Making Quiet Time Play Tins for Children

Total Time: 2-3 hours.

Yield: 3-4

Supplies:

• 1 tin boxes of various small sizes, (1 tin for each)
• 1 1/2 of a 5X5 Felt Square felt squares of various colors
• items from nature i.e. leaves, twigs, small pebbles, depending on the scene
• 1 9 oz. container clear drying glue
• fabric scraps of varying colors and patterns (optional)
• small buttons and beads, depending on subject of the tin
• various colors of thread or embroidery floss
• small bits of stuffing used to make stuffed animals.
• scissors

Steps:

1. I first decide what the subject of the tin will be such as a scene from the woods or a home with pets, and pet beds, etc.
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2. Then I cut out and create the main subject of the tin such as a dog, cat, fish or a person, etc.
3. I then create the removable object in the tin from the felt or fabric. I cut out and stuff the removeable object to be placed in the tin.
4. I glue on the inside of the tins the background scenes which are created with fabric or felt or a combo of both.
5. I add the other objects in the scene such as little pet toys or grass or the sky or whatever necessary to complete a scene. This is made from all the various items mentioned in supplies.
6. I use both insides of the tin to create the actual scene and I also decorate the outside of the tin.

This is very similar to the way my son's preschool taught the kids the sounds each letter makes. A tin or box with an "A" on top would have small items that started with A, apple, B, baby, etc.

What a great and creative way to entertain small children. I can't wait until my grandson is a little older and I can make him one of these little tins.