Last month my sister took me to The Spirit of Christmas Fair in London. It was my birthday present and we had a lovely, girlie day out together. While I was there, I saw something called story cubes in the programme guide, which I thought looked like something Grace would love. Unfortunately, as is always the case with all these big shows, we wandered for hours and never stumbled upon them. However, whilst reading blogs, pretty much the next day, I discovered this post on Red Ted Art on how to make story cubes!
So I bought some small wooden cubes and varnish and set about making my own. I know they’re not as pretty as the bought ones would have been, and despite my artistic abilities when it comes to cakes, I cannot draw for toffee! But a lot of thought and effort went into them and I hope Grace will like them anyway. (Please don’t laugh at my drawings!)
For those of you who aren’t sure what they are – you roll them like dice then use the pictures you get to tell a story. Great to get the imagination going and as Grace loves writing, she can start to translate some of her stories onto paper now too. Fun and educational!
I even found a little bag in my craft cupboard that was just the right size to keep the cubes in. All in all, this was fun to make, fairly inexpensive and (I think) makes a nice little Christmas present.
16 comments
TheMadHouse says:
Dec 15, 2010
I have a set from Maggie and they are perfect, wonderful for making stories and the boys love them, we have them on the dinning table and use them at the end of a meal and all make stories. I love yours. I think your drawings are great.
amylane says:
Dec 15, 2010
You are too kind Jen 🙂 It’s a wonderful idea, isn’t it? I can’t wait to give them to her and start some story telling.
The Girl says:
Dec 15, 2010
Oh wow they’re amazing, such a good idea! Need to tell all my friend’s with children immediately!
And those drawings are absolutely brilliant, if I made them the kids would spend more time trying to work out what the drawing was than constructing a story!
amylane says:
Dec 15, 2010
I am a little worried that Grace may not know what some of the drawings are! I hid the really bad ones in the photo! 😉
Geeky Mummy says:
Dec 15, 2010
This is a fab idea and I am going straight onto Amazon to try and find some. I love your home made versions but unfortunately I really am quite unable to match the quality of your beautifull home made ones.
amylane says:
Dec 15, 2010
Lol, I’m sure bought ones will be miles better than my homemade attempt. Hope you find some 🙂
maggy red ted art says:
Dec 15, 2010
Ooh your cubes are just perfect! How lovely! I love the kite an the butterfly! The mobile and the crown… cool! 🙂
Maggy x
amylane says:
Dec 15, 2010
Thank you! They’re nowhere near as good as yours though 🙂
mammyskitchen says:
Dec 15, 2010
I have seen Story Cubes on tv and like you, thought they would be Ideal for my little boy but have not seen them in the shops yet. I like the idea of making them yourself though so I’m off to have a look over at Red Ted Art now!
amylane says:
Dec 16, 2010
They were really easy to make and Maggy’s are fab – good luck!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says:
Dec 16, 2010
Those look so cute! They would make really good presents wouldn’t they?
amylane says:
Dec 16, 2010
Perfect for presents aren’t they? Might make some for Grace’s friends’ birthdays 🙂
Becky (babybudgeting) says:
Dec 18, 2010
I saw the smae post at REDTEDART and was inspoired but didn’t do it. You are a better woman then me Amy and these look FAB! Was super to meet you yesterday
amylane says:
Dec 18, 2010
Thanks, Becky. Was lovely to meet you too, x
rhwfoodie says:
Dec 19, 2010
That is a brilliant idea Amy… they could while away a few hours this Christmas holiday!!!
amylane says:
Dec 20, 2010
That’s what I’m hoping 😉