Get your nerd on and DIY your own Star Wars-themed "quiet book" #How-To & DIY#big kids#crafts#lil kids#star wars October 11 2011 | Offbeat Editors offbeatbride All photos by Julie Gillrie. The other day my friend Michelle linked me to Julie Gillrie's ever-so-adorable "quiet books." I imagine she did this because a) the books are super cute and b) she and her fam are as obsessed with Star Wars as we are and Julie's book is Star Wars-themed. As soon as I saw this UTTER BRILLIANCE I knew Offbeat Mama would never be complete without featuring it… so here we go! First I had to ask Julie: what exactly is a "quiet book?" From her fingertips to your eyes: When I was younger, my mom made us a quiet book. It was my favorite thing. Everything inside was so colorful and interactive. Plus… it kept us busy and quiet for long periods of time. I'm sure she was grateful to have it when we were at appointments, in church, or any where else you want your child to stay quiet and happy. Thankfully I have inherited a bit of my mom's craftiness, and decided to try making a quiet book of my own. So far I have made two different themed books, and I have had soooo much fun! Julie was kind enough to share a little bit of info about the books (materials used and that kind of thing). She also sells the patterns in her Etsy shop, so I highly suggest that if you're not of the crafty persuasion you stop by and snag one — it'll make construction of the book way, way easier on ya. What you need A theme — the first two I made were Star Wars-themed, but I'm working on a Star Trek pattern now Felt Sewing machine or lots of patience for hand-stitching Hot glue gun Misc. hardware: snaps, zippers, shoelaces, ribbons, buttons — anything like that you can think of! *CUE MUSIC* Fix C3P0! My 2 1/2-year-old would swoon over this. If 2 1/2-year-olds swoon. You guys, the light saber SWINGS. IT MOVES. Felt Death Star! THOSE ARE REAL-LIFE LITTLE STAR WARS FINGER PUPPETS I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE THIS Whoooo could it be? Naturally! Who thought you could make being chained to Jabba the Hutt (yes, it's missing a T) look… cute? Your kids can actually PUT THIS ON THEIR HANDS. I. Can't. Take. It. Battle time! Absolutely amazing. Tips Use easy kid-friendly actions — you want to talk about things kids can do or want to do, like tying a shoe lace, buttoning a snap, un-zipping a zipper, etc. Use lots of color and surprise! You can see even MORE snaps of the pages and individual parts here and here. Reporter Name * Reporter Email * Original text Enter the original text here. Edited text* Enter your suggested copyedit here. Notes You can add a note for the editor here. * Required information. Fix Typo PREVIOUS Seeking agnostic, feminist homemaking blogs NEXT Jack-o-lanterns last longer with one additional item from the drugstore Show/Hide comments [ 7 ] THIS IS AWESOME! I need some felt…. Reply Omg this is awesome I'm totally going to head to the craft store right now! 1 agrees Reply O.M.G. I have now figured out Christmas gifts for my niece & friend's daughter… Reply I am squeeling in delight for the awesomeness of this quiet book. I need to have these in my life!!! Reply This is so cool! I'm going to be making a couple of these for my littles. Love it! Reply I would absolutely buy this on Etsy….any takers? 2 agree Reply Just saw this on Pinterest- Awesome!! How fun, now if only I had the patience to make something this great! Thanks for sharing! Reply Join the conversation Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Subscribe me to your mailing list No-drama comment policy Part of what makes the Offbeat Empire different is our commitment to civil, constructive commenting. Make sure you're familiar with our no-drama comment policy.
I am squeeling in delight for the awesomeness of this quiet book. I need to have these in my life!!! Reply
Just saw this on Pinterest- Awesome!! How fun, now if only I had the patience to make something this great! Thanks for sharing! Reply