TerryGami, Washcloth Crafts: 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, TerryGami Scout Bear Instructions are Now on Etsy!

The Scout Bear can be any color!

Instructions are free to Scout Troop Leaders for a limited time.
E-mail me at terry@terrygami.com

For all others, the instructions are on sale for $1 for a limited time.
See the Etsy link below.

Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box,

Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, Graduation Owl, and Bat

New! Scout Bear Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

The Girl Scout organization in the United States is officially 100 years old! Congratulations!

In honor of their centennial, I have created a little green, one cloth bear I call the Scout Bear. I made this particular bear in green because green is the Girl Scouts’ color, but also because the Girl Scouts promote going green.

Scout Bear Instructions are free to any scout troop leader until the end of December. They will be sent via PDF file. Just send your request to me at terry@terrygami.com. For anyone else who may be interested, the instructions are on sale at the TerryGami Etsy shop for a $1 for a limited time.

This bear can be used as a troop activity because it is easy to make and has many uses. It can be a tree ornament, a sachet, a toy, and it can function as a boo boo bear to soothe a child’s boo boo. It can be used as a party favor on its own and it can hold a few extra treats like wrapped candy, small trinkets, or cash in its' tummy.

Thin, borderless washcloths or utility cloths sold in packages of 9 or 18 can be found at Walmart. Walmart sells all green, all blue, and all tan packages of 9 cloths for about $3, which can be found in the dishcloth and washcloth section. Other colors in packages of 18 are usually sold along with seasonal items. New this year in the 18 packs are Christmas colors! A wonderful kelly green cloth is available. Perfect for the Girl Scouts!

Instead of ribbon, yarn, twine and a felt strip can be used if you want a scarf or bow around the neck, but need to save on cost. Now yarn with a little glitz is available, if you still want to jazz the bear up a bit. \

Tapestry needles sold in bulk (packages of 6) can be purchased online at Anita’s Little Stitches for a reasonable price.

See the TerryGami website for more tips and ideas and for free instructions on how to make a washcloth sewing kit.

Again, congratulations to the Girl Scouts for 100 years of service!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Books are sold on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

See the links above.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Wascloth Crafts, Bat Instructions are now available on Etsy!

TerryGami Bat Instructions now on Etsy!

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

A TerryGami bat with raised wings made with a thicker cloth.

Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box,

Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, Graduation Owl

New! Bat Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

The TerryGami Bat Instructions are now available on Etsy!

Bats can be any color. What if you 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, so dye them! Remember, kids love color, so don't be surprised if they are happy with orange, pink, yellow, or blue bats.

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 like WallMart, especially if you are planning to use them as party favors.

Washcloths can be expensive, unless you buy them in bulk. Many cloths may be too thick for the bats. Sometimes the thicker cloths work better, for example, when making 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. Always buy border-less washcloths.

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

Monday, September 24, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Wreath Instructions Now on Etsy!

Washcloth Wreath Instructions now on Etsy!

Nine TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!

Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, and Graduation Owl

New! Graduation Owl Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

When my children were young, I was always on the lookout
for neat crafts for kids, especially in the fall when holiday time
was about to gear up. My sons loved to decorate the house for
almost every holiday, until they reached a certain age. Holiday
decorating then became a chore, so be sure to appreciate their
enthusiasm for it while they are young. It won't be long before
dragging out the decorations will be met with groans and protests.

Wreaths and trees can be used for every holiday, so I decided to
release the TerryGami wreath instructions on Etsy, in case some
one happens to have a holiday tree for every holiday. I know of
at least one person who has a tree in her living room all year long.
She decorates it primarily for her grandchildren and they get a big
kick out of it. When the artificial Christmas tree is too much to drag
out every year, it may be time to have a Valentine's Day tree and an
Easter tree and a Halloween tree; think orange wreath with black
bats. Form board Halloween cut outs are available. Check out the
TerryGami Halloween Firecracker for ideas for the wreath. (See the
blog below.)

The TerryGami wreath requires only one cloth and can be decorated
with gems, foam board, sequins, tiny wood cutouts and any number
of items, including beads and buttons.Instructions for a TerryGami
Christmas tree are nearly completed, too, and I will post them
on Etsy this fall.

