TerryGami, Washcloth Crafts: 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Using Rubber Bands!


Washcloth Angel

Washcloth Snowman

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Animal Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

Rubber bands are used in making the TerryGami washcloth critters and ornaments, but yarn, string, or any material that can be tied can also be used. So, if you live in an area where they are not readily available or for some reason you would prefer not to use them, all you need is a string of some sort.

Rubber bands come in all different colors and sizes, and now, with the new silly rubber bands, they come in all different shapes! I’ve not tested the strength of the silly rubber bands, so I can recommend them yet, but I will buy a package soon and let you know if they are strong enough to be used with washcloth crafts. I hope they are because they will add a little more piazza to a TerryGami Party.

For TerryGami, I like to use the medium-sized, colorful rubber bands that come packaged and wrapped together in the form of a ball. These can be found, for the most part, at discount department and office supply stores. Craft stores sometimes have them on their dollar isles.

Have the kids match the colors to the washcloths, so if they fail to cover the rubber band properly, it won’t be noticeable. Remember, string, yarn, twine and other materials are also other options to use instead of rubber bands.

There are other rubber bands to consider, when doing washcloth crafts, like orthodontic or retainer rubber bands. For example, on the ears of the Hare in the upcoming book, a retainer rubber band works perfectly to hold the ears together.They are especially good to use in an area where the rubber band should not show. So, if your kids have braces and those tiny rubber bands are everywhere, save some of them for a TerryGami project.

Also, when home schooling, consider teaching the kids about rubber bands. For example, who invented them? How are they manufactured? What are they called in other countries? What other types of rubber bands are there? For example, ranger bands used by the military are hand cut from inner tubes and are strong, durable, and weather resistant. (I am glad I added factoids to the books because I learn something new every time.)

Rubber bands are easy and quick to use, once the kids get the hang of how to manipulate them. It is a test in dexterity to figure out how to go about wrapping a rubber band around something. What we may take for granted, children may require some tips on how to cope, especially young children (or those with a brain injury or a handicap). Instruct them to slip the rubber band over their fingers and thumb, and then stretch the rubber band out. Grab the cloth and pull one end through. Twist the rubber band to make a loop, and then stretch that loop over the fingers and thumb and pull the cloth through again. I have seen kids struggle, so this simple tip will make it easy for them.

Removing rubber bands from terrycloth can be a problem because it can cause a lot of snags, so it is best just to cut them off. With the Angel or Snowman, for example, if you want to sew through the neck to stabilize it, cut off the rubber band. Snags can be trimmed, but if you can prevent them from occurring in the first place, all the better.

A word of caution: When using rubber bands, keep them away from babies and toddlers, or small children who like to put things in their mouths, and animals. After a craft session or party, have the kids check the floor for anything they may have dropped. It will save time, materials, and perhaps the family dog!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Monday, November 14, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, What glues and adhesives to use?


Washcloth Firecracker Party Favor Box can be used to store treats or treasures.

Firecracker Favor with Stripes

Washcloth Firecracker and Party Popper Instructions
are included in this book.

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Five free newsletters with washcloth craft tips!

Fabric glue is the best to use on terrycloth critters and ornaments. Make sure it is both the non-toxic and non-flammable variety.

To avoid mishaps when making the firecrackers with children, have them apply the glue with cotton swabs or tooth picks. For a party or group setting, put a dab of glue in baking cups to distribute the glue to each child. Take care to keep the bottle closed so glue won’t dry up!

I have been toying with the idea of using fabric adhesive to prevent fraying, when making critters or decorating the TerryGami favors. For example, the stripes on the Firecracker could be strips of terrycloth, instead of felt, if you use an adhesive to stop the fraying. With the terrycloth stripes, if you turn the edges over, the terrycloth strips become too bulky. I recommend felt or felt with glitter, instead of terrycloth. (If you make stripes for the Firecracker, cut the strips about 1 inch wide.)

If you want to use terrycloth stripes, do your research before you use fabric adhesives because they can be both toxic and flammable in liquid form. Using adhesives around children should probably be avoided.

