Quiet Book

I made a short video to show you this quiet book I made for someone else.  It turned out so well, I'm making one for J's birthday.  I made a quiet book for L's first birthday, too -  but this one is much better. These are so fun to make because there are endless possibilities.  Watch the video below, and then read my list of ideas and tips. 

• I used a lot of felt, which is just easier and cleaner looking than a bunch of turned edges.  
• I tried to incorporate other textures too, though, with a few upholstery fabrics, a doily appliqued on, fuzzy letters, and plastic.
• I embroidered a few little designs to make some of the pages more interesting, nothing too complex though.
• I made the fuzzy letters using this fun and simple applique technique my friend Julie showed me. See simple instructions here.
• I tried to make each page incorporate a different action: buttoning, tying, pulling, sliding, poking, folding, zipping, hiding.  
• I tried not to make too many pieces that come off and could get lost, although there are a few.  I put a pocket in the back to easily collect any pieces that are dropped.  
• I stuffed a little poly fil under some of my appliques to make them a little raised and interesting.
• I saved a plastic bag - the kind blankets come in, not groceries, and used it to make a jar with a butterfly inside.  You can easily sew it on the machine.  Tuck something underneath and zig zag the edge.  Ooh, wouldn't a fish tank be fun?

Related:  here's a flickr group devoted to soft books, with lots of good ideas.