The washcloth wreaths take a few attempts to get the tension right.
If you make tension too tight when you roll it, it will look like a donut,
which isn't bad if you want to use it for a ring toss game!

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Monday, September 17, 2012

TerryGami Washcloth Crafts, Dracula Instructions Available on Etsy Now!

Washcloth Dracula Instructions available on Etsy now!

Eight TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, and Graduation Owl

New! Graduation Owl Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Etsy

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

Now Dracula will take on another art form in the medium of terrycloth! We have a fascination with vampires these days because of the "Twilight" book series and movies, but we need to give credit where credit is due for this ghoulish genre.Count Dracula books and movies have had their fair share in the cultural lexicon for centuries, predating "Twilight" and other new movies and television series.

Dracula can be a Halloween decoration and hang on a Halloween tree, if you have one. He can also be a prize at a Halloween party or the party activity.

If Dracula isn't your cup of tea, stay tuned for the witch and scarecrow instructions, which will be to add to the TerryGami Etsy lineup soon.

Halloween is coming! Get ready!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Sunday, September 16, 2012

TerryGami Washcloth Crafts, Integrate Washcloth Crafts to Spark the Imagination!!

Washcloth monkey instructions are in the book below!


Books are for sale online at Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

Eight TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, and Graduation Owl

New! Graduation Owl Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

Add washcloth crafts to the mix when teaching fables, nursery rhymes, and children's book. For example, the Tortoise and the Hare, or Little Miss Muffet can be further integrated into a child's imagination by making a washcloth tortoise and hare, or a toad stool for Miss Muffet to sit. Bring favorite children's books alive by making a monkey, or a fairy tale by making the three bears. Even Goldilocks or Miss Muffet can be created by using the girl gnome instructions; just change the hair color or the hat. The pedestal is not necessary, of course, to make a doll whether it is a gnome or not. Don't forget the duckling as a character!

Fun can be had making critters to match favorite films, too. With a little imagination, pirate dress up or costumes can be enhanced with a parrot on the shoulder. One child I know put a face on a washcloth mushroom. Favorite aliens can be made by using a beige color cloth and the new TerryGami Dracula instructions, which about to be released.

Ideas abound to adapt washcloth crafts as a teaching tool. Children learn to measure, shape, glue and sew, which are just some of the skills they learn. Factoids accompany every critter in the books to help make a fun project informative.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Halloween Bats and Firecrackers!

Washcloth bats can be any color!

Washcloth Firecracker Favor Box also on Etsy.

Bat and firecracker instructions are in this book!

Both TerryGami books are now available online in soft cover!

Eight TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, and Graduation Owl

New! Graduation Owl Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

The latch on the back of the firecracker helps to hold in candy or plastic treats for Halloween. Use bat buttons or pumpkin buttons to secure the latch or spray paint jingle bells black or orange and use them instead of buttons.The bats can be any color, even white. Glitz them up with glitter foam board, acrylic gems, or sequins. Add a candy or plastic treat to the tummy or use the bat as a boo boo bat to soothe a child'sboo boo. Use orange and black accents instead of gold and silver or any color for that matter.

Albino washcloth bat!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Wednesday, September 12, 2012


Angel can be a favor, ornament or soothe a child's boo boo!

Decorate with foam board, acrylic gems, or sequins.


Try a heart mouth instead of a round for the Girl Angel!

Both books are now available online in soft cover!

Eight TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, and Graduation Owl

New! Graduation Owl Instructions are now on Etsy, too!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

TerryGami is the softer side of origami!

Boo Boo Angels can be used to soothe a child's boo boo or they can be used as ornaments for Christmas trees, sachets for a dresser drawers, or as party favors for holdiday parties or for Christmas weddings. Treats, cash, potpourri or an ice cube can be tucked into the angel's skirt or tummy. Use the angels for a special favor for pre-school or elementary school Christmas parties.

The angels can also be used as art projects or activities for kids or elder groups. They can be used for bazaar sales at fall festivals or church craft shows. Have fun discovering your own special way of decorating them. Use acrylic gems. Note: Tiny star and round gems for the wings can be found by the scrapbook area in craft stores.

