Flappy Happies
The bats are breeding - here's part of the colony. A few of them are in my (very low key, so let's whisper) etsy shop.
But as my halloween gift to you, I thought you might like a little tutorial for making your own. My treat. Flappy Happies (as christened by Mark).
You'll need some nice thick wool felt. Then cut yourself a little cardboard template. It's basically a triangle with a U cut out of the apex to make ears. Mine is about 8 inches across and 4 inches high.
Trace round your template and draw in some guide lines for the wing markings, eye placement, mouth and fangs. I use a chalk pencil for this (you don't need precision).
Don't cut anything yet. Add the markings on a single layer of the felt - I used the sewing machine for the wings but stitched the buttons on by hand and added a backstitch mouth with red floss and white for the fangs. But please yourself
Now, fold your felt so you have a double layer and zig zag around the edge. Don't forget to leave a gap in the middle. My gap is large enough for 2 grown-up digits or the neck of a wine bottle.
Now using a nice sharp pair of scissors, trim close to the zig zag line. And lo, your flappy happy is born.
Trick or treat!
They are so cute! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I was clicked on your etsy shop - that charcoal tote is beautiful!
Posted by: Helen | 28 September 2008 at 21:30
AH, thanks for the tutorial - we went off to check out the book you mentioned and I was thinking 'I bet I can work out some of those projects' - and now I don't have to. Hurrah!
(whispered good luck with etsy ... the blog break is productive then?)
Posted by: dottycookie | 29 September 2008 at 09:17
Oh how fab! Thanks for the tutorial - my eldest daughter is just getting into Halloween so these will be perfect!
Posted by: Lynsey | 29 September 2008 at 09:39
Thanks for the tutorial - my boys will love it as much as yours, I reckon!
(PS good luck with the low-key you-know-what!)
Posted by: Karen J | 29 September 2008 at 11:08
Those are so cute! I think I my make a few and string them into a garland. We'll see - I've got to get costumes done first!
Posted by: Liz | 29 September 2008 at 11:29
did you say something starting with E? now if only we celebrated Halloween. I'm keeping my eye on you!
Posted by: Tiel | 29 September 2008 at 12:10
well well well... how cute.
Gotta find me some black felt now...
(I swore to myself no Halloween stuff before October, two more days!!)
Posted by: monica | 29 September 2008 at 12:47
way cute bats, ali. and very aptly named!
Posted by: kirsten | 29 September 2008 at 14:32
cu-u-u-u-u-ute!
Posted by: capello | 29 September 2008 at 16:57
It must be low key, I didn't know that you had an etsy shop. Love the bats.
Posted by: Thimbleina | 29 September 2008 at 17:35
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I just love the bats! And congratulations on your new venture :) K x
Posted by: kristina | 29 September 2008 at 18:51
I'm definitely going to make those. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Posted by: Alexis | 29 September 2008 at 19:37
I'll have to make some - thanks so much for sharing!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 29 September 2008 at 21:22
The mouths are definitely my favourite part!
Posted by: Frogdancer | 29 September 2008 at 22:23
Hey, you low-key woman, you! Good going. :0)
Posted by: Michelle | 30 September 2008 at 00:53
A tutorial and etsy shop in one post? Go girl!
Posted by: lina | 30 September 2008 at 01:00
They're adorable Ali! Thanks for the template!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 30 September 2008 at 04:05
Cute bats.
C
Posted by: Catherine | 30 September 2008 at 09:38
What cute bats, great tutorial too!
Posted by: two hippos | 30 September 2008 at 09:57
Fabulous bats! I have bookmarked the tutorial for a rainy day with my smalls. And now I'm off to check out the ... *whispers* ... Etsy shop. x
Posted by: Kitty | 30 September 2008 at 18:41
Aw, so cute!
Hmm, I guess I had better start thinking about costumes, huh?
Posted by: Lil' d | 01 October 2008 at 05:07
super cute! The most worn outfit in this house with 3 kids is a bat costume I made several years ago. There is not a picture of my son in the last 2 years with out it on!
Posted by: amy bowers | 01 October 2008 at 14:57
Oh MY! These are so cute! I'll be linking to them in my Halloween Roundup. I'm so thrilled to have found your blog!
Posted by: Rachel | 01 October 2008 at 20:12
What adorable little flappies! They make me smile! :)
Posted by: Jade | 01 October 2008 at 21:18
Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing the tutorial, it will be a fun a project.
Posted by: Edye | 02 October 2008 at 08:20
Marvelous! I love them! Now I know what to make for my boys and their friends instead of candy! Okay, maybe in addition to a liiiiittle candy.
:)
Posted by: elizabeth of course | 02 October 2008 at 16:31
THANK YOU SO MUCH....This is super cool, very original and I think my older babe will love to make some of these with his Mommy...we like bats here...
Posted by: Suzie Sews | 06 October 2008 at 09:39
What a wonderful tutorial thank you so much for sharing it with us!
hugs ginger
Posted by: ginger | 07 October 2008 at 14:58
These bats are so cute that I had to make a few of my own! (You can see them on my blog - they look exactly like yours!:)). Thanks so much for the tutorial, your blog is great.
[Good luck with you-know-what!]
Christine
Posted by: Christine | 13 October 2008 at 02:13
Vraiment marrant, quelle bonne idée, bravo
Posted by: mclairepatch | 24 October 2008 at 06:25