Fun Stuff for Kids

How to Make a Pillow Bed for Your Kids

February 2, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

I totally get that throws and couch pillows are just that… pillows. They have stuffing in them, they’re on the couch, so why not use them for resting your head? It makes sense until you become the one who carefully takes the time to find or make the pillows and then watches as they become flattened, wilty, masses of fabric that no longer add charm to your home decor. My biggest struggle is when my boys sit on the pillows to play video games. I knew I had to learn how to make a pillow bed for them!

Halfpintpeeps.com is your guide to smooth parenting! Find loads of fun ideas for you and your kids. Get your kids ready for sleepovers and more with these easy to make pillow beds they're sure to love!

When I came across a DIY project for making a pillow bed, I knew I had found my pillow-saving solution. I made one for each of my boys using their choice of fabric. They get them out every time they play video games, when we have game night or movie night, or just when they’re hanging out between school, soccer, and every other thing they have going on. We love our pillow beds! I’ve also made a couple for my classroom for our reading nook (Teachers would LOVE to receive a pillow bed as a gift!) If you’re ready to make one too, here’s how to make a pillow bed for your kids (and you too!).

How To Make A Pillow Bed

Materials

Normally I’m fairly picky-choosy when it comes to fabrics for sewing projects, but I let my boys have total freedom (okay, ALMOST total) for this DIY. I always walk out of Joann’s pretty happy with their selection of fabrics. However, if you’ve not yet discovered the awesomeness of fabric.com, now is your chance! My boys had SO much fun picking out their favorite Star Wars and soccer prints. Here’s what you’ll need for the pillow bed:

– 2.25 yards flannel material in pattern 1 and 2.25 yards flannel material in pattern 2. OR, you can opt for 4.5 yards of ONE flannel material for pattern 1 AND 2.

– Sewing machine and thread

– Sharp scissors or rotary cutter

– Pins

– Measuring tape

– Pencil or water soluble marker

– 4 bed pillows

Directions

Step 1

Use scissors or a rotary cutting tool (use this Pickled Barrel article to help you work with one) to cut both pieces of flannel to measure 34.5″ X 75″.

Step 2

Match the two flannel pieces together with their right sides facing in. Pin around each side EXCEPT for one long side (3 of the 4 sides will be pinned).

Step 3

Sew the three pinned sides together, making sure to leave a 1/2″ seam.

Step 4

Trim the stitched corners off with scissors. Be sure not to get too close to the stitching!

Step 5

With the long side that has not yet been sewn, fold the material over twice and pin so you have about a 1/2″ seam. Sew the edge of the 1/2″ seam using your machine. Do NOT sew the two sides together! Turn right side out after the last edge has been stitched.

Step 6

Using a measuring tape and starting at either of the short ends, mark a line every 18.5″ until you reach the opposite short end. This will divide your fabric into 4 equal sections. Stitch along each marked line with the sewing machine to make the 4 pillow pockets.

Step 7

Stuff each of the 4 pockets with pillows and ENJOY!! Don’t have 4 spare pillows? Check out Amazon for some very affordable options.

Find more crafts at Half Pint Peeps:

10 Paper Plate Christmas Crafts for Kids

Cute Egg Carton Crafts for Kids

Find Fabrics, Supplies, and Ideas From:

Bed in a Bag Star Pattern for sale on Great Little Trading Co.

Fabric sold at Joann’s

Quality Fabric, Patterns, Craft/Sewing Supplies and more sold on Fabric.com

Pillows Sold On Amazon

10 Musical Instrument Crafts for Kids

August 22, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Kids, easy crafts for kids, and noise go hand-in-hand. Children love when things make noise, and while this can be annoying for parents, it’s a good way for them to use their creativity. Professional musical instruments are expensive, and kids may be too rough with them. Fortunately, instruments can be made. Here are 10 musical instrument crafts for kids.

1. Container Drums

Empty oatmeal containers make the best drums, but potato chip containers work too. Encourage your kid to decorate the containers with construction paper. Then, add skins to the homemade drums. Pencils or wood dowels make perfect drum sticks.

2. Metal Washer Chimes

Easy crafts for kids include making a metal washer chime. This one may be easier on the ears. To make it, collect metal washers that are different sizes. You’ll also need yarn and a ruler. Cut the yarn and tie it to the ruler. Be sure to keep space between the yarn strings. Then, tie the washers to the yarn strands, forming a chime.

3. Easter Egg Maracas

If you have old plastic Easter eggs lying around, turn them into maracas. Instruct your kids to gather pebbles from outside. The next step is to put them in the plastic eggs and tape them shut. Once your kids have decorated the eggs, they’ll be ready to play their maracas. If you don’t have any old Easter eggs, you can get them at Michael’s.

4. Shoebox Guitars

Crafts for kids include making guitars out of shoeboxes. The only materials needed for this project are an old shoebox, rubber bands and glue.

5. Musical Anklets

With musical anklets, you’ll know where your kids are at all times. Your toddler is sure to have fun wearing them since they make a thrilling jingly noise every time he or she moves. To make them, you’ll need felt, glue and bells.

6. Popsicle Harmonica

When it comes to easy crafts for kids, you won’t find many easier to make than this popsicle harmonica. Made from popsicle sticks, paper, toothpicks and a few rubber bands, a popsicle harmonica is sure to keep your little ones happy for hours.

7. Hardware-Inspired French Horn

An online visit to a hardware store like Hoss Tools is all that it takes to get the supplies for a hardware-inspired French horn. A funnel, some tubing and your favorite connectors can be turned into a French horn, one that will have your kids playing their own tune.

8. PVC Xylophone

You’ll have to help build a PVC xylophone, but this craft for kids is the real deal. To make it, you’ll need PVC pipe along with some wood for the frame. Consider marking the top of each pipe with colored tape to indicate the different cords.

9. Toilet Paper Roll Kazoos

Kazoos are noisy fun, the kind that inspire young musicians. Making toilet paper roll kazoos is simple since all you need are empty toilet paper rolls, rubber bands and wax paper. This homemade instrument is one that your kids can decorate, so be sure to break out the markers.

10. Singing Straws

Singing straws are a homemade musical instrument that is easy to make and affordable. At the store, pick up a box of multicolored straws and some yarn. Cut the bottom of the straws at an angle and be sure to cut each one a different length. Then, form holes lengthwise across the top of each straw. String the yarn through the holes and let your kids make beautiful music.