Easter crafting with Hobbycraft

Following the release of the below infographic, Liv was lucky to be sent a create-a-bear stuff and stitch bunny kit from Hobbeycraft to review this Easter.

TV OFF, CRAFTING KITS IN

PARENTS DITCH THE GAMES CONSOLES IN FAVOUR OF ‘MAKING’

With the Government* having recently outlined the top skills that all children should have when they start school, it’s revealed by Hobbycraft that getting ‘making’ is the latest must-do activity for pre-school children, as 67 per cent of parents would like to do more creative activities with their children, and lure them away from the game consoles, computers and mobile technology.

Over 37 percent wish they could turn the TV off more, with 35 per cent saying they’d like to see less time spent on the computer to help develop and stimulate their child.

Getting crafty is an important activity to help children express themselves. Sensory stimulation from art materials improves a child’s five senses as well as teaching the meaning of sharing and social interaction with others.

Motor skills are developed when ‘making’ with hand-eye coordination preparing children for real life tasks at school and home.

Katherine Paterson, Marketing Director of Hobbycraft says, “There’s no doubt that a child who has the opportunity to ‘make’ and be creative is ready for the challenges of school. ‘Making’ is the perfect activity for pre-school children to take part in to help develop their motor skills.

We’re calling for all parents of pre-school children to get ‘making’ and we’re here to help. We’ve got plenty going on in our stores over the Easter holidays; from free project sheets, How To leaflets, and demonstrations on our Making Tables – where whatever you make you get to take home - to our store colleagues, all passionate makers themselves, who are always available to help guide, advise and inspire you, whatever your age or level of ability.”

The survey also revealed that three out of ten parents admit to cutting back on expensive days out for kids in favour of at home making activities.

Nearly half of respondents stated that they find making things really rewarding, whether it’s a birthday card for grandma or a gift for teacher.  And 35 per cent stated that their sense of pride, and their children’s sense of achievement when they have made something, is priceless."

Here is the bear we were sent.

What's in the box?

An unstuffed rabbit,

Stuffing,

A padded fabric heart,

Fabric pen,

ID card.

It was really easy to make, you simply loosen the stitching in the back, pop in the stuffing making sure you fill the arms and legs too, personalise your fabric heart with the pen provided then place inside. All that is left to do is tighten the thread by pulling the the end, tie a knot in the end and finally cut the excess thread off.

We had great fun making Livs Easter bunny and she genuinely loves it. She has been named Hoppy and measuring 38 cm x 21 cm x 13 cm is the perfect size for cuddles and has even been taken to bed, a great honour indeed! 

There is also a panda or cream teddy bear available for £12 and four outfits to choose from at £9 each.

Disclaimer - I was sent the create-a-bear kit for the purpose of the review, however all opinion is my own.