Pirates and Pompoms ─ How to Make Children's Toys and Costumes

The Playtime Idea Book is packed with projects for creative parents. Follow a few simple steps to create handmade costumes, toys and props and you'll keep children entertained with make-believe pirate, forest-animal and circus worlds all day long. Only basic cutting, sticking and sewing skills are required.

Focusing on these three popular themes (pirates, animals and the circus), projects include: eye patches and a telescope, stuffed animal friends, circus ringmaster's hat and a big-top canopy den. Each project includes a simple template and illustrated step-by-step instructions.

Perfect for crafty adults looking for holiday activities that will keep little ones happy and busy.

Stella Bee has been designing children's toys for over a decade. Her design company has worked for clients such as Jellycat, Mothercare and Harrods, to mention just a few.

Jemma Bell is a graphic and textile designer, with experience in children's illustration, branding and graphic campaigns. She also runs a homewares and textiles business with her sister, which is called Sage+Clare.