The houses, or barns, are made from plywood covered with pellon and fabric. One side wall and roof opens up to reveal a garden and the inside of the barn. They have handles on top of the roof so they are also like little suitcases, ready to carry important things.
These were really tricky at times to make and took a long time to finish. The tutorial says to use plastic for structure but I thought plywood would make them more sturdy... which it did but also made it very difficult at times to sew (there is a rumour that a barn was seen flying across the loungeroom with a crazy lady cursing at her sewing machine with its third broken needle... a rumour I choose to neither confirm or deny!). I used dowel wrapped in pellon to make the handle and handstitched all the detail on the outside of the barn and the garden using felt.
In the gardens there are paths, a flower garden, vegie patches and ponds.
My sister Truj helped me with the self cover buttons as these are something I cannot do no matter how hard I try. I was going to put regular buttons on the barns but I am so glad Truj helped me as I love the way covered buttons look.
So even though my babies are probably a little too young to really enjoy these, I figured they will sometime within the next year and they are something they will have and hopefully love, for a long time. Something their Mum made them for their first birthday.
30 comments:
OMG Nikki they are absolutely fantastic. I have looked at that tutorial so many times and put it in the too hard basket. You have done an awesome job.
your kids are so lucky, what beautiful pressies, I am sure they will be loved for many years to come
OH. MY. GOD. You are seriously, undoubtedly, undeniably, unarguably the most talented lady I know. These are ridiculous in their wonderfulness. OH. MY. GOD. What lucky, lucky babies. Wow. And then won again. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!! These are so awesome my face just melted clean off. So clever and SO well-made! They will love, love, love them.
They are just beautiful. Well done.
sooo cute!!! they are definitely a hit, wow! FANTASTIC :)
These are fantastic and pobably the best idea for handmade toys,no doubt Amelie and Elliot will play with them forever.I just love the rumor!Sometimes the one going around my place can't translate if I am in front of my sewing friend;)
Thanks for the mail, I will take time to reply as well ;)
They are adorable, your patience to complete something like that is incredible. I am definitely going to check it out though I am inspired!
Nikki! When do you sleep woman?! Those are the most considered and beautiful presents and ones I hope that your grandchildren will be using.
holy guacamole....these are soooo cute!
These will go down in family folklore for sure - Watch out !You will be making them for everybody!
Nikki, thanks for your lovely compliment on my boxes. These houses are amazing. Your kids will love them for years to come. Melinda.
Nikki these are even more gorgeous than the sneak peek showed!
I can just imageine them being carted around your home filled with 'treasure' for years to come!
Hey, can you come around to my house next birthday time and make presents and cakes and stuff? (We have the same name... both prone to wearing black cardigans..... nobody will notice, I'm sure).
Wow - these are fantastic! Thank you for sharing them with us and the link to the tutorial! I am sure the kids will have hours of fun playing with them!
I heard about the rumour too!!! Love that the farm animals and crocodile are living in harmony.
Wow, you are incredibly clever - they look absolutely beautiful!! They are going to be very special treasures, indeed.
(And I take my hat off to you sewing with plywood ... that would have sent me round the bend)
They are awesome! Wish I had skills and talent like that!
Wow, they are awesome, and will be loved by your kids for years. How special that they got them for their 1st birthday. As a kinder teacher, I love that you value your children's imaginations. As a mum, I'm so jealous!
Wow, they are fannnnntastic. You clever thang! I'd be such a proud mummy if I'd made those.
OMG these are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!you are a legend truly, soooo much work and they are FABULOUS what lucky lucky babies to have such a talented mum
love it nikki...
how amazing...love the detail and just the cutest ever...
They look fantastic. The first one I ever made - a barn for my daughter - used plywood and was about twice the size of the tutorial one. Yep, I think the plastic canvas ones are a little easier to sew as you can bend it a little...
Wow! These are just beautiful. You've done such a wonderful job. I'm sure your babies will just love them (for years if my four yo is anything to go by). Little people figures would be right at home in there too...
Oh Nikki, they are both just darling. Something very special about a first birthday present. Well done super mum!
Absolutely amazing!!! This is the cutest thing I have ever seen - your little ones will treasure these. Your attention to detal is amazing - love all the little garden elements.
OK Nikki - I heard the story in words at a certain Mexican-themed birthday but the story in pictures is just amazing, amazing, amazing.
You are a wonderful mum!
nikki,
these are so lovely, I'm bookmarking this to make one for my kidlets {noting to only attempt when I'm feeling particularly patient)
My email is angieandtim@optusnet.com.au
eeek, my word verification is 'herpes'!
You have done it again!! They are fantastic. Busy is OBSESSED with farm animals I mean OBSESSED. She hardly plays with anything else... she would really love one of these. Do you think yu could glue ( as in spray on adhesive) the fabric onto the plywood?xxx
LOL@the rumors
...this turned out awesome!
I love these! Any way for me to read the template and directions? When I click on the link it said I need permission to look at their blog.
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