The angels are easy to make and the wings can be glued instead of sewn, if you would like to fore-go the scalloped wings. Remember, wide-eyed, bunt-end darning or plastic needles can be used on terrycloth because of the wide weave of the material. Elders and children will appreciate the wide-eyes of the darning needle. I know I do!

If there isn't enough time to make the entire angel, let the children decorate them with the sundry materials available today, including sequins, glass gems, glittered foam board, beads, wood cut outs, etc. Dust them with white angel dust or fine glitter to add a little pizazz, if using for a Christmas ornament.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Thursday, September 6, 2012


Graduation Owl Instructions now available on Etsy!

TerryGami books are available in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe

Both books are now available online in soft cover!

Seven TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket

New! Graduation Owl Instructions on Etsy!

Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!

The TerryGami Graduation Owl Instructions are now available on Etsy for $2!

I designed the owl years ago,and I called it the Boo Boo Owl back then because I made them for my sons' classmates for kindergarten graduations. When I learned much later that the some of the parents keep the owl as a keepsake for their children, I decided something more had to be done in the way of washcloth crafts. It took a while, but I came up with many critters and instructions, which were colorful, easy to read, and provided illustrations to make reading instructions easy. I also added factoids to the books so that a teacher, troop, or group leader could make a fun project informative. The owl instructions are also available in the book, "TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children" which is available online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. See the links above.


Fifteen projects in all!

The Teacher's Boo Boo Apple is also available in the book, which makes a nice gift for the teacher either in the beginning of the year or at the end of the year.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Tuesday, August 7, 2012


Parrots don't have to be pirates!


Available in softcover online. See below.

Without the pirate garb, he's a Senegal parrot!

TerryGami books are available in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe

Both books are now available online in soft cover!

Seven TerryGami Instructions are available on Etsy!
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box & Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

Lose the hat and ear ring and the TerryGami pirate parrots can be just plain parrots. Factoids are included for every critter in the book to make every project informative.

Make a pirate parrot for your pirate Halloween costume. Parrots come in almost every color, so why not use washcloths to match your costume?

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Teach with TerryGami Washcloth Crafts! Fun new craft!

Find boy or girl angel instructions on Etsy for $2!

Find Tooth Fairy instructions on Etsy for $2!

Seven TerryGami designs are available on Etsy!

TerryGami books are available in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe

Both books are now available online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!

My first intention, when designing the TerryGami books, was to expand washcloth crafts for children and adults alike. Later I realized the potential for the book to be a teaching tool for children, 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 children's 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 the children 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 alike. 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 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, too.

It is amazing to see what children come up with, for example, pink, yellow and blue tortoises and hares (in the animal book), instead of green and brown ones. Some kids like to 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 is a fun way to learn how to sew by hand, as well as reinforce other important skills for a child's development.

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Have a TerryGami sleepover party!

Holiday icons for holiday fun!

Critters, gnomes and more!

Ducks can be any color!

Make Heart Keepsake Boxes. Instructions are on Etsy, too!

TerryGami books are available in
the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe , too!

Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Also check out:

Etsy

Some patterns are available on Etsy, too!

Welcome to TerryGami washcloth crafts!
Add a little extra fun to a summertime sleepover with TerryGami washcloth crafts. One or two cloth critters are best for starting off in washcloth crafts. For example, the heart boxes or ducks would be easy for beginners. Remember, ducks and hearts can be any color. One package of 18 thin washcloths can be found at Wal-Mart for $4. Great bright colors are available now.

Kids can learn how to create a toy with little more than a washcloth, a rubber band, needle and thread, and maybe a little stuffing. Not all critters require stuffing, but kids really get a kick out of stuffing their animals, the fatter the better! I recommend small packages of quilt batting because the batting can be cut into strips, which is great when stuffing a critter's legs, if he has some.

Blunt end needles work well on terrycloth, so there is no need to worry about any needle pricks. I prefer darning needles, but even plastic needles can be used. Both types of needles are easy to thread. Also, blunt end scissors made for children can be used to cut the thread and to help avoid any mishaps.

