between the toys: Kids Lacing Cards Tutorial (learn to sew)

An easily printable version of this tutorial can be found at:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/53034634/Kids-Lacing-Cards-Tutorial-Public

Do you remember having those little cardboard figures with the holes punched out that you could practice ‘sewing’ with shoelaces? I looked everywhere for them for my daughter’s class and had no luck, so figured I’d better make my own. The beauty of this project is that it’s easily personalized. Use a name, a photo, a bit of original artwork…whatever you have on hand!

Materials: Mod Podge and paint brush, hole punch, paper for the background, thin cardboard (such as a Yoplait box or the cardboard backing of a notepad), shoelace or thick string, scissors or rotary cutter.

Optional: photo or letters or artwork (to make the project personal!), bead, brayer

Let’s Do It!

1. Using the paint brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cardboard. Place the background paper on the cardboard and flatten. Do your best to work out all the air bubbles. Use a brayer if you have one (not required). Allow to dry.

2. Repeat with the opposite side of the cardboard. Allow to dry.

3. Using the paint brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the background paper. Lay the photo/letters/artwork as desired and smooth with your fingers, working out all air bubbles. Allow to dry.

4. Using the paint brush, apply a final layer of Mod Podge over the entire top. Allow to dry.

5. Cut out your design as desired. Mine were all straight names so I used my rotary cutter (yup, definitely needed a new blade after this project).

6. Punch holes as desired throughout the project.

7. Knot the end of the shoelace several times to keep the lace from pulling through the project. If you want to add a bead (not required), add the bead and then knot again in front of the bead so the bead will not come off. I thought having the bead made it a bit more fun and would also help the string not pull through the project.