I-spy bags

[Melaine]

I was sure there have been threads on these in the past but I am having trouble finding anything when searching.
I'm interested in making these, but I need to keep cost down. If anyone has made them could you tell me how much they wound up costing per bag? Also, and this is the real question, WHERE do you get all the charms or trinkets to go in the bag? TIA for any advice about making these.

[nabigus]

I made a handful last year, and still have a bunch I've cut out and have waiting for me.

I have no idea how to embed photos, so here's a link:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3204182257_8f97d36dbb_b.jpg

As far as costs, you can get the little beads at Michael's or other craft stores, and if you have one of the 40% off coupons it helps considerably. You can use pretty much any fabric (although I used a light canvas I had scraps leftover from a bigger project). I put a handle on mine for carrying around, but no reason you have to. I salvaged the clear vinyl from one of those thicker zip up bags that a duvet was sold in.

In terms of the little things to go in them: now, that's where you can end up spending too much. BUT there's no reason you have to, especially if you're willing to scrounge around and be creative.

Here's a close-up of what went into this one:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3204857422_b809e4d802_b.jpg

Some of the little items I gathered from around the house (coins, rubber band, nut and washer). Some of the little things I bought at Michaels (eg, the little plastic shapes are buttons with the backs snipped off). I made pretty small bags, and I could have used another ~5 or so items, though.

At any rate, hope that helps!

[calv]

i haven't done it in ages but there is a woman/some people that sell the supplies for rather cheap and you just put the bag together. yes it includes the trinkets. all can be found on etsy

how much are you looking to spend? if you buy a few from her, she'll probably cut you a deal!

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=i+spy+bag+kit&order=date_desc&ship_to=

[calv]

I made a handful last year, and still have a bunch I've cut out and have waiting for me.

I have no idea how to embed photos, so here's a link:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3204182257_8f97d36dbb_b.jpg

As far as costs, you can get the little beads at Michael's or other craft stores, and if you have one of the 40% off coupons it helps considerably. You can use pretty much any fabric (although I used a light canvas I had scraps leftover from a bigger project). I put a handle on mine for carrying around, but no reason you have to. I salvaged the clear vinyl from one of those thicker zip up bags that a duvet was sold in.

In terms of the little things to go in them: now, that's where you can end up spending too much. BUT there's no reason you have to, especially if you're willing to scrounge around and be creative.

Here's a close-up of what went into this one:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3204857422_b809e4d802_b.jpg

Some of the little items I gathered from around the house (coins, rubber band, nut and washer). Some of the little things I bought at Michaels (eg, the little plastic shapes are buttons with the backs snipped off). I made pretty small bags, and I could have used another ~5 or so items, though.

At any rate, hope that helps!

that turned out GREAT!!!!!!!!!! where do you get the filling? not the trinkets but the white stuff? No I dont' know what it's called, LOL. Michaels?

trinkets can be found on etsy for real cheap!!!!!!!!

[Melaine]

I made a handful last year, and still have a bunch I've cut out and have waiting for me.

I have no idea how to embed photos, so here's a link:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3204182257_8f97d36dbb_b.jpg

As far as costs, you can get the little beads at Michael's or other craft stores, and if you have one of the 40% off coupons it helps considerably. You can use pretty much any fabric (although I used a light canvas I had scraps leftover from a bigger project). I put a handle on mine for carrying around, but no reason you have to. I salvaged the clear vinyl from one of those thicker zip up bags that a duvet was sold in.

In terms of the little things to go in them: now, that's where you can end up spending too much. BUT there's no reason you have to, especially if you're willing to scrounge around and be creative.

Here's a close-up of what went into this one:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3204857422_b809e4d802_b.jpg

Some of the little items I gathered from around the house (coins, rubber band, nut and washer). Some of the little things I bought at Michaels (eg, the little plastic shapes are buttons with the backs snipped off). I made pretty small bags, and I could have used another ~5 or so items, though.

At any rate, hope that helps!

Wow! Your bag turned out gorgeous....and how smart to do a handle and a PICTURE for the card; I love it! Thanks so much for sharing.:cheerleader1:

[Melaine]

i haven't done it in ages but there is a woman/some people that sell the supplies for rather cheap and you just put the bag together. yes it includes the trinkets. all can be found on etsy

how much are you looking to spend? if you buy a few from her, she'll probably cut you a deal!

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=i+spy+bag+kit&order=date_desc&ship_to=

Thanks, Caly, that might be a good option. I was hoping to keep costs to less than $5 per bag. $3 would actually be awesome but I just have no idea how much the little items might wind up costing. I already have some fleece scraps and was hoping to use the plastic off a package like pp mentioned so the pellets and trinkets would be the main costs I guess. I would be making about a dozen bags.