See this link for tips on having a TerryGami Party Tips. For lots more information, see the website: TerryGami.

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Summer Critters!

Books are available online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

TerryGami books are available in
the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe , too!

Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Also check out:

Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!
Try making these easy TerryGami ducks for summer fun. There isn't much sewing involved in the making of this critter, so kids can slowly build their confidence in using a needle and thread. In no time at all they can show off their creation. Ducks can be any color. They can be black like Daffy or white like Donald. Kids love color, so let them choose. I am sure if you Google pink and purple ducks, you will find them!

Happy Crafting!

~Terry

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Two options for the Tooth Fairy!


Tooth Fairy II Instructions are available on Etsy.

Tooth Fairy Instructions are available on Etsy.

TerryGami books are available in
the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, too!

Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Also check out:

Etsy

Welcome to was hcloth crafts!

Many stories and myths exist about the Tooth Fairy, whether she looks likes a fairy godmother or he looks like The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) in the first tooth fairy movie, or now, The Cable Guy (Daniel Lawrence Whitney) in Tooth Fairy 2.

There seems to be no set image of the Tooth Fairy, which is why The Rock could play the role and wear a pink tutu for the movie. He had a great tailor because he actually looked great in the tutu!

Whatever the Tooth Fairy really looks like, he or she has soothed the fears of many children through out the ages. A child’s worry over loosing a tooth vanishes just at the thought of this magical creature who brings a cash gift or reward.

In some cultures, a mouse exchanges a tooth for coins and in others the child’s guardian angel, a young dog, swallows the tooth to ensure that the new tooth will grown in straight. The Vikings had a different take on baby teeth. They believed their children’s teeth were magical and would wear them as necklaces into battle as a talisman.

According to the Multiculturalpedia online, the Japanese tradition is to throw a lower baby tooth on top of the roof, so the new tooth will grow straight up, and to throw an upper baby tooth under the house, so the new upper tooth will grow straight down!

Since there is no set image and no set tradition world-wide, except for placing the tooth under the pillow for retrieval, the washcloth versions of the Tooth Fairy (above) will help the tooth fairy find the baby tooth easily when he or she visits. Wrap the tooth in a tissue or make a little bag for it, and tuck it into the fairy’s tummy. Place the washcloth fairy under the pillow or next to the pillow for easy retrieval.

The instructions for both varieties of Tooth Fairy are available at the TerryGami Etsy shop, and they also come with Tooth Fairy Certificates. If you can’t decide on which fairy to make, let your child decide.

By the way, the glittered foam board decorations and ribbon can be in any color, not just silver, so try pink or blue!

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Firecracker Party Favors for the 4th of July!

Washcloth Firecracker Party Favor

Washcloth Firecracker Party Favor to fill with treats!

Firecracker Instructions are in this book or on Etsy.

TerryGami books are sold online. See the links below.

The TerryGami books are available online in soft cover!

Welcome to washcloth crafts!
Fill the Firecracker Party Favor with candy and small plastic flag rings. After the party, the kids can use them to hide their treasures or use as a keepsake box. A jingle bell is used to button the latch, but any button will do.

Start saving your toilet paper rolls now, if you are planning a big 4th of July party.

Use red and blue sequins, glitter foam board, glitter felt or acrylic gem stars.

To purchase the instructions separately, see the above link to the Etsy TerryGami shop.

Happy Crafting!
~Terry

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Washcloth Crafts, Free Boo Boo Bunnie Instructions!

Free bunny instructions at www.terrygami.com.

TerryGami books are available in

the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, too!

Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Also check out:

Etsy

Welcome to washcloth crafts!
The free instructions for the Boo Boo Bunny can be found on the side bar at the TerryGami website.

The bunnies are easy to make and require no sewing. Be sure to use non-toxic and non-flammable fabric glue to glue on the facial features. Even sticky-back foam board requires the fabric glue.

Bundles of white washcloths can be found at Wal-Mart with 18 cloths for $4.

Use glitter foam board and sparkle ribbon to glitz up the bunnies for baby showers..

Happy Crafting!
~Terry