My kids leave a trail of toys from their bedroom through the living room and yes even in the kitchen. Does this sound familiar to you? Tell me I am not alone on this one please. I have tried threatening to throw toys away, hiding the toys, living with it, and just about every other trick. Nothing worked very well but then I noticed something my children always did whether they were in their room or the living room. Instead of playing on bare floor they gravitated toward the rug, not even so much to sit on it but to use as a play mat for their toys. I thought I could harness that and use it to my advantage to create a play mat that they can play on and then pick up all their toys to return to their room. I can sew…a little… I mean I have a machine and I can mostly sew straight lines so I figured I could do it.
We got a chance to try out some of the new Little Charmers toys, my daughter is a huge fan of the show so of course these are her very favorite toys right now. This means they live in my living room. While they are adorable-just check out this sweet little Hazel Doll with a disappearing cape. My daughter went a little nuts when the package came- she just loves everything about her from the magical cape to her cute little hat. The soft plush sweet Flare, sidekick to Lavender. The final item we received was Posie’s magical wand, perfect for my Little Charmer in training!
What I love about Little Charmers is the positive themes that runs throughout the show like “the magic of friendship” and that “the most important power is true friendship”. The show encourages teamwork, self confidence, and that anything is possible when you work together. Something all little girls can benefit from learning in multiple ways.
So here is how I sewed this super easy play mat/ carry bag that she can use around the house or on the go to visit a friend.
Supplies Needed:
24″x 24″ piece of thick felt by the yard
3/4″ grosgrain ribbon
scissors/ rotary cutter
sewing machine
Directions:
Cut ribbon into 10″ lengths.
Wrap ribbon an inch below one corner so that the ends touch.
Fold over 1″ of corner to cover ribbon and pin.
Run through sewing machine 2-3 times to secure.
Repeat on all 4 corners.
I chose felt as my fabric because you don’ t have to sew it all the way around and it washes well if needed. You can use another fabric or combo of two sewn together if you prefer.
Spread out the play mat for play, to pick it up-simply gather all four ribbons and pull up, hang on a hook or doorknob for storage.
Little Charmers are the perfect holiday gift! Visit the Little Charmer’s website to make this holiday season magical!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Amy Desrosiers says
My kids are so into Little Charmers! This might be something we have to make for their Christmas gifts!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
Aren’t you clever. That is a little girl’s dream to bring her favorite toy with her everywhere. This 3-in-1 craft is so creative.
Ourfamilyworld says
That is an awesome idea. The twins’ toys are scattered everywhere. I’m going to make this mat.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
This is a great craft idea! I have a couple of friends who will be having little ones soon and this portable play mat would make a great gift.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is a fantastic idea. I will have to share this with my friends with little ones. I wish i would have thought of this when my kids were younger.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
A portable play mat makes cleanup so much easier! Thanks for the craft instructions!
Shelley Zurek says
What a fun way to play with your Little Charmers and keep them all in one place. It’s so fun you can quickly carry this with you anywhere too but keep the toys off the actual floor.
Dawn says
A play mat is such a neat idea. It makes a cleanup time so much faster.
Lisa says
Little Charmers look like adorable fun! That mat is the perfect for play and storing too!
Becky Ryan-Willis says
You are so talented! Such a great idea to keep things neat and tidy. The Little charmers are cute also as well as that little girl. So sweet. I love how you incorporated the DIY project into the review.
Liz Mays says
What a great way to store those cute toys! This is a great way to bring the Little Charmers with you wherever you go!
Valerie says
This is so creative and useful. I would have loved this when my kids were younger!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
This is such a great idea! I would love to be able to just pack up what the girls play with! And the doll- PERFECT Christmas gift to tie in!!
Jeanine says
What a really great idea! My girls would love something like this – I bet they could even help make it!
Kelly says
These are such cute toys for the younger girls. I love the DIY play mat as well.
Amber Edwards says
I love that playmat idea! That would seriously help make clean up so much easier with my kids! And those little Charmers toys are so cute. My daughter would love them.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That’s a cute little mat. I love how easy it is to make.
Jennifer says
That play mat is so cute. It looks like something any little girl would love.
Brenda says
The is an awesome idea. I’m going to make one!
Mistee Dawn says
What a great idea! You could make one of these for so many different things!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
That came out awesome. I bet my nieces would love that.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
What an awesome DIY! I know my DD would be happy!