Pinka and the Crate (Interactive Story)

“Pinka” is a favorite character in the video story sessions that help me stay in touch with my grandkids.

The original Pinka is a little owl figurine that I bought on eBay.

But not everyone owns a Pinka, so I decided to make a home-made version to go with our little storybooks. (There WILL be more Pinka stories in the future!)

Today’s story is named “Pinka and the Crate.” Other props you may need are a toy car of some kind and some small blocks or boxes to represent a city.

(NOTE: The original props are shown on my Grandma Van Stories blog. ) https://grandmavanstories.wordpress.com/2021/04/1...

Step 1: To Make Pinka, You Will Need:

The PDF pattern

Pink felt: light pink. Darker pink.

A tiny bit of yellow felt.

Needle, white thread.

Scissors

Sew-on wiggle eyes (I had only one choice, about 9mm, but I would have preferred larger!)

(Optional) Wooden peg, which can be used to make the figure stand up for use as a figurine. Without the wooden peg, you have a finger puppet.

Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces.

Step 3: Sew on the Eyes.

Place the wiggle eyes on the front and stitch them to the felt as shown.

Be sure to use a big knot on the back.

Step 4: Stitch Down One Side of the Body, As Shown.

Step 5: Add "feathers"

On the way back up, stitch little "v's" on one side of the body, as shown.

Step 6: Once Back Up at the Top of the Body, Knot.

The back should look like this.

Tie a large knot. Next you will be adding a wing.

Step 7: Stitch the Upper Part of the Wing.

Do not stitch all of the wing to the body. Go about a third of the way down.

Step 8: Stitch the Rest of the Way Down the Wing.

Only the top part of the wing is attached to the body, but it looks best if you continue stitching down one side of the wing.

Step 9: Knot the End and "bury" the Thread Within the Felt.

Step 10: Follow the Same Steps to Add the Second Wing.

Step 11: Sew on the Beak and Feet.

Cut a little triangle of yellow felt.

Sew it on.

Use the pattern to cut out yellow feet.

Sew them on.

Step 12: Place the Wooden Peg Inside and Stitch Up the Back.

Step 13: Add the Tail.

Stitch on the tail.

Step 14: Your Pinka Figure Is Ready for Play.

Step 15: (Optional) Make a Crate for Pinka.

Find a box from a tube of toothpaste.

Cut as shown.

Step 16: Use a Hole Punch and an Exacto Knife to Cut Side Slits.

Step 17: Paint Both Sides of the Box Blue.

Let the paint dry.

Step 18: Use Hot Glue to Glue the Box Together.

Step 19: While the Box Is Cooling, Print the Storybook.

Follow the instructions found in my other Instructables to make part one and part two of the storybook.

Step 20: Share the Story With Someone!

I hope you enjoy Pinka, her crate, and her little storybook.

If you really enjoy this kind of thing, make a second owl puppet with gray felt. This would be Mavis.

Use blocks or boxes to build a little town. (Pinka DID drive to town!)

Use any little car or truck for Pinka's vehicle.