'All adults can make toys, the simpler the better, and less "perfect" is even better! It is the love and attention that goes into the making of the toy that really stand the test of time. By paying attention to the color, texture, smell, and shape of something, one enables the young child to create an inner picture, and imaginative play will flow forth.' -- from the Foreword by Leslie Burchell-Fox This simple book of projects encourages adults to take up the joyful task of making toys for the children in their lives. Using a few basic techniques and classic, archetypal shapes, Gun Lee Blue demonstrates how to work with colour and form to craft beautiful dolls, knitted animals and other playthings that foster creativity and imagination. This is a fully illustrated guide to making beautiful toys and playthings for children. Includes colour photographs and black and white patterns.

Help your little ones to enjoy hours of imaginary play with this wonderful collection of sewing patterns for DIY kids' dress up accessories. Author, Jessica Near, has designed a range of masks, paws and tails for days of dressing up fun. Your little ones can choose from magical creatures to wild animals, birds of paradise and superheroes - whatever takes their mood. Jessica explains how to make the basic shapes for each of the accessories and how to vary them depending on the character and creature. There are step-by-step illustrations for all the projects and the general sewing techniques, and, although the designs are distinctive, the instructions are easy enough for absolute beginners. They are all made from felt which makes them quick and easy to sew - no need to worry about tricky hems or seams splitting.