[jerigirl]

Here are O_mom's tips for making them:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=309670

[jerigirl]

I made a handful last year, and still have a bunch I've cut out and have waiting for me.

I have no idea how to embed photos, so here's a link:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3204182257_8f97d36dbb_b.jpg

As far as costs, you can get the little beads at Michael's or other craft stores, and if you have one of the 40% off coupons it helps considerably. You can use pretty much any fabric (although I used a light canvas I had scraps leftover from a bigger project). I put a handle on mine for carrying around, but no reason you have to. I salvaged the clear vinyl from one of those thicker zip up bags that a duvet was sold in.

In terms of the little things to go in them: now, that's where you can end up spending too much. BUT there's no reason you have to, especially if you're willing to scrounge around and be creative.

Here's a close-up of what went into this one:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3204857422_b809e4d802_b.jpg

Some of the little items I gathered from around the house (coins, rubber band, nut and washer). Some of the little things I bought at Michaels (eg, the little plastic shapes are buttons with the backs snipped off). I made pretty small bags, and I could have used another ~5 or so items, though.

At any rate, hope that helps!

WOW!!!! Great job! Good use of the thick plastic stuff too!

[Melaine]

Here are O_mom's tips for making them:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=309670

Thanks, I KNEW that thread was somewhere but couldn't for the life of me pull it up on a search.

[alien_host]

nabigus that is gorgeous! I need to add this to my list of things to make. DD loves those tubes at the dentist! Cute idea to have beads with letters on them. Love it!

[ohiomom1121]

I made some for my kids and I think you'll have no problems making them for under $5. I bought tons of little packs of buttons from craft stores and Walmart, but have a bunch left over since I only made 2. Another idea I found from etsy is using that printable fabric and printing out a list to sew on the back of the bag. The lady at the craft store told me they sell those pellets near the doll stuff, and also near fake flower accessories (and those were in larger bags). Also, I used a stroller cover from an umbrella stroller for my clear part. I had never used it and it was just taking up space in a drawer!

[Melaine]

I made some for my kids and I think you'll have no problems making them for under $5. I bought tons of little packs of buttons from craft stores and Walmart, but have a bunch left over since I only made 2. Another idea I found from etsy is using that printable fabric and printing out a list to sew on the back of the bag. The lady at the craft store told me they sell those pellets near the doll stuff, and also near fake flower accessories (and those were in larger bags). Also, I used a stroller cover from an umbrella stroller for my clear part. I had never used it and it was just taking up space in a drawer!

Ooooh thanks for those tips! I never heard of printable fabric and I was wondering how people did the list on fabric!

[ohiomom1121]

No problem. I'll try to post a picture later. :) BTW, the printable fabric is really cheap at Walmart.

[jerigirl]

Nabigus- where did you get that fabric? I love the print!! Also what are the approx dimensions of your bag?

[hellokitty]

If you're not a someone who likes or is good at sewing. You can do a I-spy bottle. Collect those 20 oz clear plastic soda bottles and fill those with the goodies and "stuffing" and just make sure you glue on the cap really well. You can type and laminate a card with the list of items and tie it around the top of the bottle.

[Melaine]

If you're not a someone who likes or is good at sewing. You can do a I-spy bottle. Collect those 20 oz clear plastic soda bottles and fill those with the goodies and "stuffing" and just make sure you glue on the cap really well. You can type and laminate a card with the list of items and tie it around the top of the bottle.

Oooooh that's a great idea!! And it recycles:bowdown:

[MoJo]

Since the only one of these I've seen IRL was a tube, I was thinking a no-sew option had to be out there. A bottle is so easy! Thanks for that suggestion, HelloKitty! I might have to make one of these for my DN, and another for my DD when she's a little older.

[hellokitty]

Oooooh that's a great idea!! And it recycles:bowdown:

Glad to hear that it might work for you. I'd leave some air at the top so they can shake things around to find them. :)

[ohiomom1121]

Ok, finally got some pictures uploaded of one I made for DD.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cc22b3127ccef892d1f16f5800000030O00AbtW7Jo1ZOW IPbz4A/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cc22b3127ccef892fd00ee8f00000030O00AbtW7Jo1ZOW IPbz4A/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cc22b3127ccef893cb3a4fd200000030O00AbtW7Jo1ZOW IPbz4A/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[jerigirl]

That turned out great!!! Nice job!

[ohiomom1121]

That turned out great!!! Nice job!
Thanks! :)