This monster will look adorable hanging from your child's backpack when s/he heads back to school this fall!

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What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Sew the large button onto the red felt strip, about 2" from the top using yarn and child-safe sewing needle.
2. With the button facing up, pipe instant grab glue along the length of the red felt, on both the left and right sides. Stop piping near the top of the felt, in line with the top of the button. This will leave about a 2" flap at the top without glue on it. (See photo.)
3. Cut 6 pieces of yarn into 2" lengths. Fold one of the pieces in half to create a loop and press the open ends into the glue line next to the large button. Repeat this process, gluing 3 on each side. (See photo.)
4. Take the bottom of the felt and fold it up toward the top, over the button, but leaving the unglued flap at the top uncovered. Press the sides together and let it dry for several hours. (See photo.)
5. Meanwhile, fold the piece of jewelry cord in half, and then insert the looped end into the ring of the backpack clip. Thread the open end of the cord through the looped end of the cord and pull tight. (See photo.)
6. When the felt has dried completely, turn the felt inside out by inserting your thumb into the closed end of the felt and pushing carefully. (See photo.)
7. Place a tablespoon of dried rice into a fold-top sandwich baggie and wrap up, securing the bag with tape. Insert the small bag of rice inside the felt monster; add a cotton ball or two to fill.
8. Glue the small button to the center of the large button to create the eye.
9. Cut a small square from white felt for a tooth and a small smile shape from black felt and glue to your monster. (See photo.)
10. Thread the end of the jewelry cord onto a child-safe sewing needle and thread through the red felt flap above the large button. Remove needle and tie the end into a knot, trim the end. (See photo.)
11. Fold the flap over to the back and secure with instant grab glue. Add some glue to the hole at the top where the jewelry cord meets the felt.

 

Tips:

1. Child-safe sewing needles are available in the sewing department of discount department stores and craft supply stores.
2. Yarn can be used in place of jewelry cord; however yarn can fray and may not last as long as the cord will.
3. For younger children, this project will be easier if you make the monster wider. Instead of 3 inches wide, make it 5 or 6 instead.