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:
Barnes and Noble

Also check out:

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