Saturday 1 June 2013

Spotty Box

Pass the spotty box around ...
As most of you know my 'day job' is a primary school teacher, and one of the 'tools of the job' is my spotty box. In fact, I am know as the spotty box teacher to most of the children I have taught. When I tried to work it out, the total number so far that is, that is a very large number!
To play 'spotty box', it is passed around a circle of sitting children, just like pass the parcel, the spotty box song is sung, and when you get the box it is your turn to open it and see what is inside. That can be anything - singing cards to choose a song for us to sing, a book, a letter, interesting objects, emotion cards - tell us when you feel happy, sad... or whatever has taken my imagination to inspire the children. It can go round again, or the mystery object inside can inspire the rest of the session.
So I thought I'd use my spotty box, hopefully, to inspire you.
Inside the spotty box this time, is ......

Who...will..get...it?
 half a metre of oil cloth
a triangle template
six metres of cotton tape

I used it to make outdoor bunting, and it took me less than an hour!

Draw out your triangles


Cut them out


Pin onto the tape at 5cm intervals
A few observations
Half a metre of oil cloth was the smallest amount I could buy, but it only took the equivalent of a fat quarter. I have some left to either make more or be creative with.
My triangle measured 16cm across the base and was 18cm tall.
Pin the tape to the printed side of the oil cloth, and sew with that side down. I meant to change my needle to a heavy duty one, but forgot, and my normal needle actually coped very well.
Lift the triangle gently up as you sew it, as it can 'stick' to your sewing machine.
Ta - dah!

Outside bunting
Perfect for the lovely weather we're having at the moment!
I'm planning to join in with Handmade Monday this week, why don't you join in too?

21 comments:

CatkinJane said...

Your spotty box sounds a lovely idea :)

Handbags by Helen said...

Love the spotty box idea

Free Spirit Designs said...

aww i love the spotty box idea! I bet the kiddies absolutely love it too :)

your bunting looks fab, what a great idea to use oilcloth so you can hang it outside! (i think we all know how useful it is to have anything meant for outdoor use during a British summer to be waterproof! :))

Wendy said...

The bunting looks gorgeous and what a good idea to do it in oilcloth! I love the spotty box idea too x

Christmas Pie Crafts said...

I love the spotty box - looks just like a big ladybird. Hope you have a good week.

Anonymous said...

The spotty box is lovely, I can imagine the children really enjoying that, I like the oilcloth bunting idea too

Anonymous said...

Liking the idea of the spotty box. It must be very robust to survive so long. The bunting looks lovely as does your clematis.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous bunting! And a very practical idea to make it in oilcloth.
Have a great week x

Ginx Craft said...

Lovely bunting, and I would really like to hear the spotty box song!

Unknown said...

Wow! Just wow! I am so in love with your bunting and I am so in love with your spotty box!! I too am a primary school teacher and this post has really inspired me today. All the best to you if you are going back to work tomorrow.

Martha said...

Very creative - love the bunting - simple but decorative.
welcome to the spot club. i could meet you there - love anything with polka dots and the idea of a spotty box is nice :)

Jan said...

The spotty box game is a great idea. I love the bunting, I've never sewn with oilcloth, it's a great way to make outdoor bunting.

Jan x

Anonymous said...

I am about to make outdoor bunting for my sister's birthday and never thought of oil cloth - yours looks wonderful. The spotty box is a nice way to encourage the children to talk to the group, but what tune does the spotty box song get sung to??? mind boggles!!!

Highland Monkey's said...

what a brilliant way to get the children talking. The bunting looks pretty hanging there.

Sue said...

OOhh I feel all summery now! Sue x

Lucy Blossom said...

I used to be a primary school teacher, but I never thought of an idea like that box! My toddler is obsessed with ladybirds at the moment - I may well have to make her a spotty box once she goes to bed.

Myth Illogical said...

Fabulous bunting, and the spotty box would certainly have impressed me as a kid!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous bunting and I love the idea of a spotty box for inspiring your pupils! Simmi x

Helen said...

I love your spotty box idea :) i might well have to 'adopt' it for the next school holidays or wet weekend days... Mm the possibilities are endless :)
Your bunting looks beautiful x

Anonymous said...

Love the spotty box idea. Sounds like a good way to get the kids involved.

Dawn said...

What a fabulous idea spotty box is, I love your bunting.