This week I’ve been making busy bags for O. Busy bags are a bag (or small box) with a simple activity for children. They can be tailored to different age ranges and interests and usually help children learn a skill – from fine motor skills to the alphabet.
This busy bag is a DIY bug themed colour matching and counting activity. There are five little felt leaves, each a different colour with a number from 1-5 on a little pouch. The object of the activity is to match the insect colours to the leaves and to count the number of insects that are put into each leaf pocket. Very simple, but will keep a toddler amused for a short while, letting you get on with the dishes, mountains of laundry or maybe just a quick flick through Facebook!!
This is really easy to make, all you need is 5 different colours of felt, coloured insects, sewing machine and thread. Cut a leaf shape from each colour of felt and then cut a second half leaf shape for the pouch, use a dark colour to cut out the numbers. Sew a few lines to make it look like leaf veins, sew or glue the number onto the leaves and then pin the pouch on top of the leaf and sew all the way around both pieces. Add the correct number of colour insects for each leaf. Ta-da! A cute little busy bag for little ones!
Do your kids enjoy busy bags?
J x
mummy m's memories says
I made my nephews busy bags for Christmas using a tutorial. Costa fortune in the end, as the material I chose wa snot cheap. I was told they loved them, and all the fillings inside. I do hope that is the case. I think they are a fab idea, and perfect for restaurants or visits to the grandparents. #binkylinky
Jenny Eaves says
I’m sure they did love them! Busy bags are great, you can make some amazing things or even just re-use bits and pieces of things to make new ones. We’re going to make a whole load to take with us on holiday! 🙂 x
Emily says
These look like a great way to keep little ones entertained on a rainy day. Thanks for linking up to the #Binkylinky
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks, they’re a hit so far! 🙂 x
Jenny says
These are so cute and colourful! #HowtoSunday
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
These are so cute – you could easily market these! Fab idea – Pinning 🙂
Sara at Handy Herbs says
I love this busy bag idea – so simple but effective for developing skills. You are very creative 🙂 #HowToSundays
Sarah says
These are really cute Jenny, and such a great idea too. Sarah #HowToSunday
Kerry says
I love the busy bags idea, and keep meaning to do something for the kids but just haven’t got round to it! Love the bug theme, my little boy would love it!
Fran Back With A Bump says
These look lovely, such a nice idea and its little homemade things like this that’ll be remembered when O is older. #howtosundays
Maria at Crafty Cooks says
i love this idea. I did number matching with my daughter when she was little, with her brother’s cars and a car park! anything to make maths not scary!
Catherine says
Love these – so colourful and tactile. I think even my sewing skills could cope with them too! #HowtoSunday
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
What a great idea Jenny, I’m sure the bright cheery colours will certainly draw a toddler’s attention even before they see those funny bugs 🙂
Angela x