Unplug Kids From Technology with Crocheted Toys

I have been having fun crocheting toys for my grandkids. Crocheting is a cheap, eco-friendly way to bless kids and to encourage simple, back to basics play.  It is easy to unplug kids from technology with toys that attract and entice such as play mats, toys and loveable stuffies for old-fashioned play.

There are countless patterns for crocheted toys. Play mats were fun to make, especially knowing they will provide hours imaginative playtime. The first is a farm play mat. I added the woodland animal appliques and decided to use wooden or plastic farm animals with the mat.

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20691.html

This undersea play mat just needs to be made larger with a plain blue area for crocheted sea creatures.Again. I added the appliques from too many patterns to mention but there are countless patterns on Pinterest or on Goggle.

http://squirrelpicnic.com/2014/09/18/make-it-challenge-10-crochet-island-play-set/

A hand puppet and finger puppets.

http://crochetnplay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/my-favorite-free-patterns-farmyard.html

Ode to an Orchard Playground

A place from your past or childhood, one that you’re fond of, is destroyed. Write it a memorial.

i stand on hot concrete

staring at a large edifice of

glass like steel and

steel like glass.

yet I do not see this

man-made

monstrosity.

reflected in the mirror like steel

i see a cluster of

wild apple trees,

stunted

gnarled

through the eyes of children

it is a magical orchard

created just for them

lying in the tall grass,

shaded by succulent fruit

a Garden of Eden

perfect backdrop for

imaginary games and

apple banquets

fit for a princess