Five Handmade Alphabets that You Can Craft from Recycled, Upcycled, or Natural Materials

by Julie Finn September 26, 2011, 7:30 am

Bean bags can serve any purpose from children’s toy to high decor, depending on how you stencil them. Alphabet bean bags, such as these in the alphabet bean bags tutorial from Mama Michie’s Musings, can feature even the most elaborate font, because freezer paper stenciling is one of the simplest and most effective embellishment techniques that you can learn.

For a top-stitched hem on all sides, apply the techniques from my stenciled bean bags tutorial.

To make this project, consider using organic cotton and organic dried beans or rice, or make an upcycled set using any type of repurposed fabric and any repurposed filler, such as beads or ball bearings.

[Image by Mama Michie’s Musings, used with attribution]

Written by Julie Finn

I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.