Quilt Craft for Kids Including a Paper Quilt Art Lesson
This is the most adorable project to do as a literary connection to Grandma’s Purse. Grandma’s Purse is a picture book that tells the beautiful story about the connection between a little girl and her Grandma through the items in her purse. I found the book on Instagram when the author, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, shared that it was being recognized by ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children). I immediately ordered it to add to our family library and after reading it was inspired to share it with y’all. Quilt crafts are so much fun because they allow children to be creative and access colors, textures and materials. This quilt craft is adaptable and could be done with fabric, felt or paper. I am going to share this quilt craft for kids with fabric scraps. Keep reading for a really fun Paper Quilt Art Lesson too.
Before we get started, let’s listen to the author read and share the book. Vanessa has a website too and trust me, it’s inspiring. My favorite quote she shares on it is “Little girl with dreams, Become a woman with vision”.
Fabric Quilt Project With the Purse Pattern
This project can be done as a flat piece of artwork or with two pieces of felt to make a purse with an opening. If working with younger kids, I would suggest the flat option. If you are doing this project with PAPER, you could staple a back to it and make it open to create a card. There are so many possibilities. Let’s get started with a fabric purse that OPENS.
Materials and Supplies Needed
- Grandma’s Purse to READ Aloud
- 2 Pieces of Kunin Basic Felt (9 x 12 inches) from the Craft Store (If doing as a paper quilt art lesson, use chipboard or thick cardstock.)
- E-6000 Fabri-Fuse Glue (Regular glue will not hold the fabric in place)
- Scissors
- Fabric Scraps (Pieces that are no bigger than 2 x 3 inches)
- Free Printable Pattern (Available Below)
Directions to Make a Fabric Grandma’s Purse
These directions are pretty simple. If you are doing this as an art lesson, it might work best to have the kids choose their fabric pieces (15-20) and lay them out before starting. Some kids require more planning than others. the fabric version is probably best for kids in second grade and above because cutting fabric can be hard. This would be a really fun craft to do with a granddaughter. With the pattern, this works for a Paper Quilt Art Lesson too.
Step One
Cut a purse out of felt using the free pattern. If you are making a purse that opens, cut two.
Step Two
Cut the pieces of fabric into shapes. There are some ideas on the pattern but anything works. Glue the pieces to the felt purse with the E-6000 Fabri-Fuse glue. It is really sticky. It is best to try to keep it off of fingers. Let it dry for a bit before doing the next step.
Step Three
Trip around the edges of the purse to cut off any excess fabric.
Step Four
Cut a handle from felt. If you are adding a back to the purse, cut two. I love that this quilt craft for kids can be done several different ways based on ages and ability.
Step Five
Glue the handle to the purse. Add buttons if desired for extra depth and texture.
If adding a back to the purse, put a thick line of glue around the edges, avoiding the top where the opening would be. Place the top purse piece down on it and let it dry. Add a handle to the back if desired. The glue has to be totally dry before the purse can be handled. I recommend giving it a good 24 -48 hours.
Paper Quilt Project with the Purse
Here is another quilt craft for kids. This Paper Quilt Art Lesson works for kids as young as kindergarten. This paper quilt project is so fun for kids of all ages. It is much easier than the fabric purse but creates a fabulous masterpiece too. This can be done with crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolors or paint sticks. They could even all be mixed.
Start with the purse printable (grab it below) and add lines to make the segments to be colored like fabric pieces. Then use your colors to add details to the segments that were created. Cut it out and just like that you have a darling quilt craft for kindergarten and above.
Add patterns like stripes and dots, flowers and swirlies.
Free Printable Pages for Grandma’s Purse
These printable pages are great for kids of all ages. Use them up! Get creative. Share with me on social media @laurakellydesigns if you make something using these ideas.
Download the FREE printable collection HERE and get started.
Best Ways to Use Free Printables Like this Paper Quilt Art Lesson
You might have seen this list from me before but I think it is worth sharing over and over. Sometimes the people in the back need to hear things a few times, right? There are so many great ways to use free printables. Here are some of my favorites.
- Print them and mail in an envelope with a stamp. Snail mail rocks.
- Batch some up to make an activity book. This is great for a road trip!
- Print and use at a place setting on the table to create a conversation starter.
- Add them to goody bags. By the way, goody bags are not just for birthday parties.
- Package them up with your favorite markers and crayons to give as a gift.
- Drop a few off at the local coffee shop with fun pencils to spread some happy.
- Cut them up to make cards, gift wrap and decorations.
BEST Tools For Working With Free Printables
These are my favorite tools and art supplies to use with free printables and why I love them too.
- Printer – This Laser Printer is inexpensive and works like a charm. It even works with Alexa. Bonus!
- Scissors – Lots of printables can be cut up to create decorations and cards and things like that.
- Markers and Crayons – All thing ooly work the best for me. I LOVE all of their markers, pencils and crayons.
- Colored Pencils – For adult coloring, PRISM makes the colored pencils that I love to use most.
- Twine – For creating banners and garlands from printables, I love this twine best.
- Adhesive – Lots of printables have pieces that get cut out and put together. This is my fave tape runner!
YAY for books, learning and art.
Laura