July has been Book Month here on Wild Olive, and it's nearly over...but I have one more book to share with you! Flip Dolls & Other Toys That Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab & Go by Laura Wilson is a child's dream. Flipping through had me flipping out and feeling like a kid again. Truly, Laura has crafted some of the most original soft toys I've seen in a long time.
I'm still a bit of a novice when it comes to making sewn toys, so books like this feel over my head most of the time. But this is just too cute for me not to jump into!
First, let me say that although Flip Dolls is a book of toys that children will love, as an adult I find them all to be very appealing. A stuffed ukulele? You know that would look awesome on your sofa. And a bearded lady that flips to conjoined twins? I love it. I have a bearded lady print hanging over my desk, so this doll would be perfect for me. She's a bit more complicated, so I've put in a request for my mom to make her.
There are robots and animals and computers and superheroes and even a lie detector. My sister loved spy-related things when she was little and would have gone nuts for that!
The majority of the projects are listed as moderate to difficult, but there are some easy toys as well. Like those sweet elephants that link up! They're definitely my speed...I could even hand sew them! But as I said, if you want to challenge yourself to try something at the next level, this book would really inspire you to do so.
But probably the best feature here is that Flip Dolls & Other Toys is filled with gender neutral projects. Some may have more appeal to girls or boys, but generally this is a book for all.
But here's my most favorite thing in the whole book. A turtle with changeable shells! Oh my goodness! The shells in different fabrics are delightful...and the naked turtles? Eep! I want to squeeze them!
For those who love toys, or love little ones who love toys, be prepared to flip for Flip Dolls & Other Toys that Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab & Go!
Thanks, Lark Crafts, for sending me a copy!
That's amazing... I want to learn sewing, but unfortunately have to wait for sewing machine...
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend want to design toys for me to make, but I'm not confident enough with my skill level. Maybe I should get this book so I can improve and learn more about toy construction.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking specifically toward plushes, you may also want to check out "Wee Wonderfuls," by Hillary Lang.
DeleteAbby Glassenberg wrote a book that actually teaches the elements of soft toy construction. Find my review of Stuffed Animals here.
DeleteOh thank you so much both of you. I'll check them out.
DeleteThese are so cool! I want to make them all!
ReplyDelete-Becca
Ladyface Blog
Must look out for this book since I make tactile resources for visually and hearing impaired children, so am always on the look out for activity toys to make for them to encourage speech and interest.
ReplyDeleteWe have an old flip doll in one of our Storysacks, must take a photo of it and put it on the blog - its Red Riding Hood at one end, complete with red cloak. But when its flipped over its gran on one side of the head and a wolf on the backside of grans head! Very clever if abit gruesome lol
I have a doll just like that! It was always a favorite of mine...
DeleteHow cute!! My kids would absolutely love the ukuleles and the little computer. My mom has a flip doll she made when I was little. One side is Sleeping Beauty and the other is the evil witch.
ReplyDelete