March 7, 2011

How To: Magnetic Fishing Game



This magnetic fishing game is a lot of fun for toddlers. It can help with learning colors, numbers, and fine motor skills. With a little fabric and a sewing machine, you can whip these up in no time.

Here's Clare reeling in her catch!



First, create a fish pattern on paper. (My husband insisted that his fish have both a top and bottom fin for maximum authenticity. When he asked for a side fin, my rolling eyes were enough to drop the subject.) Cut out the pattern from your scrap material. I liked the fleece scraps the best.



Sew around your fish, leaving a 1-2 inch gap to add stuffing. Use your hot glue gun to glue a small magnet near the mouth of the fish. (I found my magnets at hobby lobby.) Make sure you cut the points of your fish fins and mouth off, but be careful not to cut through your stitches.




Next use a stick/pen to flip your fishes inside out. Then stuff with some fluff and sew up where you left the gap.


Find an old stick or dowel rod to convert to a fishing poll. Glue two magnets to the end of your "fishing line". And Presto! You have yourself a great game.

Be sure to inform the big kids not to steal all the fish too fast like my husband does to me!



2 comments:

Priscilla said...

This is a neat invention. Maybe you should patent it. Plus, Clare and Kevin seem to be having fun "fishing". Priscilla

Anna Ahern said...

So cute! I bet your dad is proud to have a granddaughter who is already a fisher!