DIY Toys: Coconut husk mini basket

Here's a simple craft made using coconut husks. We actually prefer the taste of the larger green coconuts from Malaysia, but for the sake of art, we occasionally buy Botak coconuts from NTUC or Giant. This little hanging basket can be used as decoration, a plant pot, or in our case, a Bear Holder. We finished it in 15 minutes. It's quick and simple, but requires close adult supervision. Materials Hand drill (hand-operated, not electric. Available from Spotlight. I got my Mini German-made Hand Drill from Garrett Wade) String / Yarn / Wool (We get our wool from Daiso) Botak Coconut husk...

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DIY Toys: Felt Busy Bag

Here's a lightweight and fun activity that comes in very handy during long visits or while waiting for appointments.   We basically sewed two pieces of felt cloth together to make a bag, added handles and cut out different shapes to form pictures or tell stories. Felt tends to stick to felt unless it's windy or if you  deliberately shake it off, so you don't have to worry too much about the pieces going everywhere. What to do with the Felt Busy Bag  play tic-tac-toe create beautiful pictures or designs form letters or words take turns to tell stories, one sentence at...

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Woven-Paper Heart Envelope

Here's a lovely gift idea that a child can make easily, out of paper or felt. Simple, useful, and pretty. Here's a great tutorial: Waldorf Valentine Envelope (Sarah's Silks) Photo by Sarah's Silks ...

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What to do with all the Hong Bao Red Packets? Make Chinese Lanterns!

Every year, we have tonnes of unused red packets leftover after Chinese New Year. This year, we decided to put them to good use.  These lanterns look pretty authentic! Here are some simple lanterns that we made: Simple Round Lantern This one needs just 5 identical red packets, a stapler, and string. We finished it in one sitting! Large double layered lantern This more ornate lantern needs about 30 identical red packets, cardboard, tape, string, beads, and more patience, but it's worth the trouble! Happy Lantern makin...

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