Rob bought me another book this week called Plush-O-Rama from Amazon! It’s a genius little book full of monsters and stuffed toys from average people with random ideas – many of whom have made money selling them (intrigued?) Designer plush toys is apparently a craze from the 90s (including naff beanies etc) and as the book says:

“The most important tool and skill required for this art form is an overactive imagination and the courage to unleash it”

So this is my first attempt: Hank

I made him the same way as I did the other bean bag toys, but the book recommends old suit material (instead of felt) wool felt (hand washed wool forced through a hot washing cycle and shrunk) and a sewing machine … So tomorrow I’m off in search of one!! Apparently, decent ones are only £40 from Lidl – Thanks Macca!

To be continued …

Following the success of our first little bean bag buddies, I decided to attempt the alphabet using the same technique and materials … I started with vowels, thinking they would feel pretty rewarding and motivate me to complete the set. However, having 3 in my name and being a little bored after making 2, I carefully selected 5 lovely letters (as you can see!)

I’m not usually a fan of Valentine’s Day but this year Rob bought me “Making Stuff for Kids.” (£16.95) It’s a quirky book to get children of all ages into crafts, so there are loads of project ideas and fun activities for rainy days.

Creation Number 1: Bean Bag Buddies

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
A bag of lentils/split peas (43p)
A4 sheets of felt (50p each)
Sewing kit (prices may vary)
Coloured thread (50p+)
Scissors (you’ll probably have these already)
Chalk (20p)
Sequins/beads/buttons for decoration

Fold the A5 felt in half and cut. Repeat again. Use the chalk to sketch out the shape of your Buddy. Cut out the shape (you should then have two separate pieces of felt the same shape). Sew around the outside neatly, leaving a gap to flip it inside out once done. Fill with lentils so it’s fat then sew the gap completely. Decorate with buttons/sequins etc. Last step: Give it a name (obviously). Enjoy!!