Cottonball Santa Countdown

When I was younger we did these in school and I have done them with my kids. Don't mind my "art" I had my 10mo old helping.

Materials: Paper Plate
                 Construction Paper (red and white)
                 Paint for the face
                 Cotton Balls X26
                 Glue
                         
              Step one:  Cut a triangle out of the red paper a strip for the hat out of white and a half oval out of white for the beard.

              Step two:  Cut paper plate edge off to make a flat circle.

             Step three: Glue hat and beard onto circle. 
              Step 4: Print numbers 1-25 on beard and add a fluffed cotton ball to the top of the hat.

              Step 5: Paint on face (yes my face looks cartoonish but my son LOVED the face.

 

Starting December 1st we add one fluffed cotton ball to the number that day is. Number 25 is Christmas!!!

Mini ABC Pillows

These came to fruition when I wanted something other than blocks for the ABC's. I hate stepping on blocks and hurting myself. I wanted something that my youngest could play with that wouldn't hurt if I so happened to step on it, nor would it break. I also wanted something that I could use later on to teach the alphabet and spelling. So this is what I came up with.

                   Mini ABC Pillows

Materials: 
  2 prints each piece 6"x16"
  Letter templates
  Ribbon (optional)
  Coordinating thread
  Polifill
  Needle

Pick two prints that coordinate yet will not get lost when on top of each other.
For each print you will need to cut out two pieces that are 6"x6" and one letter.

 Once you have all your fabric and letters cut out its time to put everything together.
First we will pin and zig zag the letters onto one piece of the 6"x6" fabric.

 Now you are going to put the two pieces of 6"x6" fabric right sides together and pin.

 If you want a ribbon loop this is the time to pin it in. I did as these pillows are being made so that they can hang onto a peg board later on down the road.

 Sew the square together leaving an opening to turn right side out. Clip the corners before turning.

  Turn right side out and fill with PoliFill

 The next step is to hand sew your opening closed and you have your pillow done!