How to make a bug hat

This is a really easy make. I've used it many times at workshops, it is especially good for drop-in sessions when you have to create something with the WOW factor that is ready to take away in a matter of minutes. If speed is what you need have the pieces cut ready.

You will need:

1 x headband approx 60cm long and 7cm wide

6  Legs (or 8 for a spider)

2  Eyes 

2  Antennae + 1 tongue

Form the headband into a circle, measure to fit around the child's head then staple to secure.

Bend all the leg strips into zig zags all the way along and then staple them to either side of the hat.

Now for the features;

Add some pupils to the eye circles using coloured pens or paper. We used some vinyl scraps which are easy as they are ready to stick.

Wrap the antennae strips around your

finger or a pencil to make them curly.

Staple the features to the hat. 


Variations;
This hat was a bug but it can easily be adapted for other themes eg fish/under the sea or add flowers/leaves.
For a longer 'make' get the children thinking about the design in more detail before they construct the hat. Use paper and pens so they can draft their ideas and discuss them.

How to make a stick insect - quick & easy to make

Ok, it's an insect on a stick rather than a stick insect but still an easy and quick make using scrap materials. When you've finished whirling it around, stick it into a plant pot or garden border for decoration.
You will need; a 30cm length of 5mm dowel or a stick, a pipecleaner, a selection of scrap bits and pieces. We used sequin waste, cellophane and some other spongy offcuts *

Bend the pipecleaner into a 'U' and place 2 pieces of cellophane for the wings, about 15cm x 10cms, plus the other decorative bits on top. Add some dangly bits for a tail. Now twist the pipecleaner ends so that it traps everything together (see photo). It's that easy! No glue, just twist together.


Use some string or yarn to fix the insect to the stick and away you go.


Variation: use some coiled wire to make a spring and fix to the dowel to make a pot decoration.(photo on left)


* Do you have a local scrap store? Ours is a 56 mile round trip to Church Stretton! - but it's still fun to go and see what treasures they have. 
Check out their website - Scrappies.

insect on a stick as a garden decoration

Insect on a stick

It was here all along

Funny how you have to go away to appreciate what you already have and see things in a new light, but that's just what happened last week. A mini-break in London promised plenty of new ideas and experiences. Living, as we do, a little off the beaten track in the rural depths of Herefordshire and not travelling too far or too often, I've developed a tendency for thinking that we're a bit of a backwater and lagging behind the times somewhat. Far from it! Although we stopped in lovely Notting Hill Gate (by Portobelllo Market) and went into lots of shops it was a little disappointing not to find anything with a WOW factor. OK, Liberty's was a bit wow and I wish it was closer so I could go more often, and I did see one or two ideas to adapt for the ECHO shop but ...... we already had very similar stock. Hurrah! bang on trend and a fraction of the price. Leominster is the place to be. 

Just wondering now where I can get a ton or two of wood panelling to recreate the Liberty's look.http://www.liberty.co.uk/?gclid=CMD__sm8pKkCFVJX4QodHgpptg