Homemade Fishing Game

For almost no cost, you can make a fun gift for young kids. I've seen this idea all over the internet and came up with my own version. I drew a pattern for a simple fish shape and a starfish, then used it to cut out two fabric pieces for each one.

Supplies:

scrap fabric
sewing machine or needle and thread
metal washers
buttons
dowel
shoelace
magnets

Instructions:

Stitch your pieces together (right sides together, then turn right side out).
Stuff with a bit of fiberfill.
Hand-sew a metal washer onto the "nose" of your fish.
Add a button eye if you like.
Use a short piece of dowel for the fishing pole. Tie shoelace onto one end of the dowel.
Super glue the end of the shoe lace in between two magnets.
Warning:This is an important part of the project. You do not want the magnets to come off allowing for the possibility of being swallowed. This is not a toy for children under 3 or any child who likes to put things in his mouth.
Now, find a bucket, basket, or some kind of container from which the little fisher boy or girl can "hook" a big catch. The magnet will hook onto the metal washers on the nose of the fish.
Personalize the container and decorate any way you like.

Homemade fishing game view of the bucket with pole.

Source: Many examples online.

By Gloria from upstate, NY

Contest:
Crafts Contest

Related:
Homemade Magnetic Fishing Game

Feedback

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By 05/10/2012

Jean, thanks for your kind words. I made this for my 4 yr. old grandson and he loved it. I really like the way it is a toy where the child can be successful. They have to focus and really try, but they will be able to do it and be so proud of themselves. I think the trick is in using magnets that are strong enough and fish that are light enough. I tried it out first to be sure of both and found the right combination. Hope your son enjoys it as much as my grandson.

By 05/10/2012

Ooh, Robyn, great idea. Now you've got me thinking of all the other ways I could make this. I suppose you could choose any theme and just make the "fish" to go along with the theme. I love your idea of making leaves instead of fish.