach the head, so that you can show the back fur on the front, but I may be crazy. The seam (to reattach the head ) would make a good hinge for the lid. I would make the back from smooth leather

If you haven't, try using the handy search feature to find old threads.

Good luck
MacLL.