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