A playscape really is one of the easiest toys you can make and it's something that your child can easily build from.
If you make nothing else, make a playscape for your child. They will turn your playscape into a regular prop in all of their quiet play. A regular foundation that changes like our own real-life landscapes; rolling stones, fallen branches and new characters will find their way into your child's quiet play.
So, let's get started...I make a sketch of what I think I'd like to make. Oh don't back out now. Read a little further, I have your back.
Simple enough. Nothing fancy or too detailed or you'll talk yourself out of the project.
Once you have an idea of what you'd like to include in your playscape, draw it out in real size.
If you find drawing to be as much fun as a sharp stick in the eye, don't fret. You can use my pdf pattern. Just click here to Download Playscape .
I've included a one inch scale on the file so that you can adjust the scale and size to your liking. For the rest of these instructions (and for supplies), I'll be using the one inch scale.
Once you print to scale, I'd recommend running off a copy on cardstock or some other heavy-weight paper. Especially if you'll be using the pattern more than once. You'll be cutting out the pieces and tracing them onto your felt. Cardstock makes that step easier...but not required.
The supplies needed for this project include;
- One (1) 9 x 11 inch piece of green felt (for the base)
- Three (3) 4 x 9 inch pieces of green felt (for the trees)
- Various scrap pieces of felt in greys and browns (for stepping stones)
- One (1) 3 x 3 inch square of blue felt (for water)
- Cotton floss, in green (trees and base), earth tones (stones) and blue (water)
- green wool yarn. Anything plied that you can fay up later.
- scissors, pen for tracing, two (2) needles. One for floss and another large enough for yarn.
Trace your pattern pieces and cut them out.
I recommended 10-12 stones but only ended up using 8 in the finished product. Even though I put stones on the pattern, I cut these free-hand. It's so much easier to cut free-hand and I have complete confidence that you can too.
Decorating is up to you. If you want to go big and embroider some lichen and moss on your stones, please do so. If you'd like a patch of wild flowers, do that too. There are so many embellishment options, have fun and go over the top if you'd like. Or keep it simple.
I just wanted a rippled water drop in my water so I used a running stitch to create my ripples.
Once you add your embellishments and decorations, then sew down the pieces using a straight up and down stitch. Just like you learned in the simple applique lesson. There's no wrong way to add water. It finds its own level. ;)
Start arranging your path. Sew them down just as you did the water.
Now it's time to add some grass around the edge of your water element. Thread up some yarn and tie a knot in the end of both strands, as shown.
Start from the bottom of the playscape base coming out at the water's edge.
Pull the yarn tightly and snip your grass to your desired length. Continue adding grass around the perimeter. Artist's discretion on how much grass.
Once you have your grass added, use the eye-end of your needle to fray up the yarn.
Flip over your work and trim up any yarn or thread tails that may be too long or creating unnecessary bulk.
Place your decorated playscape on top of the second piece that you cut earlier.
Pick a spot and start sewing around the edge, using the blanket stitched your learned in this lesson.
Remember to stop from time to time and make sure your pieces are still lining up. If they don't, it's ok to trim up to make it match. I won't tell. Promise.
That wasn't so rough, was it? Trees will be in the next lesson.
Don't forget, all photos are clickable and should take you to a larger photo.
Was this tutorial helpful? Consider buying me a cup of coffee for $ 1.94. Your purchase will help cover the costs around here and encourage more tutorials like this. Love, Katie
Cuppa Jo for Katie 1.94
Thanks. I love it. The grass especially.
Posted by: Glenys | September 06, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Thanks Glenys. :)
-Katie
Posted by: Wool Food Mama | September 08, 2010 at 08:42 PM
I love this so much! Thank you - and thank you too for the PDF! It rocks.
Posted by: Monica | October 12, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Thanks so much for this! I love it. I'm going to make it for my little one for Christmas and include some wooden animals.
Posted by: Laura W. | November 03, 2011 at 12:32 PM