Get your nerd on and DIY your own Star Wars-themed "quiet book"

Updated Oct 4 2016
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.

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