However, one company says that once the fabric adhesive for fraying is dried, it is non-toxic and non-flammable. So, if you want to use it on the edges of the terrycloth fabric, make sure it is dry before you give the favors to children. I would still not give the item to babies or toddlers who put things in their mouths, to be on the safe side.

Also consider, the Firecracker may have a bit of an artsy flair if you just let the stripes fray a bit, but if you would prefer that the stripes didn’t fray, perhaps you can serge the edges, if you have a serger sewing machine.There are many other materials besides felt or terrycloth that can be used for the stripes. For a New Year's Eve Party, for example, do experiment with some of the glitzy fabrics available.

Acrylic gems, or glittered foam board or felt can be used for the stars, instead of sequins. Use the metallic pipe cleaners for the fuse, and a jingle bell for the button for the latch. This should make for a dazzling firecracker party favor that will last as a keepsake box or a stash box for treats or treasures long after the party is over.

A New Year"s Eve party is all about glitter and glitz, and a firecracker party favor is bound to provide a big bang!

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Turkey Time!


Washcloth Turkey


Washcloth Pumpkin


TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Free Newsletters for the holidays!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

For the turkey, I use thicker, borderless washcloths. However, if you use the thinner washcloths, he can be stuffed with quilt batting to plump him up a bit. The turkey may require a bit of sculpting, but all of the critters require a little of that.

The new fall colors available in packages of 18 cloths which are found in discount department stores should make for pretty cute turkeys – gold, rust, orange, brown, and green. Don't forget to add a "feather" or two when using the thin cloths.

The eyes and heart can be glass gems or sequins. If you want different feet, make some out of brown felt.

White turkeys are another possibility. Just add a pilgrim hat to dress him up for Thanksgiving.

Also, put a face on one side of the pumpkin so you can use it next year for Halloween.

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Monday, October 24, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Washcloth Crafts as a Teaching Tool

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Children and Teachers


Orange Washcloth Bat


Washcloth Jack 'O Lantern

Washcloth Firecracker Favor Box

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

My first intention, when designing this book, was to expand washcloth crafts for children and adults alike. Later I realized the potential for the book to be a teaching tool, so I added the factoids, not realizing that the craft itself could teach children a lot of things, like measuring, cutting, sewing, designing, sculpting and deciphering instructions. The craft is great for improving their dexterity and for expanding their imaginations, too.

The factoid list offered in the book can just be the beginning of the interesting facts kids can find on the Internet and in reference books about a critter or holiday icon. Have them add a few more interesting facts to the list, or you can, as they make the critter.

Hand sewing is a life skill for girls and boys. Sewing a hem or sewing on a button is something everyone should know how to do no matter his or her gender.

Reading and deciphering the instructions is another skill and a handy one to have with so many things in need of assembly or programing these days.

Crafts are often used to improve dexterity. Washcloth crafts deliver in a big way in this regard because children must roll and shape the cloths, attach them with a rubber band or string, and then sew or glue them. They then have to choose and prepare the materials for the facial features.

It is fun to see what children come up with, for example, pink, yellow and blue tortoises and hares (in the upcoming book), instead of green and brown ones. Some kids put big smiling faces on their critters and others no face at all.

In the end, they have a critter to play with or display or one they can snuggle with in bed.

All in all, it's a fun little craft and a fun way to learn how to sew by hand.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Fever Bunnies and Boo Boo Bunnies

Washcloth Fever Bunny

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Washcloth Fever Bunny

The book is now available in soft cover!
It will be available in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe soon!

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Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

The Fever Bunny is a Boo Boo Bunny with shorter ears and a longer body; long enough to cover a child's forehead. For those unfamiliar with the Boo Boo Bunny, please check out the printer friendly free instructions. Free instructions are available for the Fever Bunny, too, which also includes the general "Washcloth Bunny Tips."

If you are interested in energy healing, the color blue is supposed to help heal fevers, cuts and bruises. If this is the case, then both Boo Boo Bunnies and Fever Bunnies should be blue!

