Monday, June 2, 2008

Little Beanbag Rocks

I felt the need to eek out a little crafting time yesterday. It was hard, but I was itching to sew. I ended up cutting out one-third of a bag. When I saw that my time was extremely limited, though, I switched to these sweet little "rocks" that have been in my head for a few weeks now. I was inspired to make them when I saw these (which are fabric covered actual rocks). I've been reading so much about copying amongst the blogs (scroll way down to the post entitled "What do You Think?"), that I actually wrote to Stephanie Congdon Barnes, the creator of the covered rocks, to ask permission to use her rocks as inspiration for little beanbag rocks. She graciously gave permission and said she might even be inspired to make some for her children too.
So here they are. I traced around real rocks to get the shape right then just used craft felt and a blanket stitch. They are filled with rice. I'd love to repeat this project using wool felt, but this is all I had at the moment. I love the weight and size of these. Just right for small hands. I imagined these decorating the top of the toy bins, for use in making little scenes, as a adjunct to the fabric basket, set amongst the soft trees, or even on the nature table. And they'll be perfect for all sorts of tossing games and regular beanbag play.
Rainer took a liking to them right away.

And Dieter liked them so much that now I can't even find two of them! Oh well, they were quick and easy to make.

We had a great date night--thanks for all your kind wishes! The movie was very fun and it was fabulous to actually be able to talk with Ken before and after the movie. Loved that. And now? Off to work. Happy Monday.

22 comments:

Laura said...

The fabric rocks are too cute!

Rachel said...

Those are so cute, such a lovely, simple idea. Glad you had fun at the movies!x

Julie said...

The felt rocks came out so cute!

Carrie said...

cute + clever!

melissa s. said...

ooh i love these! the colors and shapes are perfect!

Our Adventures As A Family of 4.... said...

Great looking rocks, they look soft. I meant to comment on the SITC movie, I also went and saw it this weekend. I liked it. Glad you had a date night.

Molly

Paula said...

I haven't read the 'copying amongst the blogs' thing you linked to because I think if I make something and post it in the public domain then people can use it for inspiration if they like. Otherwise I would apply to have it copyrighted and sell it accordingly. Surely that's the joy and generosity of blog-reading, to be inspired by what other people are up to? I think it was gracious of you to ask permission for your rocks, but you took an idea and made it your own. That's what creativity is all about, otherwise writers, artists, painters would never have produced anything great as all inspiration comes from what has gone before. I love your rocks. Polly x x x

Mary Beth said...

Hi Polly. I feel the exact same way you do, but certain things have made me feel a bit paranoid! In the post I linked to, the author made mention of giving permission whenever anyone asked, but that she liked to be asked, so I tried that. In this case, I was inspired by someone's specific idea so I decided to err on the safe side.

molly | mommycoddle.com said...

I absolutely love these!!

Melissa said...

I love these! I'm definitely going to have to make some for my daughter. She LOVES "ocks," so I know she'll love them.

periwinkle said...

What a good idea - I would never have even thought of that.
Lisa x

mixtapezine said...

they are just the cutest little things
justine

Esther said...

Very sweet- and quick and easy to do, I expect. I think I'll make a couple of fish two, and maybe a crab, to go with them.
Hope your little boy is doing ok.

Andrea said...

I love these--I went right home and made a set when I saw them last week. They immediately disappeared and when I say, "where did you put the rocks mama made?" I just get blank stares. I found your site from the Creative Family Flickr group and I've gone back over your blog--I must say I'm a bit in awe over all you do, in addition to working full time, and having 5 kids and taking care of a sick baby. I wish you both well for a full recovery.

Eva said...

Those rocks are divine. I need a quick little crafty diversion today but here I am with nothing but brightly colored felt in the house. I suppose I'll have to plan a bit for this one.

Jilly said...

Hey, that might even stop my 18 mo old from grabbing and throwing every single real rock he finds anywhere on the sidewalk wherever we go (you can imagine how long it takes us to get anywhere), or keep him away from the metal cars long enough for his brother to play in peace for two minutes . . . lovely rocks.

Anonymous said...

I have just come across your blog and I just love it.
So many things to chat about- are they Stokke highchairs you have? I have three! I adore these felt rocks; may I have your permission to make some too? I will post a link back to your page so everyone knows where they come from. :)

Mary Beth said...

Hi Beth. Thanks for the nice words. Yes, make felt rocks, feel free. And thanks for linking back to me when you do; that's nice! :)

Chrissy said...

I just came across this post and I am in love with these beanbags! I'll be sharing these with my readers at One Crafty Place (with a link back, of course). Thanks! :)

Very Shannon said...

I caught these over on One Crafty Place and couldn't resist adding them to our link luv roundup! Come take a peek:
http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2009/06/link-luv-roundup_10.html
Thanks for sharing :)

urban craft said...

I love these little rocks, Thanks for the info I am off to make some for my little one!

Veterinaire Agenda - Hiskia said...

They are so simple & nice! I posted a picture and link on my Dutch blog: http://kleinezaken.blogspot.com/2009/08/speeleten.html

Is that ok?