So, I jettisoned my to-do list and made a flannel today. It felt good. I've really missed actually working on things for storytime. The simple yet delightful, "How Do I Put It On?" by Shigeo Watanabe just begged me to turn it into felt.
First I looked at the illustrations in the book, and did a Google image search for bears to figure out how I wanted him to look. I knew he'd need long legs and arms to put the cloths on. Then I did a small sketch (on the green paper) to test out some ideas. Once I had it how I wanted it, I sketched him onto a clean sheet. then I lightly outlined the clothes shapes so that they would be the right size.
Next I enlarged my drawing on the photocopier so it would be better for group viewing, and made two copies (one for the bear shape, and one for the clothes).
Then I used my paper scissors (the orange ones) to cut out my pattern for just the bear. I taped that to the felt and then cut the felt with my cloth scissors. Taping the pattern on works wonderfully--I just cut through the tape. Paper dulls scissors very quickly, and cutting cloth with dull scissors is a nightmare, so I'm very careful to use different pairs for different materials.
I did the same thing for the clothes, and then I added details with markers using the dabbing approach rather than a dragging/writing motion.
I gave him a Green Bay Packer shirt because I know my audience, and it will delight many of the little boys in my storytimes. I printed the logo on paper and glued it on.
I'd be happy to share my template if anyone wanted it.
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| Little Bear photographed really dark--sorry! |
First I looked at the illustrations in the book, and did a Google image search for bears to figure out how I wanted him to look. I knew he'd need long legs and arms to put the cloths on. Then I did a small sketch (on the green paper) to test out some ideas. Once I had it how I wanted it, I sketched him onto a clean sheet. then I lightly outlined the clothes shapes so that they would be the right size.
 |
| All my felt-making tools. |
Next I enlarged my drawing on the photocopier so it would be better for group viewing, and made two copies (one for the bear shape, and one for the clothes).
Then I used my paper scissors (the orange ones) to cut out my pattern for just the bear. I taped that to the felt and then cut the felt with my cloth scissors. Taping the pattern on works wonderfully--I just cut through the tape. Paper dulls scissors very quickly, and cutting cloth with dull scissors is a nightmare, so I'm very careful to use different pairs for different materials.
I did the same thing for the clothes, and then I added details with markers using the dabbing approach rather than a dragging/writing motion.
 |
| Can't turn it without starting over. |
I gave him a Green Bay Packer shirt because I know my audience, and it will delight many of the little boys in my storytimes. I printed the logo on paper and glued it on.
I'd be happy to share my template if anyone wanted it.
posted from Bloggeroid