There are all kinds of options for the facial features available for the bunnies. Googly eyes are often used, but you can use hole punchers to cut out foam-board eyes, and the heart-shaped hole punchers work well to make the noses. Other materials to consider are felt, sequins, glass gems, painted wood pieces, natural items like seeds and pod. Use non-toxic and non-flammable fabric glue to secure the small pieces. Consider embroidering the eyes and nose, too, especially when making the critter for babies. Note: The stars in the eyes of the Fever Bunny above were already embedded in the glittered foam board.

Instead of ribbon, consider using yarn, especially when making a lot of bunnies. Cottontails are cute, but consider making the washcloth tails (pattern in the Fever Bunny Instructions) for more durability.

Just a thought for ear aches: How about making a small cloth bag of raw rice, flax seed, and dried lavender to heat in the microwave? Microwave the bag for about a minute or more, depending on the size of the bag. Place a cup of water in the microwave to be on the safe side. Place the bag in between the rolls if the bunny's tummy for a mini heating pad for kids.

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Washcloth Sewing Kit


Washcloth Sewing Kit


Washcloth Sewing Kit

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

The book is now available in soft cover!

The book is available at:

Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

If you are looking for companion gifts to give to go along with the TerryGami book, consider making a washcloth sewing kit filled with sewing essentials. Instructions for the washcloth sewing kit are free at www.terrygami.com. Just find the instructions on the side bar along with the free Boo Boo Bunny and Fever Bunny instructions.

To the sewing kit, add some items like small spools of thread, darning needles (or any blunt-end needle), a six inch ruler, marking chalk, safety pins, rubber bands, fabric glue, a hole punchers, foam board cut outs, etc. Some of these items can be found at dollar stores or discount department stores. I love the new kids’ blunt-end Fiskar scissors to put in the kit. They are sharp enough to cut easily through terrycloth.

Instead of making the built in pin cushion the instructions call for, consider making a heart-shaped felt or terrycloth pin cushion to sew on instead. At Christmas, a star shape or Christmas tree shape are other possibilities.

For boys, the pin cushion can be in the shape of a football or a dog or cat. Instead of tying the kit together in a bow, just put the ribbon ends together and tie it in an overhand knot. This will make it look manlier. Boys like to make the critters, too, and many want to learn how to sew without any prompting. It is a life skill everyone should know how to do, mom!

The foam letters are great for adding names or initials on the front. They even have glittered foam board letters now. Letters are available in felt, too. If you are talented, consider embroidering them by hand or by machine.

While I made this kit with a thin washcloth found in the bulk packages of cloths, you may want to spring for a thicker washcloth, and it doesn’t need to be borderless this time, because a border may add a bit of a fancy flare to the project. Play with the idea before you go to the store to pick your cloth.

Button come in all shapes and sizes. They have heart shaped, cat and dog shaped, football shaped buttons to choose from, so add some bling to make it special, if you can.

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Friday, October 21, 2011

Washcloth Turkey


Washcloth Turkey

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

The book is now available in soft cover!

The book is available at:

Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

Hi Folks,
In the next month or so there will be blog repeats periodically as I try to get the next critter book ready for publication. The next book will have critters and gnomes.

The turkey is known in some Native Indian cultures as the “Give Away Eagle.” A person with turkey as his totem (or trait) possesses selfless generosity and would gladly give away all that he has to help the people in his tribe. Perhaps we should remember this next time we all sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner.

When making the TerryGami washcloth turkey, remember that it can be made in all white washcloths, too. The white, domesticated turkey originated in Mexico. This is in the book under turkey factoids. To give your turkey extra character, you may add a pilgrim hat. Thick border-less washcloths work well with the turkey instructions. If you do use the thin cloths that come in packages of 18, you may need to use quilt batting as stuffing at strategic points and add an extra feather. I like to use quilt batting because the batting can be cut into strips, which is great for stuffing rolls or arms and legs.

Another suggestion would be to make the turkey to match your décor. If you want to set the turkey on a stack of towels in your guest bathroom, his feathers can be any color. As adults, we don’t always think outside of the box when it comes to color, but a pink, purple, green and white turkey might be gorgeous. Let's just hope people don't think he's a peacock! A pilgrim hat will dispel this notion as a possibility.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Washcloh Crafts, Count Down to Halloween!


TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Firecracker Favor Box

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!
Halloween is just around the corner! Kids are choosing their costumes and moms are trying to come up with special ideas for Halloween night or some way to make a party special.

Relatives and friends would always come to our house to eat chili (macaroni & cheese for the kids) and cornbread muffins shaped like ghost (yes, you can buy mini ghost pans). Gram and Gramps or some other willing adult would man the front door, dispensing candy. After supper, our large group would mob the neighborhood, kids running from house to house, while the moms and dads, some in costumes, trailed along behind, keeping an eye on the tikes.

People are getting creative in our neighborhood these days. One of our neighbors has organized something new. Kids can now trick or treat at the neighborhood park. Neighbors will park their cars and let the kids collect their goodies from the trunks of the cars! Kids can fill their bags and play on the playground, while the adults can meet and greet their neighbors. This should prove to be a great way to foster community relations in the upcoming years.

Halloween parties are always a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Many of the TerryGami washcloth projects can be party favors or the party activity. Fill up the firecracker with a small tube of tooth paste and a small toothbrush, along with a little candy. Kids can use the firecracker afterwords to stash their favorite candy.

The holidays are the time for making fun memories. Start planning now!

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Gift Exchange Tips


TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Washcloth Heart Box

Washcloth Reindeer

The book is now available

online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

I really like the idea of the gift exchanges some of the Girl Scout troops do with other Scout troops. The girls make a craft project to give each girl from another troop, which makes the gift giving all the more personal. The bear in the next book may fit the bill. He can always be made with a green washcloth.

Families who home school may want to do the same with other families they have grown close to over the years, especially at Christmas time.

The Heart Box is one of the more versatile of the washcloth crafts for girls to make in the current book. It can be easily used as a Christmas ornament to hang on a tree. A treat like a chocolate Kiss can be placed inside.

Boys and girls may prefer to make the reindeer. Give them the option to choose their own materials for the facial features. Boys may prefer large googly eyes instead of hearts for the eyes and a medium or a large sized, red pom pom for the nose. Experiment with the different color cloths, too. Try a white washcloth for the antlers instead of beige and a green washcloth for the ears instead of brown. Instead of a bow, just tie off the ribbon and trim the ends in a slant for a boy reindeer.

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Washcloth Crafts! Dyeing Terrycloth Washcloths


TerryGami Bat

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Now available in soft cover!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

TerryGami Website
Twitter
Facebook
Flickr

Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

Can’t find that perfect color washcloth for your critter or holiday icon? Companies can and have made these beautiful colors in the past; they just are not available all of the time. However, black washcloths sold in bulk are another story. I have never found them!

When I started this endeavor, I couldn’t never find red or black. Then one day, I found red. I was so thrilled bought two packages of 18 cloths. I thought, now they will be available all of the time. Unfortunately, that didn’t come to pass. However, when in a pinch, the alternative is to dye them.

What dye to use when dyeing terrycloth? The Internet tells me that Procion MX, the dye used in tie-dyeing, is best to use on natural fibers and terrycloth, which is made of cotton. You can find it online and in art supply stores, and it is reasonably priced. It is also suggested to wash the terrycloth first without using fabric softener and with a little vinegar to strip the starch or any coating from the fabric, so it will absorb the dye better. This Procion dye is said to be “safe, brilliant, mouth-watering and permanent.” What more can we ask for?!

My only concern is, can a white washcloth be dyed black without it looking gray, or a red cloth, pink? When I used Rit dye, I had some success dyeing olive green cloths black, but I needed to dye them twice. Of course, regular black washcloths can be found, but for the bats, you will need the thin cloths, and you will want to buy them in the bulk packages found in discount department stores, if you are planning to use them as party favors. Washcloths can be expensive, if you don't buy them in bulk, especially when you need to buy a lot of them, and they may be too thick for the bats. Sometimes the thicker cloths work well, especially for critters like the TerryGami Turkey, but, for the most part, the thinner cloths are a bit better. If the critters turn out too thin, you can always stuff the them with quilt batting.

