Project #157: DIY Your Very Own Stuffed Animal

My kids love to draw, and they love stuffed animals. So when I suggested we make our own stuffed animals, they jumped at the chance. The sky's the limit with this project - because anything they draw can be turned into a 'stuffy.'  Huge grins told me they were so proud when they saw the final product - of something they had created out of nothing.

DIY Your Very Own Stuffed Animal
What you'll need:

*paper
*markers
*felt (white and one bright color)
*thread and needle
*straight pins
*scissors
*iron-on printer paper
*iron
*stuffing 

Step 1:
Draw an animal, creature, monster - whatever you want!

Step 2:
Color-photocopy the drawing onto iron-on printer paper.

Step 3:
Cut out the printed version, leaving no white around the edges.

Step 4:
Place the printout face down on the piece of white felt. Follow the instructions on the iron-on printer paper package for best results.

Step 5:
Peel the iron on paper off the felt.

Step 6:
Place the white felt on the colored felt and pin around the edges of the drawing. Cut around the edges, leaving a 1/4 inch margin.

Step 7:  
Sew around the animal, stopping two inches before you reach the beginning stitches.

Step 8:
Stuff the animal, being sure to fill in any nooks and crannies.

Step 9:
Sew the edges shut, and knot tightly.

Step 10:
Enjoy your creature!

A note from Bloesem: Thank you Chiara for a great craft contribution! We hope you are your children enjoy this craft as much as Chiara's kids did. Happy crafting!

.. More of Chiara on her blog!