Ugly.

So this week we'll be on an airplane with a 3 year old. It's his very first flight ever. (By the time you read this, we'll have already had the big day.) I think he will probably be excited and very well behaved.

However.... I could be wrong.

So just in case... I'm packing some special things just for him in my carry on. (Yes, I know he's not my child but everyone's favorite aunt has goodies in their bag for them.)

1.) The Stinky Cheese Man and other fairly stupid tales.

Maddox loves this one. It's fairly long to read and he'll sit through the entire book again and again. And again. It's a special book that he only gets to read at Aunt H's house since he doesn't have it at home. Make that Aunt H's house and the airplane.

2.) Crayons and paper.

3.) A special way to store the crayons and paper.

Enter: Ugly. Mr. Ugly. I've been wanting to make an Ugly doll for quite sometime. I have plans to make an Ugly Princess as my niece just turned 5 and she may need a pillow to start storing lost teeth in. But in the meantime, a Mr. Ugly can make a great crayon/paper holder for a 3 year old boy.

Mr. Ugly is really easy and really cheap.

Start with a pile of scraps and crafting junk that have been laying around waiting for an organized home. Ahem.

Try not to get distracted by the other 10 things on the crafting to do list (ie. making wedding coordinated hair flowers).

Scrap together some pieces of fabric into the shape of rectangles. Add eyes, nose, and a mouth to the front. Add a pocket to the back. Take four leftover scraps from camera strap covers and stuff them with cotton.
Stitch the arms and legs along the side (or tops and bottoms). Stitch Xs across the top that will serve as hair and will be a game in themselves. (Stay tuned).
Lay the front along the back, right sides together. Stitch along the sides and top. Turn right side out. Stuff the bottom with stuffing. Stitch the bottom closed with a really ugly zig-zag stitch that looks like a scar (You'll be able to make up a great story about this scar on the butt later. Three year olds named Maddox love fighting stories and the word butt.)
See that lower left corner that somewhat looks like it doesn't belong? It's actually a letter D. If you look carefully, you can find all the letters in Maddox's name. It's a game. That's where the Xs as hair come in. (If you are stuck on finding the O, it's the eyes, back button, or polka dots. Any will be counted correct if you are 3 years old.)
Cut up some scrap paper so it fits the pocket. Tie it together with ribbon.
It's actually a double pocket- paper in the inside pocket, crayons on the outside pocket that buttons closed.
Ta da. Mr. Ugly is really ugly and ready for his first airplane ride.
1. Mr. Ugly is a great story tool (scars on butt).

2. Mr. Ugly supplies crayons/paper (that'll be entertainment for about 4 minutes).

3. Mr. Ugly provides neck support on the plane.

4. Mr. Ugly is hiding all the letters to Maddox's name and Maddox has to find them.

Then we'll read Stinky Cheese Man again.

Happy summer traveling!