I haven't sewn any children's toys in a while, but wrangling a toddler during Liturgy with Clean Week impending gave me some motivation. I made this "quiet book" type toy (although, not actually a book), full of activities that little ones can actually do in church (
well, mostly, we don't actually have a lot of bunnies at church).
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Church Quiet book! |
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Outside the church, a bunny hides in the grass.
A pocket is full of flowers to put by the icons.
(There's also a heart in the pocket, that we use to "kiss" the icons.) |
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She can ring the (sorta-muffled) church bell.
Inside, she can drop coins in the money box. |
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Take candle sticks from the box, and put them in front of the icons.
Turn pages of the book at the kliros. |
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Father can swing the censer, and the little girl can bow. |
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The royal doors open to show the holy gifts. |
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Take antidoron from the bowl. (Definitely the favorite!) |
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An angel worships with us! |
I think a book format might actually help her focus on one thing at a time a little longer. But it was fun to show her how the priest swings the censer, and then say, "Look, her comes Father!" - and then pick her up to see the real Father emerge to cense the church. It has only been so-so successful at actually being a quiet and entertaining toy, as these things go; but the the big kids and I are all enjoying it, too. :)
4 comments:
This is incredible!! You are so talented! Thanks for sharing!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/423968634290856/1380218928665817/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1489583247461147 I posted this in an Orthodox group on Facebook and everyone wants to buy one!! :) Check it out!
I want to buy one!!!
Now you can! Ancient Faith is selling some play mats as well as the pattern:
http://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-liturgy-play-mat/
http://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-liturgy-play-mat-pattern-downloadable-pdf/
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