We love the Little Pea book and read it frequently (though it hasn't increased our pea consumption or reduced our candy consumption.) After seeing Blair's stuffed peas last year, I had to try my own. Months later. (I've since seen other awesome versions -- knitted, felted, etc. elsewhere.) Anyway, I gave that book to a little friend for Christmas so I just had to whip up a pea.
Bea actually let it out the door on the condition that I make her one the next day. I had enough of the same fabric to make another, thankfully. (And yes, I know that Little Pea has freckles but I just learned how to do french knots and I was not going to push my luck --two for the eyes was enough!)
Bea had the idea that we needed the candy (will I spoil the story if I tell you the pea has to eat candy for dinner every night?) Brilliant idea! I remembered admiring Julie's candy ornaments last month so I modeled my candy after hers, though not so perfect. Bea helped to pick out the fabrics to match the types of candy for each day of the week (Monday = red candy, Tuesday = orange candy..... Saturday = rainbow candy...)
The candies were really fun and after a bunch more I think I could get the hang of them. (A tube with ends flipped under and gathered, stuffed.) They'd be fun displayed in a big jar, or candy bowl, or as a garland.
Now Bea has ordered Papa Pea and Mama Pea for her and a catnip pea for our kitties. Hmmmm. I think I'd rather make the bowl of spinach. Or maybe, gasp!, a quilt.
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FYI -- There was an unfortunate snafu with the Kim Family auction on ebay. Check the site for updates. They are trying to get the auction back online soon!
This pea is so cute, I have never seen this book--i'm going to have to get it for my non-veggie eating two-year-old!
Posted by: shannon | January 04, 2007 at 04:45 PM
I love the candy! I made a felted pea for my little one for Christmas too.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 04, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Those candies look delightful. Might take a note of how to make them for when I feel the need of a new coffee table display.
I seem to always feel hungry when I leave your blog lately!
Posted by: Megan | January 04, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Your pea is adorable! And I didn't even know there was a pea bandwagon! It's a good thing I read your blog so I can keep up on these things. :o) My boys love Veggie Tales and Nathan especially loves the peas. I can't to a French knot to save my life, but maybe some perfectly placed sharpie dots could do it for him. And a candy garland would look great.
Posted by: lindiepindie | January 04, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Thanks all. Yes, Mama Urchin - your pea was the latest I saw (and loved!) and I couldn't remember where I'd seen it. Too much blog hopping over the holiday I guess!
Posted by: Amy | January 04, 2007 at 05:52 PM
That little pea of Blair's has stuck in my mind ever since that post, every time I see green velour in the thrift store I think... should I? You've done a splendid job and the candies are fabulous too. So creative.
I still haven't seen or read that book and since we're such a book family, I suppose I really must get on it. It sounds wonderful.
Posted by: Krista | January 04, 2007 at 06:21 PM
cutie patootie!
a garland of those would be fab.
you are so clever.
hi little pea!
Posted by: estea | January 04, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Your pea is adorable! I haven't seen this book before, but I'll check it out next time I'm at Borders. Such a cute pea. Your bottom candy picture is wonderful, too. I like the shallow depth of field.
Posted by: Stephanie Simpson | January 04, 2007 at 07:08 PM
Wow....what a great job! I love everything! I sometimes wish I could make a little character for every book I read to my students. I might just do that...next teacher planning day. ha.
Posted by: Susanna | January 04, 2007 at 08:00 PM
You're so creative...love the handmade toys to go with stories. I have a friend who made a Jonah and a whale--with a zip-up mouth--for a nephew for Christmas.
Hmm...what stories do my girls love that could have stuffed toys to go along? Something to ponder as I fall asleep tonight!
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | January 04, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Oh my goodness how I love love Love the candy!!! Great job on the pea, you've rounded out the story perfectly!
Posted by: blair | January 04, 2007 at 09:24 PM
TOO Cute!!! I would love a pattern ;-)
Love it!! So glad I checked in
xoxox Tonya
Posted by: Tonya | January 04, 2007 at 09:37 PM
simple awesome!!!
Posted by: allison | January 05, 2007 at 06:45 AM
the little pea is so, so cute... the candy is really sweet too.
i'm glad i'm not the only one who has trouble with the french knot... i always feel like there's something i'm missing there!
Posted by: amisha | January 05, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Ah, the cuteness....how fun....I've been meaning to get that book since seeing it at WiseCraft too. I love the bowl of candy. It's so cheery. Another wonderful craft my friend.
Posted by: Angela | January 05, 2007 at 07:47 AM
I love hearing about the projects that you and Bea create together--it is a wonderful way for her to learn to read and gain contextual understanding, exercise her imagination, practice critical thinking skills, and you both benefit in numerous other ways. Naturally, all the clever creations you make are fabulous and now I want candy, too.
Posted by: June | January 05, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Brilliant! These images make me smile.
Posted by: beki | January 05, 2007 at 08:29 AM
oh YAY! They do look perfect Amy! And I love all the colors that you and Bea picked out--so cheerful!
and i looove your little pea. He looks like a very happy little pea. :)
Posted by: julie | January 05, 2007 at 08:34 AM
What a great idea to make the candy too!! Noah would love that! I bought one of Blair's peas for him as a Christmas gift--it has been a favorite. I was just getting ready to post about "pea" and some of the funny adventures Noah has come up with.
Posted by: Toni | January 05, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Oh, love you new banner! yummy.
Posted by: Toni | January 05, 2007 at 11:31 AM
I'm not familiar with the story, but I love the idea of stuffies to go with a book and yours are gorgeous.
Posted by: Ali | January 05, 2007 at 12:03 PM
cute pea! i'm guessing i should read that book, ey?
Posted by: capello | January 05, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Oh My!!!! I love that book! SOmeone bought it for my son, who doesn't really like it that much, and I am always saying to him- Let's read the Little Pea! He is more interested in Ancient Egypt and stuff, but maybe when the baby gets a little older....
What a great idea!
I am going to save this page for a rainy day, and maybe, just maybe I'll make a pea and some candy of my very own. Um, for the baby of course.
Posted by: krista | January 05, 2007 at 03:19 PM
I have a friend who collects childrens books and their counterpart stuffed characters. I am always looking for the one she wont find on her own. This could be it this year!
Posted by: Jane | January 05, 2007 at 06:31 PM
The pea is adorable. I too (along with my little one) adore the book.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 05, 2007 at 07:05 PM