I hope the washcloth companies start to supply us with every color (and black and red especially) on a regular basis. Dyeing the cloths can be a bit of a chore, but I have to admit, I was thrilled when the black cloths finally turned out perfectly. Oh, the possibilities for crows, black cats, and witches’ hats!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Friday, October 14, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Parties and Group Gatherings


TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children


Washcloth Bat

Now available online in soft cover!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

TerryGami Website
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Etsy

Whatever the party, learning to sew washcloth critters can be the activity. One critter or ornament is probably enough for one party or troop meeting. If one child gets through with the project early, let him or her make another of the same project.. Otherwise you will be torn in too many directions, especially if help is needed on a totally different project.

If possible, have a couple of helpers. If you see a couple of quick studies for threading the needle and tying a knot, enlist them to help the other children. If it is a very large group, then it is best to have several adults lending a helping hand. Sometimes, threading a needle, even if it has a wide-eye, can daunting for some children, just because it is something new to them. For more information, see: Party Tips.

Many of the projects can be glued with non-toxic, non-flammable fabric glue, and several do not require any sewing or gluing at all.

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Washcloth Fever Bunny

Washcloth Fever Bunny

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Washcloth Fever Bunny

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

TerryGami Website
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!
The Fever Bunny is a Boo Boo Bunny with shorter ears and a longer body; long enough to cover a child's forehead. For those unfamiliar with the Boo Boo Bunny, please check out the printer friendly free instructions. Free instructions are available for the Fever Bunny, too, which also includes the general "Washcloth Bunny Tips."

There are all kinds of options for the facial features available for the bunnies. Googly eyes are often used, but you can use hole punchers to cut out foam-board eyes, and the heart-shaped hole punchers work well to make the noses. Other materials to consider are felt, sequins, glass gems, painted wood pieces, natural items like seeds and pod. Use non-toxic and non-flammable fabric glue to secure the small pieces. Consider embroidering the eyes and nose, too, especially when making the critter for babies. Note: The stars in the eyes of the Fever Bunny above were already embedded in the glittered foam board.

Instead of ribbon, consider using yarn, especially when making a lot of bunnies. Cottontails are cute, but consider making the washcloth tails (pattern in the Fever Bunny Instructions) for more durability.

Just a thought for ear aches: How about making a small cloth bag of raw rice, flax seed, and dried lavender to heat in the microwave. Microwave the bag for about a minute or more, depending on the size of the bag. Place a cup of water in the microwave to be on the safe side. Place the bag in between the rolls if the bunny's tummy for a mini heating pad for kids.

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Washcloth Crafts, Kids! Create Your Own Collectibles!

Washcloth Snowman Size: 8 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Washcloth Reindeer Size: 6" x 8"


Washcloth Santa Size: 6 1/2" x 3 1/4"

Washcloth Angel Size: 8"long x 7" wide

The book is now available online in soft cover!

In the 1990’s, kids went crazy over small stuffed animals. I know my kids did. These toys became collectibles overnight and every child needed to have at least one of each kind or his world might come to an end.

With TerryGami washcloth crafts, kids can create their own critters for a fraction of the cost and they will be learning more than how to be a consumer. They can learn how to follow instructions, how to sew, and how to shape and mold washcloths into an animal or holiday ornament. It will help to foster their creativity and improve their dexterity to boot.

To make the project even more fun and unique, why not add a music button? They cost about a dollar online, which still keeps the cost way below the collectible’s price. With the Halloween and Christmas sales about to start, they may be even less expensive. It is an easy guess as to what Christmas songs to put in the snowman, reindeer and Santa! For the angel, how about "Angels We Have Heard on High"?!

By the way, to make smaller critters or ornaments, use smaller washcloths.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children

Washcloth Jack 'O Lantern

The book is now available online in soft cover!

Washcloth Crafts for Kids and Crafters!

Cut out a foam board or a felt face, or just add 'BOO" to your washcloth pumpkin to make a Jack 'O Lantern. I love the new glittered foam board letters! Cover the stem with jute, yarn, or with a piece of terrycloth.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry