Book Review: Felt, Button, Bead by Catherine Woram


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If you've read this blog for any time, then you know that Kiddo is VERY much a mini-Martha and ADORES crafting! I think it's hard-wired in her DNA, as I swear not a day goes by that she doesn't want to craft something! So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this great new book!

felt button bead cover

SynopsisGet your kids snipping, threading and stitching with Felt Button Bead. Kids love crafting, and fabric-based crafts are particularly good, as many of the items needed can be found around the house - odd socks, fabric remnants and outgrown school uniforms will all come in handy. Felt Button Bead is divided into four vibrant sections containing 40 funky projects. Toys and Games features sock glove-puppets and a roll-up crayon set. Gifts contains dozens of great gift ideas, including hand-print tea towels, a glasses case and a patchwork cushion. Clothing includes funky gear such as decorated jeans and customized t-shirts for girls and boys. Finally, Accessories includes felt flower badges, jewelry, and a trendy denim 'jeans' shoulder bag. Every project can be completed in four or eight steps - just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong!


About the Author: Catherine Woram's earlier books include Paper Scissors Glue, Crafting With Kids, Gardening with Kids, Christmas Crafting with Kids and What Shall We Do Today? (all Ryland Peters & Small). 



felt button bead pagesReview: This is a perfect book to get for your preschool child, as it will GROW with them, and as they sewing talents increase!  I love all the easy projects, that are perfect for family time- you can teach a technique, while having quality time together! PLUS! The felt flowers can easily be made for hair clips/bandeaus, blouses, or for gifts. 


The instructions are VERY clear, as you can see, and go step by step. There is a pattern and technique section also included. Kiddo was eagerly paging through it and deciding what projects 'we' need to do. Course at her age, right now that means MOM doing alot of the work. So I've convinced to wait, and as she learns to do new things, then we will do the projects.


One projects that she just HAD to do, was the Cuddly Bear!

cutting

Cutting out the felt pattern pieces- Kiddo did the first round, then Mom went back and did the finer points, like between the neck and head areas.


buttons sewn


Then Kiddo picked out the buttons for eyes and nose, and down the belly. She helped me sew them on, as I wanted to make sure they were TIGHT!

sewing bear 1
sewing bear 2
Then sewing the 2 pieces (front and back) together. She started and of course, Mom got to finish it!



Then Mom got to stuff the bear. Did you know that if you take a modern 'bean bag' chair and cut it open (as the cover is not washable and needs to be tossed), that you can get the equivalent of 2 and a 1/f large GREEN garbage bags of styrofoam balls? SERIOUSLY, that stuff MULTIPLIES when it hits the air! The pattern for the bear is simple, so it just took about 15 minutes of stuffing, smooshing, readjusting and refilling, before we got it right.


So without further ado, here's Kiddo's Cuddly Bar:

finished bear 1

Cute and SIMPLE! Kiddo loves's him (yes, it's a him, even though it's pink- don't ask, it's easier)! All together it took us about an hour, as we hand sewed him. Had we machine sewed around the edges, we probably could have taken off about 20 minutes. But both Kiddo and I like the hand sewn look. And as she said, it's her first BIG sewing project, so it will go up on her trophy shelf when she's done playing with it!

If you're looking for an unique Easter or birthday present, this would be a great book to give with a bunch of craft accessories (like felt, buttons, needles, floss, ric rac and fabric)! It will sure provide more entertainment and enjoyment, than a chocolate bunny!





Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book for review purposes, free of charge, from Ryland Peters & Small! No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it. 

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