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How to Make Handkerchief Toys

Cloth handkerchiefs are useful in making toys because they are soft, inexpensive and readily available in solid colors and prints. Handkerchiefs are available at dollar, discount and clothing stores. They are often sold in packs that contain three, six or even twelve handkerchiefs in assorted colors. Make a simple toy out of this fashion accessory by using other inexpensive items.

Things You'll Need

2 handkerchiefs
Round lollipop
Small rubber band
Narrow ribbon
Ruler
Scissors
Fine-point permanent markers
Brown yarn
Fabric glue
2 empty film canisters or prescription bottles with lids
10 or 12 small pebbles, dry beans or beads
Hot glue gun
Three ponytail holders in assorted colors
Gift wrap and coordinating yarn (optional)

Instructions

Hankerchief Doll
- 1
  Lay the handkerchief on a flat work surface so one of the points is facing away from you and one toward you. Smooth the fabric out with your fingers.
- 2
  Position a lollipop --- with the wrapper still on it --- so that the candy is in the center of the handkerchief.
- 3
  Fold down the top point of the handkerchief over the lollipop and its stick. This creates a triangle shape.
- 4
  Pick up the lollipop from the table so that the handkerchief still covers it.
- 5
  Gather the fabric underneath the round candy and secure it with a small rubber band.
- 6
  Cut the narrow ribbon with the scissors so it measures 8 inches.
- 7
  Tie the ribbon around the rubber band to cover it by making a simple knot and then tying a bow with the ribbon.
- 8
  Draw a face on the fabric covering the candy with a fine-point permanent marker.
- 9
  Cut six pieces of the brown yarn that are 4 inches in length or longer.
- 10
  Smear fabric glue on the handkerchief that covers the top of the lollipop. Position the yarn over the glue so that half the yarn falls evenly on each side of the doll's face. Once the glue dries, the doll is ready to use as a toy.
Handkerchief Rattle
- 11
  Place the handkerchief on a flat surface and smooth it out with your hands.
- 12
  Fill two film canisters or empty prescription bottles with five or six small pebbles, dry beans or beads.
- 13
  Glue the lids onto the bottles or film canisters with a hot glue gun. This ensures that if the baby tears apart the rattle at some point, he or she cannot swallow the contents.
- 14
  Set the two filled containers down one side of the handkerchief in a vertical fashion so that 1 or 2 inches of the fabric is at the top and bottom of the containers. Leave about one-half inch between the two containers.
- 15
  Fold the side of the handkerchief on top of the containers. Use your fingers to roll the remaining fabric around the containers. This creates a cylinder shape.
- 16
  Gather the fabric at each end and wrap a colorful ponytail holder around the ends tightly to secure it. Once the ends are together, repeat with another ponytail holder in between the two containers. This creates a soft rattle a baby can use to make noise.

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