Crafting: Scraps bustin' Fabric Beach Ball

At our museum, a pair of mother-daughter volunteer, T & C, come in faithfully every other Tuesday and Thursday to help us out. They bring in tons of recyclable materials such as paper rolls, cardboard boxes and scrap fabric for the craft room; they help clean and tidy the museum as the day wears on; they genuinely love interacting and being around the guests, especially the children. We nominated T & C as volunteers of the year at the recent company event.

I found out from T that her daughter C, collects balls. She has a collection of all different shapes and sizes in her home and enjoys playing with them and rolling them around her room. C is in her 20s this year, but she is physically and mentally challenged. I never directly asked what her condition is, and to this day, still feel it is inappropriate to ask. But T & C are very much loved by us all at the museum. We decided, one day, that we should make a ball for C to add to her collection. I volunteered to help out and looked online for some tutorials.

Here is a very good one at Purlbee and it's the one I eventually used. I like it because the instructions are clear and there are accompanying photos.



This is my trial beach ball. Stuffing the ball was the hardest bit. I had fiberfill on the table, on the floor, on my clothes. I had fiberfill in my hair and spilling out of my ears! And they stick to you!!! You know that static cling? Well, it drove me insane trying to lose the fiberfill.

Anyway, I intend to collect fabric scraps from everyone at work to include a bit of everybody in the beach ball. I was also thinking of getting fabric markers so we can write a little message on our own fabric scraps. I don't know... Do you have any other ideas how each of us can contribute to make it a little more personal?

Meanwhile, excuse me while I pick some more fiberfill off the floor. I don't want the poochies to think it's a new treat.