Stuffed Heart for Back-to-School

Posted: September 5, 2012 | Author: Jena | Filed under: Artsy Fartsy, Community, Developmental Themes, Imagination, Jena's work, Small Motor Skill, textiles, Tradition | Leave a comment »

My little guy is a bit sensitive, probably pretty average for a 5 year old going to full day school for the first time, but I know he has anxieties about starting in a new school with new teachers. I don’t blame him. New situations and change can get me pretty charged up too.

To ease some of this anxiety for Little J and for myself, I make a little stuffed heart for him to keep in his pocket. This idea is from CurlyBirds. CurlyBirds made hearts for every child in their childrens’ classroom.

I put some of my love in it, cuddles and kisses, and Big K does too. If Little J feels sad or misses us while at school, he can take out the heart for a little home made love.

Here’s what you need:

cozy material, I used felt
needle and thread
batting

I cut heart shapes out of two pieces of fabric…cut them together so the shape of the pieces match up. I use Little J’s two favorite colors, and didn’t try to be perfect because the more funky the shape, the more character the heart will have. Little J says he likes it that way because it’s like a snowflake, no two are alike.

Sew the edges of the heart together using the blanket stitch, or any other stitch you like, making sure to leave an opening to stuff the heart. I used a contrasting color thread to show the stitches.

Stuff the heart with batting.
Finish sewing it up.
Put love in it…kisses and cuddles.

It helps to craft with friends. Our little guys have been in a playgroup together since they were 1 year olds, and they will all be starting this new Kindergarden adventure together.

Two great books to go along with idea are:

---