I’m going through a bit of a funk right now. You know, perfectly normal but a funk, nonetheless. I’m thinking it’s a combination of stretching myself a little thin in the creative department and also wanting to be outside with the boys more lately. I’m not too worried, creativity always comes back, just need to relax a bit and open myself up to inspiration, right?
So, until I’m back to my old crafty self, I thought I would share a fun tutorial from a couple years ago that I forgot to post. Make your own Animal Bean Bags! 50% animal, 50% bean bag, 100% loved by kids!
Animal Bean Bags
Materials
– Wool Felt
– Fabric Stabilizer
– Sewing Machine
– Filler (beads, beans, etc)
– Fiber Stuffing
– free Animal Bean Bag printable!
Instructions
1. Use the free Animal Bean Bag printable to cut out all the shapes. Depending on the type of felt you bought, you may want to add stabilizer to the back of all the squares. I used your basic cheap felt and the bean bags eventually lost their shape. I’m thinking that if you use wool felt, this shouldn’t be a problem so go wool. It’s prettier and better anyway!
2. Sew around edges of nose, leaving a small opening. Insert a small piece of Polyfil and then sew shut.
3. Top stitch the rest of the nose detail. (Bear: mouth, Pig: nostrils, Elephant: wrinkles)
4. Use french knots to make eyes. Sew the ears on either to the top if you’re making the bear or the pig (fold in pig’s ears as you sew). Sew Elephant ears to the side.
5. Begin sewing your cube together by stitching two of the squares’ sides together, leaving a .25″ allowance on the top and the bottom. Extremely important not to sew to close to the edges! You won’t be able to attach the top and bottom square if you do.
6. Finish assembling the entire cube, making sure to leave an opening in one of the sides to add the filler.
7. Use a funnel to add the filler of your choice. (Turns out, lentils make more than good soup!)
8. Fold open edges under and hand sew shut.
9. Just try to keep your kid away from these long enough to take a picture! Because, while you may think these bean bags are adorable, they think they’re absolutely irresistible!
This post contains affiliate links.
Joining these parties:
Project Inspired
Comments & Reviews
Janel from NellieBellie says
Oh my stinking cuteness!!! You are clever, clever! Love this!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Janel!
Melody says
I don’t see the printable for these. 🙁
Vanessa Brady says
Oops! I just uploaded to Google Drive and fixed the link. You should be able to download now!
Melody says
Sweet, it worked! Thanks for the effort too, these are super cute!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
SOOOOOO CUTE! I love these little guys!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks! I was hoping to learn how to juggle with them but two years later and I still haven’t gotten around to learning!
Veva says
Amazing!
great result!
kisses
MY WHITE IDEA
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Veva!
Laura Beth says
These might just be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!!
Vanessa Brady says
Babies laughing have nothing on my bean bags! 😀
Courtenay says
OK, seriously, why is everything you make so darn cute? Stop it!
Vanessa Brady says
Lol, if this crafter’s block gets any worse, I just might!
Jocie@OPC The Better Half says
these are so adorable vanessa. would make some great gifts!
Vanessa Brady says
I never thought of gifting these but you’re right!
Phyllis says
What size are the squares?
Vanessa Brady says
It starts as a 3″ square but ends up 2.5″ when you add in the seam allowances.
Ann says
These are darling Vanessa…enjoy your boys. Inspiration will return. I have phases like this more often than not these days! Happy Easter…Ann
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks for the words of support, Ann!
Gwen says
Those are so cute! I love elephanti. <3
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Gwen! The bear with his big fat nose is my personal favorite.
Jamie says
These are adorable! You’re so clever and crafty! I’m your newest follower 😉 You should join up to my new link party {1 party, 5 blogs!} http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/03/give-me-goods-party-1.html
Have a great week!
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Jamie! Just added my link. 🙂
wendy says
these are so cute! thanks for sharing
Vanessa Brady says
No problem, Wendy. Thanks for visiting!
Emily says
Oh my goodness, these are too cute! Pinned for my kiddo! 🙂
Christine says
Oh WOW Vanessa!!!! Soooo cute!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality last week! HAPPY EASTER!!
Heather says
Thanks so much for sharing at Project Inspired @ Setting for Four. I pinned your lovely beanbag animals to our group linky pinboard!
I hope you are having a fantastic Easter, and can join me Monday evening 8 pm EST for Project Inspired #8! 😀
Dana says
These are so cute! I am using these for a project with my junior high FACS class because it has both machine and and hand sewing skills and the pictures will make it super easy for them to follow. Thanks for the post!
Cindy deRosier says
I’m the Editorial Assistant for Fun Family Crafts and I wanted to let you know that we have featured your adorable beanbags! You can see them here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/animal-bean-bags/
If you have other kid friendly crafts, we’d love it if you would submit them. If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above. Thanks for a wonderful project idea!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks for featuring the Animal Beanbags!
Josie says
>.< I didn't know where to buy wool felt so I bought polyester….mehh I hope they turn out good :l my friends baby shower is tomorrow and I'm making them for her baby girl. I feel like an idiot but what is a stabilizer?
Vanessa Brady says
Fabric Stabilizer is just a thick piece of material that you can iron onto the back of fabric to thicken it. You can find it at most fabric or craft stores.