Bean-Bags

We made bean-bags today for the fun of it. (Actually rice-bags.)  I noticed the bright colors and even the size of the bean-bags (about 2 1/2 " by 2 1/2") would be perfect to bulk up an Easter basket without adding sugar.  They may also inspire some Easter game ideas.

Bulk up an Easter basket without adding more sugar

How to Make Bean-bags:

(This can be an activity in and of itself.  Older kids can help or even make their own.)

1. Choose your fabric (I chose all cotton prints.  I also used scraps from other projects.)

2. Cut your fabric into 3 1/2" squares (I didn't measure exactly.  Just cut one and used it as my pattern for the rest)

3. Place two pieces together front of the fabrics facing each other. 

4. Sew around the edge (I go in a little more than a half inch from the edge to make my seam.)

NOTE: Leave half of the last side un-sewn.  

5. Turn it inside out.

6. Use a funnel to add rice. (Or spoon it if that is easier.)

NOTE: Don't pack it too full.  About 2/3 full worked well for me.

7.  Tuck in the raw edge and sew up the opening.  (You can hand sew this part or machine sew it.  If you use the machine be careful not to let any rice slip into the area you are stitching.)

Games: 

I also decided to make sets of two in four different colors so that we could distinguish who made the basket and who didn't in certain games.  

Different colors/patterns to differentiate teams

However, my kids seem to be a little too young to worry about colors and teams.  We had fun trying to knock bowling pins over.

Knock the pins over

Other Game Ideas:

-Dodge (They don't hurt to be hit with.)

-Hot potato 

-Catch

-Toss into a basket (And you can make this fun by saying whoever gets the most wins or for each basket you make you get to choose or do something else fun.)

-Juggling

-Bean-bag Hunt

I hope this sparks some creative ideas.  Happy Easter!