I Spy Bag

Do you have a mug, bowl, basket, etc. where small, odd items end up and eventually get thrown out? A lone marble, a couple of game pieces, a tiny barrette, bottle caps, beads and more can be used for this fun game!

Use scraps of fabric and transparent vinyl to complete this toy.

1. Cut a piece of transparent vinyl 3.5" square. Cut two pieces of fabric 2 x 3.5".

2. Using a 1/4" seam, sew the two pieces of fabric to two sides of the vinyl. Fold fabric over and top-stitch.

3. Cut two pieces of fabric 2 x 6.5" Sew to the other two sides of the vinyl + short strips. Fold fabric over and top-stitch.

4. Cut a piece of fabric 6.5" square. (Or join strips of several fabrics and trim down to a 6.5" square.)

5. Gather 40-50 small "treasures:" marble, coin, button, snap, game piece, bead, curtain ring, and so on. You will also need one and a half to two cups of rice.

6. Make a list of all the items you have collected and print out a tag with the list and simple instructions. For example: "I Spy Bag. There are 40 different objects inside this bag. Can you find them all? To help you, here is a list of all the items in the bag:"

7. If you wish, you can have your list laminated. I, however, found small zip-lock bags (about 3") in my plastic bag stash, perfect to reuse in this project. Trim your list to the size of the bag, insert and close. Punch a hole in one of the top corners and tie a small piece of cord. Baste to the top of the front piece of the bag.

8. Right sides together, sew the front and back together, leaving a small opening. Turn the bag inside out. Insert the "treasures" and fill with rice. Do not pack too tightly - you want the items to remain somewhat hidden, but able to come to the surface by gently shaking the bag.