'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.

Beginners and experienced crafters alike will treasure this expert guide to making one-of-a-kind teddy bears. These full-size basic patterns include adorable costumes for the bears and are easy to customize. Step-by-step instructions and more than 150 diagrams explain everything from choosing the right fabric to adding the final touches. Sixteen color and 11 black-and-white photographs perfectly illustrate the possibilities for creating plush companions. The founder of the magazine "Teddy Bear Review, " Ted Menten has written 19 books on the subject and conducts teddy bear-making classes around the world. This guide features his well-tested techniques, which include tips on how to add distinctive facial expressions and other individual, expressive traits that transform ordinary crafts projects into truly personal keepsakes and gifts.