I Spy Bags

"Are we nearly there yet?"

"No.  No we're not.  And asking that question 248 times does not seem to be getting us there any faster."

Ah, you have to laugh or you'd...stuff playdough in your ears, turn the car right around and swear never to take them anywhere again until they're at least eligible to vote.

In the interests of not giving my toddler and pre-schooler electronic games or endless supplies of food to keep them quiet in the car, I made these I-spy bags to hopefully keep their little hands occupied for while. 

Each containing the same (of course!) random assortment of items hidden amongst the polystyrene beads, the bags should hopefully provide some tactile entertainment, as well as the obvious who can find it first competitions.  The girls seem to have enjoyed them on the first outing today anyway.  So far so good.

They were made from a 9" x 18" rectangle of interiors fabric from Ikea, with a 2.5" square cut and turned back to make a 3.5" window.  A square of clear plastic tablecloth was then sewn in the window - I went around it three times, just to ensure the beads stay firmly inside the bag.

I then folded in half, sewed around the edges (leaving about 3" for turning), turned it right side out, pressed, topstiched around the edges (apart from the 3" gap), filled with the goodies, and topstitched the gap closed.  It definitely needed a lot fewer polystyrene beads than I expected - I had to unpick twice and remove some, as the goodies inside couldn't be seen when it was stuffed too full, much to the consternation of my four year old.

I have to admit I saw this idea on somebody's tutorial, way back in the mists of time, and can no longer remember where that was, so apologies to wherever they are due, and also thank you!

Child's shoe tying aid

Sometimes the simple things in life can be unexpectedly pleasing, and for me this sweet little craft project just hits the spot.

It barely needs explanation - draw around shoe on card, cut out, poke holes and thread old shoelace through - and I even managed to complete it with my demanding 3 year old *helping*, so it must be an easy one.

Even so, there's something about the laid back colours and the shape of those cute little Converse that just makes me smile.

It has yet to actually become useful, however, as Eva refuses to participate in the shoelace tying lesson. Despite my protests that I already know how to tie my shoelaces, the only response I get from her is "Mummy, you do it". I think we'll be buying velcro fastening shoes for a while yet.