Felt Face Activity

This time of year traditionally means a lot of travel. We love to visit family for Thanksgiving and Christmas but that means a lot of time is spent in the van. Even though we have TVs for the kids to watch movies, they get bored with that after a while. I always pack books and other things to give them a variety of activities. I just made some FELT FACES to add to our stash of travel activities!
 Here is what you will need:

Scissors, card stock paper, pencil, felt

You can get variety packs of felt in different colors for just a few dollars per pack. In other words, this is one CHEAP activity to make :)

*Draw a basic face shape, eyes, a few different noses, ears, some mouths, eyebrows, accessories like bows and flowers, maybe some glasses. I wait until I have cut out the face shape before I draw the hair. Then they will match up.

*Cut them out and then trace them onto the felt. Cut the felt pieces out and your done! I am sure you probably have sharper scissors than me. It took me a little longer that it should since (thanks to my boys) my scissors are not as sharp as they should be. My boys are constantly taking them to cut weeds in the yard, play Barber shop, trim the trees, cut the handles off my church bag, and cut water bottles in half. I guess a fascination with cutting things is better than a fascination with fire. At least that is what I tell myself every time I grab my "new" scissors and they are dull. So, this really is an easy project if you have good scissors. Just put the kids to bed and watch a show while you cut and you'll be done in no time!

More tips:

*I have four boys so I didn't focus on the girls as much. You could go all out with fun girly things like earrings, girly glasses, more hair options, etc. I made my first set for a friend 7 years ago and made hair that had two pony tails. The sky is the limit!

*I store mine in a gallon sized ziplock baggie. They are great to stick in your purse and have for church, Doctor's offices, etc.

*I save the pieces I cut out of paper (the "pattern") and the scraps of felt and put them in a folder in my filing cabinet. That way if we loose an ear or mouth I can quickly make a replacement.

* Make them to look like your family members complete with Grandma and Grandpa. I was going to make some Grandpa hair but I didn't have any grey felt.

* Make some hats. A cowboy hat, fireman, etc. Or even an eye patch and bandanna. Then the people can play dress up!