Baby Gift Topper

My mother-in-law in one of those magical people children love.  A former teacher, amazing grandmother and dedicated volunteer, this is a modification of one of her ideas.

Materials

• Print-out of the baby template (or draw your own) baby-present-topper
• Thick paper such as cardstock
• Multicultural crayons or markers
• Thin felt marker (we used a permanent one to prevent smudging when the crayon was applied)
• Single hole punch
• Ribbon or twine
• Bone folder (optional)
• Scissors
• Gift Tag: CelebratingYourArrival (With a spot for names and multiple copies for future use or multiple births!)

Option 1

• Fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric glue
• Stick pins

Option 2

• Bath “poof”
• Paint
• Shallow tray
• Craft tray
• Craft glue
• Smock
• Wet cloth for clean-up

Directions

• Print the template onto a piece of white cardstock.  Cut out the two pieces (the blanket and the head).

• Have the child draw the baby’s face on the circle and colour with a multicultural crayon.

Option 1

• Pin the cut out blanket template onto fabric and cut out two copies.

• Fold the cardstock template (along the dotted lines) using a bone folder to get sharp edges.

• Glue the fabric onto the cardstock, one piece on either side, making sure that the fabric goes into the creases of the folds.  Allow to dry overnight. (As you can see, we extended this a bit further, by sewing the edges on a machine as well).

• Attach the circular head as shown using fabric glue.  Allow to dry overnight.

• Attach to the present using tape.  (OR punch two holes in the interior of the blanket.  String twine or ribbon through the holes and attach to the present.)

• Attach the provided tag, should you like.

Option 2

• After donning your smock, put your cut out blanket template in a craft tray or large, shallow dish.

• Dip the bath “poof” into  your paint and paint your blanket, dabbing it several times to cover the surface.

• Allow this to dry and do the other side.

• Once dried, fold the template along the dotted lines and attach the head using craft glue.

• Attach to the gift using tape or punch two holes in the blanket, string ribbon or twine through the holes and attach to the gift.

• Add the provided gift tag.

Option 3

• Print the templates and decorate the blanket, using your ideas/ imagination, making it your own!

• We would love for you to share your ideas.  Please send us a photo!

Purpose

• Thinking of others, using a variety of tools to paint/ create texture

Safety Notes

• It is recommended that you use non-toxic paint and scissors with adult supervision