The Owl and the Pussycat....and a rabbit

Mr Maker would be proud of my kitchen at the moment - it's crazy craft central here, thanks to The Big Ideas Book. I picked up this 70's classic by Susan Stranks in a charity shop - and happily, age hasn't dulled its creative sparkle. I'm very much hoping our crafty wave of enthusiasm will carry us through to Christmas, because there are some great pressie ideas.

Now I probably feel quite sentimental about this book, because it's from my childhood - but nostalgia aside, I think what gives it the edge over squillions of other craft books, is the end result doesn't look too polished or perfect. The things look homemade. Such a relief! So far we haven't had any of those, 'it's nothing like the picture' moments - and as a result everyone seems more willing to have a go.

Anyway I mentioned I'd make some things from the book, so this is the first of what I hope will be a regular slot...

We decided to try paper roll animals first. Susan Stranks (one of the original Magpie presenters) makes her own paper rolls - rolling and glueing coloured paper - but for a stronger, longer lasting model we used cardboard loo rolls. The only bit of forward planning needed, is to glue the top end of the tube closed - paper clips help, and make sure the glue goes about a cm down the tube, because you'll be cutting into it.

Next, painting time - the easiest way is to hold the bottom of the roll, because this bit is going to be cut off and doesn't need to be painted. It also means the kids are less likely to paint their hands and half way up their arms....I was a little late with this tip...

Mark a curve at the glued end of the roll and cut it out - also take a cm or two off the bottom. This should neaten it up.

Cut out eyes, beaks, wings, claws, tails anyway you like from coloured paper or use painted white paper. We drew around the base of a small bottle for owl eyes.

The rabbit is made from two bits of tube - the body part should be a little longer, and we used a kitchen roll tube because it was also slightly wider. Draw the ears and feet joined together (see picture below), with enough paper inbetween to wrap around the back of the head.

The kids decorated the wings and eyes with felt tip, before sticking them on. We glued an extra bit of paper under the two rabbit rolls to make it more sturdy. Use a ball of cotton wool for a fluffy tail.

..and a little cut out fish for the cats.

Really simple to make and everyone was happy. They look the way you hope they'll look!

Next week - 'Something for the boys'


I'm linking up with 'For the Kids Fridays'