the gingerbread man...

A while ago, my 10-year-old daughter's teacher, knowing full well that I err on the "crafty side", asked me if I would like to come up with a Christmas sewing project to do with the children in her class. Thinking that it was a great idea for many reasons, I quickly accepted and eventually came up with the idea to sew an 18" gingerbread man out of felt; I adapted a pattern I found in a vintage Christmas craft book and came up with this little fellow  -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After showing him to the children and giving them a basic tutorial on how to make him, we all got to work.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ...and three full mornings of very intense work later, the children came up with this bunch of very jolly gingerbread men -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Aren't they great with all their individual touches!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                From beginning to end, this project was such a rewarding experience for me... The children simply amazed me with their infectious enthusiasm (they wanted to skip their recesses to keep working on their little men), suprising abilities and very original ideas! Most of all though, I was so touched by the proud smiles they had on their faces once they had put the final touches on their little men...Now that, I'm certain, will be one of the finest Christmas presents I'll ever get....                              

Comments

[Daisy Cottage]

Those are THE cutest gingerbread men... you should be so proud for sharing your talent and helping the kiddies create something that I'm sure they loved doing. Just adorable!
xo,
Kim

[Beata]

Thanks Kim!
I think that the gingerbread men were very lovingly put into bachpacks and brought home for the holidays...This was a such a great experience that I can't wait to be re-invited!

[krista]

Nice job Beata! I especially love the ninja gingerbread man. The size of them is great - way more fun than another tree ornament. Did you sew on the ricrac yourself beforehand, or did they tackle that as well? It's good to see what 10 year olds are capable of - I love it when boys can get psyched about a 'sewing' project, too. I can't believe what you've managed to accomplish this month and look forward to making you dinner in a few days so you can RELAX!
-k

[Beata]

Thanks Krista,
The children actually sewed the ricrac onto the felt piece themselves - I think that this was the most challenging part for them! All the boys definitely got into it...in fact, the gingerbread man in the forefront with the blue and black button eyes was sewn by a boy who took his time and was very much a perfectionist! You hit it on the nail - I'm really looking forward to relaxing at your house - my month of December has been insanely busy this year...

[lazylol]

What a lovely project. The little gingerbread men are adorable. I'm sure the mums will treasure them for years to come.

[anna]

how did you realize them? they're beautiful!!!! i would like to make them for this Xmas!
thank you,
anna

[karin marie smith]

awaw these are too cute! I love that the children wanted to skip recess to keep on working on them! That is awesome! I love how they each put there own little touches and love into them! This is a fun craft for anyone to do! I love them! Do you have a pattern you could share? I would love to do this craft with my daughters! Thanks a bunch.

karin marie :)

[val]

what a great gift to give those children. It is so easy to GIVE something to kids but takes much more to teach them how to do it themselves. I imagine they were all quite proud.