Tuesday, May 25, 2010

number beanbags

I have seen number beanbags before, so I am not claiming to be the one to have thought of this fabulous idea, but just thought I would share a tutorial on how mine were created...

1.) Choose fabric scraps from around the house or search a fabric store for the perfect combinations of fabric for your beanbags. I have a ton of scraps so I just tried to pick one from every color in the rainbow since these were a present for my 2-year old niece.

Next make a pattern out of cardboard for your beanbags slightly bigger than the finished size you want them to be. My pattern was approximately 4 1/2 x 4 1/2. Use the pattern to cut out your squares...


2.) Use Avery iron-on transfer paper to print out the numbers as a mirror image. Cut out each number leaving a white edge all around. Iron a number on one square of each color...


3.) Put the 2 squares right sides together and sew 3 sides. Make sure to leave some room at the bottom of the beanbag to fold inside. Cut the edges with pinking shears...


4.) Turn the beanbag right side out and push the extra length inside the beanbag. Iron it down for easier sewing...


5.) Stuff each open-bottom beanbag with navy beans (or whatever bean works for you)...

{WARNING: When choosing a 4-year old helper to stuff beanbags, be aware that she just may spill the beans all over the place and cause a slight delay in the progress of the project.}


6.) Sew the ironed open end together. I sewed this side twice to be sure it was secure...


7.) Lay all of your beanbags out and stare at them for awhile...


8.) Find a cute bucket at Hobby Lobby (or anywhere that sells buckets). Make a cardboard tag with the child's name printed on it and hang it from the bucket with a scrap of fabric...


9.) Give it to your sweet niece (or whomever you love and adore) for her birthday and watch her take them in and out of the bucket 25+ times just for fun...


These beanbags make a fun and educational gift! Little ones can learn sorting, colors, numbers, and all kinds of things from them. Of course, you can also explore your options and iron-on the letters of their name, the entire alphabet, shapes, etc.

I will be joining these fun parties this week. So many amazing ideas floating around out there, you will definitely want to check out the inspiration and link up your latest project!

Happy Tuesday!

22 comments:

  1. Very cute idea. Looks like she's going to have a lot of fun with those!

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  2. I love the fabric scraps you chose! And isn't it funny how kids want to put things in & out a million times? :o)

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  3. They are even cuter in person! I loved them!

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  4. cute idea, your young child can practice counting and aiming with precision with the same bucket of "toys". very cute.

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  5. These are so adorable! I always love the "spread the finished product out in front of you" moment too! You have some beautiful scraps laying around, what a fun gift!

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  6. Love this project! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  7. We love bean bags too. I had to change my style of doing them though because the ironed on letters/numbers would come off! :( Now I iron on and sew around the number or letter to keep them secure.

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  8. Such a great gift idea! I think this would even come in handy in the classroom. I'll have to keep this in mind!

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  9. I have neices and nephews these would be perfect for; thanks for the tutorial. These are so cute!

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  10. Very cute! Thanks for the tutorial, can't wait to make some. I'm featuring this post on Wednesday.

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  11. Oh these are cute!! My kids would love this!! Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  12. Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday at SugarBee Craft Edition - I featured you today! - Mandy, www.craftedition.blogspot.com

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  13. That is a great gift ... so adorable and will provide hours and hours of fun. Very nice tutorial!

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  14. Thanks for sharing the idea. I have been wanting to come up with a fun way to teach my son numbers. This should be perfect. The spilled beans all over the floor remind me of the beans that my son spread all over our garden when attempting to help me plant. Little helpers are great.

    Thanks,
    Tricia leafytreetopspot.blospot.com

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  15. Look at that! I'd already planned to make some of these today having already cut out the squares, thanks for the extra tips! Happy Transformation Thursday <3

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  16. Very cute! I love the fabric that you choose!

    Your niece is DARLING! :)

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  17. What a sweet little girl! And those beanbags are adorable. Thanks for the tutorial!

    And thank you for participating in the Creative Therapy session over at Life in the Pitts.

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  18. Great blog you have here! I host a link up party every Tuesday called Tot Tuesdays where you can link up crafts, activities, teaching resources, parenting stories or tips, recipes and things you’ve made for your toddler. I’d love it if you’d stop by sometime & link up!

    http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/

    Cheers!

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  19. So stinking cute! My son would love these. He is totally into throwing things right now, why not work on his aim? ;)

    Can you add it to my linky party too?

    http://bunchofscrap.blogspot.com/2010/05/scrappy-sunday-sorry-folks.html

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